Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra or Luxor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Luxor can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Luxor?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Luxor $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Petra and Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Luxor $7.62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Petra and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Luxor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Petra Hotel Prices and Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Luxor $3.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Luxor Train Station Private Transfer to Your Hotel: $6.00
- Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
- Private Arrival Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $6.40
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
- Private Transfer Luxor Airport to Hotel: $7.00
- Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or to Nile Cruise: $7.00
- Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.02
- Luxor Airport Private Luxury Transfer (Arrival or Departure): $7.20
- Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
- Pickup Transfers And Taxi Services From Hotel In Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.50
- Luxor Private Transfer From East&west Banks hotels to the Airport: $8.00
- Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport : $8.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor and Petra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $38Luxor $5.83
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
- Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
- Luxor Nile Cruise Dinner: $60
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- private day in west bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Luxor $6.74
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.74
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Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
- Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
- Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $6.40
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor: $7.00
- Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
- See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
- Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.98
- Mummification Museum Private Guided Tour: $9.00
- Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
- Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
- Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Luxor $2.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Luxor, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Luxor is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Luxor?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Luxor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Petra or Luxor?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Luxor in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Luxor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Petra usually receives rain Luxor. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Luxor 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Petra or Luxor in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Luxor. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in October than Luxor. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
Petra is around the same temperature as Luxor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Luxor in the Winter?
Both Luxor and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Luxor. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Petra is around the same temperature as Luxor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Luxor averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Luxor 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Petra or Luxor in the Spring?
Both Luxor and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Luxor and Petra
| Petra | Luxor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.