Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santorini or Cairo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Cairo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Santorini or Cairo?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
-
Santorini Prices
Greece PricesCairo Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Cairo €26
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Cairo is €26. 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 Santorini and Cairo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Cairo €8.79
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Cairo €18
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Cairo
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Cairo? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Cairo €2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer or Arrival or Departure one way: $71
- Airport, Port and Hotel Private Transfer in Santorini: $35
- Arrival Transfer Santorini Airport to Athinios Por by Suv: $37
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $16
- Athinios Port Transfer to Anywhere in Santorini: $29
- Departure Transfer Athinios Port to Santorini Airport JTR by Suv: $37
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $35
- Economy Arrival Transfers From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $16
- Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $16
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $18
- Economy Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $26
- Express Private Transfer Service in Santorini: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride€0.07
-
Taxi Ride€0.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,440
- Private Day Trip to Luxor with Transfers and Flights: $791
- Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $489
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $300
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Luxor By Bus: $295
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Sharm El-Sheikh: $292
- Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $290
- Private Transfer from Cairo City Hotels to Ain Sokhna Cruise Port: $283
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Cairo?
Prices for flights to both Cairo and Santorini 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
-
Food Meals for one daySantorini €96Cairo €14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $72
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $118
- Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $130
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $130
- Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $142
- Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $147
- Miss Anna Santorini BAKING Cooking Class: $177
- Clandestine Dinner by Petra Kouzina: $177
- Santorini : Cooking Class & Easy Hike: $183
- Traditional Kouzina Santorini Cooking Experience: $189
- Santorini Wine Stories: Sunset Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $204
- Cooking Lesson & Cocktails on the Beach: $218
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
-
Juice€0.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.00
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $6.30
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $6.30
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $7.20
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $7.20
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $7.20
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.10
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $8.10
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.10
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $8.10
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.10
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Cairo €7.09
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Fira Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h00 and 16 audio reviews: $6.96
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $17
- Santorini Volcano & Sunset Caldera Cruise: $28
- Santorini Volcano Cruise with Free Time in Thirasia from Athinios: $30
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $35
- Private Tailor-Made Tour : Explore Santorini with Comfort & Style: $37
- Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers: $40
- Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia: $41
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $41
- Santorini Tour Of Caldera with Glass Bottom Boat: $44
- Santorini Volcanic Islands Cruise: Volcano,Hot Springs,Thirassia and Oia Sunset: $47
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Camel Market for Two€0.66
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two€5.05
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Private Half-Day Tour to the Giza Pyramids Saqqara and Memphis: $25
- "The Great Pyramids & Grand Museum: Luxury Private Day Tour": $60
- (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
- 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
- 01 Day Tour to Pyramids , Museum and Khan Elkhalili: $217
- 1 Day Private Tour from Hurghada to Cairo: $218
- 1 Day Private Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $100
- 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour around Giza Pyramids: $38
- 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
- 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Cairo €1.15
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santorini Ftelos Brewery Guided Tour and Beer Tasting Experience: $41
- Art and Wine Tour in a Historic Santorini Winery: $41
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $61
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Santorini Wine Tasting Museum: $81
- Skip Sky Tram!! 5 Hour Hussle-Free Santorini Tour & Wine Tasting: $84
- 5 Hour Tour & Wine Tasting - Skip Sky Tram Direct Port Pickup: $98
- Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $105
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $106
- Santorini Wine Tasting and Wine Museum: $124
- Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $134
- Santorini Wine Tour in two or three Wineries: $159
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Cairo, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Cairo 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Cairo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Cairo, 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.
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.