A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Luxor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Luxor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor?

Thiva (Thebes)

The City of Thiva (Thebes in ancient times) is a place built on top of history. Dating back to its powerful city-state status in the 4th Century BC, the city was home to legends like Hercules and Dionysus, and laid basis to the famous story of Oedipus as well. Following the Trojan War, Thiva had reached its golden age as a dominant city of the Boeotia region. The glory however was short to last. Around 335 BC, Thiva was all but destroyed by Alexander the Great for siding with the Persians under Xerxes against Athens.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Thiva (Thebes)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, 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 Thiva (Thebes) and Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Luxor 7.14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Luxor 14
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Hotels in Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Luxor 3.66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    0.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Hot Air Balloon, Luxor Museum and Mummification with Transfer: $80
  • Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
  • Luxor airport transfer : $25
  • Luxor airport transfer To any place in the East Bank: $12
  • Private Transfer From Luxor to Aswan: $73
  • Transfers From Luxor To Hurghada : $140
  • 4- Hours Private Transfer With Driver In Luxor : $20
  • Airport Shuttles private Transfer to your Hotel/ Nile Cruise Boat: $10
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Luxor 5.46

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Luxor 6.31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

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


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    0.53
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    2.57
  • 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:

  • Ramesseum Mortuary Temple of Ramses II Entry Ticket: $4.56
  • Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
  • 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 : $8.95
  • Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
  • Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Luxor 2.12


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


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor?

Thiva (Thebes) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor in the Summer?

Both Luxor and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. Thiva (Thebes) is cooler than Luxor in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).

In July, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more rain than Luxor. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Luxor 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor in the Autumn?

Both Luxor and Thiva (Thebes) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets more rain in October than Luxor. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Luxor. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In January, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more rain than Luxor. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Luxor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Luxor. The spring months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

Thiva (Thebes) is much colder than Luxor in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)