Should I Visit Tel Aviv or Cairo for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

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 Tours for Seniors to Israel, The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.

Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Tel Aviv?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Tel Aviv Prices
Israel Prices

Cairo Prices
Egypt Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Tel Aviv $162

Cairo $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $162, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $20. 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 Tel Aviv and Cairo in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Tel Aviv $87

Cairo $8.79
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Tel Aviv $174

Cairo $18

Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Cairo

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices and Cairo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Tel Aviv $8.84

Cairo $2.80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:

Local Bus to Central Bus Station

$1.60
Taxi to Airport

$41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

From Jerusalem Day Trip with Transfer: $124
Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $239
Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $154
Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $154
Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $174
Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116
Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
Private Transfer from Netanya to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $271

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:

Metro Ride

$0.08
Taxi Ride

$0.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx With Transfers : $47
Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $8.00
Private Transfer from Cairo international Airport and Hotel: $10
Private Transfer from Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $25
Private Transfers from Cairo Airport to Hotels in Cairo and Giza: $10
Private transfer from Cairo Airport to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel: $12
Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
Transfers From Cairo Airport: $13
1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Prices for flights to both Cairo and Tel Aviv 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 day

Tel Aviv $49

Cairo $7.71

Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:

Dinner for Two

$23
Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka

$132
Lunch at Segev Sarona

$34
Aroma Iced Coffee

$3.79
Lunch at the airport

$32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.

Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
Carmel Market Food Tour: $60
Tel Aviv Skyline & Yaffo Guided food Tour & Shuk Hapishpishim: $90

Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:

Juice

$0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.

Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $6.08
Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $7.50
Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour : $7.50
Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Buffet belly dancer performance: $7.50
night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $8.00
Dinner Cruise on the Nile with Show from Cairo and Giza: $8.00
2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $8.00
Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $9.00
Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Tel Aviv $23

Cairo $5.40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Masada tour from Tel Aviv

$80
Etzel museum

$4.06

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $5.75
The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $9.99
The Trail of Independence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Tel Aviv: $9.99
The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
Tel Aviv Jaffo Skyline Sightseeing Cruise of Coast Line: $29
Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
Jaffa and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods Walking Tour: $39
Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port, the Flea Market & More: $39
Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $39
Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $39
Private Tel Aviv Shuk HaCarmel Culinary Cultural Exploration Tour: $40

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

$0.79
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two

$6.10

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Guided Tour to Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx, Camel & inside the pyramids: $3.50
All inclusive half day tour Giza pyramids,Sphinx and local lunch: $4.00
Private tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian museum: $4.40
Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Tomb of Mersi Ankh,lunch: $4.40
El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket : $4.56
The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
Private Shopping Customizable Tour from Cairo and Giza with lunch: $5.00
Egyptian Spicy Shop and Egyptian Cotton Shopping Private Tour: $5.00
Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
Wonders Historical Tour To Pyramids of Giza And Great Sphinx : $5.00

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Tel Aviv $22

Cairo $1.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $22
Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
Bar Crawl tour with local in Tel-Aviv: $150
Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959

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: $56

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Cairo, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tel Aviv vs. Cairo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Tel Aviv

Cairo

Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Tel Aviv?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Cairo

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Related Articles for Tel Aviv

Related Articles for Cairo

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tel Aviv vs. Cairo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Tel Aviv

Cairo

Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Tel Aviv?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Cairo

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Cairo?

Related Articles for Tel Aviv

Related Articles for Cairo

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