Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Luxor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Luxor, 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 Luxor?
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.
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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Luxor €16
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Luxor is €16. 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 Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Luxor €7.14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Luxor €14
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Luxor €3.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
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€0.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
- One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
- Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
- Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
- Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
- Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
- Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
- Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
- Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor 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
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Food Meals for one daySantorini €48Luxor €5.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
- Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
- Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134
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
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- 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
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Luxor €6.31
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
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)€0.53
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Temple Karnak for Two€2.57
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Camel Ride for Two€1.19
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
- City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
- Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
- Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
- Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
- Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
- Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
- Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
- Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
- Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
- Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
- East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Luxor €2.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Luxor, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe 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 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Luxor?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.
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.