How much does it cost to travel to Egypt?
You should plan to spend around $17 (E£798) per day on your vacation in Egypt. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $5.12 (E£243) on meals
- $2.83 (E£134) on local transportation
- $15 (E£700) on hotels
A one week trip to Egypt for two people costs, on average, $236 (E£11,178). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Egypt expensive to visit?
Egypt is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Egypt is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Egypt.
For more details, see Is Egypt Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Egypt?
The average Egypt trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Egypt travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
E£700
($15)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
E£134
($2.83)
|
Food 2
|
E£243
($5.12)
|
Entertainment 1
|
E£265
($5.59)
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
E£21 -
64
($0 - 1)
|
Alcohol 2
|
E£36 -
108
($1 - 2)
|
Accommodation Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Egypt is $7.38 (E£350). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Egypt is $15 (E£700). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Egypt? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Egypt is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $2.83 (E£134) per person, per day, on local transportation in Egypt.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.83
E£134
Typical prices for Local Transportation in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Metro Ride
E£4.00
-
Taxi to Train Station
E£4.00
-
Taxi Ride
E£15
-
Taxi Ride
E£20
Food Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Egypt can vary, the average cost of food in Egypt is $5.12 (E£243) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Egypt should cost around $2.05 (E£97) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Egypt is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$5.12
E£243
Typical prices for Food in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Juice
E£2.00
-
Juice
E£5.00
-
Breakfast for Two
E£30
-
Seafood Dinner (for 2)
E£95
Entertainment Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Egypt typically cost an average of $5.59 (E£265) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.59
E£265
Typical prices for Entertainment in Egypt are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Egypt, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Egypt is $0.89 (E£42), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$0.89
E£42
Alcohol Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $1.51 (E£72) on alcoholic beverages in Egypt per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$1.51
E£72
Water Budget in Egypt
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $0.10 (E£4.93) on bottled water in Egypt per day. The public water in Egypt is not usually considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$0.10
E£4.93
Last Updated: Jun 15, 2023
Egypt On a Budget
Luxor, Egypt
Egypt is a country filled with history. It has inspired legends, myths, and movies from around the world and its culture has influenced many aspects of life in the modern world. During a visit to Egypt, you are able to catch just a glimpse of the historic civilization that created the basis for modern society.
Many images spring to mind when one thinks of Egypt, but this country is so much more than just the pyramids. While the the pyramids alone are worth the trip, you must venture beyond the crowded sights and tourist buses so that you can see what lies beneath the surface. Most trips to this country begin in Cairo and then head south along the Nile River. Many people choose to experience the river at a leisurely pace, relaxing on a cruise that stops frequently to see ruins and temples that dot the banks of this great river. Allow yourself enough time to spend several days in Luxor where you can visit the tombs of great kings. Then, head to the Sinai Peninsula for a dip in the Red Sea and some of the best diving in the world. Climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and take a camel ride into the desert to experience the Bedouin culture. Egypt truly is as diverse as it is famous. You may go to see the pyramids, but you will find so much more.
Travel budgets in the area can vary dramatically. You will never encounter two tourists who have paid the same price for one purchase. Ultimately, your travel costs will depend on your bartering skills. Of all the countries you will ever visit, Egypt will test your skills to their fullest. Almost everything is negotiable in price. It can quickly become draining and dispiriting for some travelers but the trick is to negotiate with a smile. See it as a game and have fun with the vendors. You will pay to much, everybody does, but if you can do it with a smile then at least you had fun in the process.
At A Glance
- Touts are very aggressive in this country. Be prepared to negotiate hard. Vendors will have you constantly saying "no, thank you." In touristy areas you'll be asked for a tip for even the most simple tasks. Do not feel obligated to give money to everybody who asks. If you do, you will quickly be broke. Instead, simply acknowledge the request and move on. Most touts will not follow you.
- Head to the local markets to buy fruits and vegetables. If you're good at negotiating you'll get a decent deal on any number of food items. This is a great way to have a makeshift meal or snack that is fresh and delicious. Depending on the season you can get any number of fruits or vegetables. If you have access to a knife, you can peel it up and dig in on the spot.
- Egypt is a very touristy country. Make a point of getting off of the beaten path a little bit. Head to some towns or neighborhoods that are not frequented by tourists and you'll have a very unique experience that you might otherwise miss out on. Cairo in particular has some neighborhoods that are fun to explore, but may not be listed in a guide book. Make sure you have at least a day to just wander through the city.
- You can easily arrange your Nile Cruise after you arrive in the country. There are many travel agencies that will sell you a cruise. Negotiate hard on the price and if possible ask to see the ship in advance before booking.
- Tours are not necessary, but can be informative. Since history is a major draw in this country it helps to have a good guide who can offer you the information you need or might be interested in. Guides can also help you avoid some of the more aggressive touts that hang out at some of the major sights.
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Top Tourist Attractions
The Pyramids: In the outskirts of Cairo, the great pyramids are what attract most people to Egypt. They are best visited during the morning hours before tour buses arrive. If you arrive early enough you'll enjoy a particularly breathtaking experience as the lighting will be dramatic and the crowds will be surprisingly scarce.
A Nile Cruise: Spend a few days drifting down the Nile, taking in historic sights and watching the banks pass by. Stop off at ruins along the river that you might otherwise miss, and enjoy a fine Egyptian buffet in the evening before relaxing by the side of your boat's pool.
Luxor:Filled with ruins, temples, and tombs, you can fill many days in the City of Luxor. It's, perhaps, the most historic and impressive city in Egypt, but unfortunately, many tourists pass through in only a day or two. Allow yourself more time to see the city in all its depth.
Popular Foods
Egyptian food is a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. It often makes use of fresh ingredients and you can find a range of regional specialties throughout the country. There is plenty of seafood available on the coast, while lentil and vegetable dishes are popular as you move inland.
Aish Merahrah: This is a type of Egyptian flat bread that is made from maize and fenugreek seeds. Aish Merahrah is prepared in most village homes in Upper Egypt. It's a staple food that is similar to Lebanese flat bread and can make a nice supplement to any meal.
Kebabs: Kebabs are skewers of meat and vegetable grilled until they're crisp. They have gained popularity around the world, but remain a popular traditional dish in Egypt. They're often served with bread or another grain on the side and can make a delicious, and often times affordable, option for a meal.
Falafel: Falafel is made from fava beans or chickpeas which are finely ground and made into a ball. The balls are then deep fried, and often served on a sandwich. It's a popular, cheap street food, but can also be found in many restaurants at lunch time.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.