Cairo is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cairo?
You should plan to spend around $20 (E£988) per day on your vacation in Cairo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $7.71 (E£390) on meals
- $2.80 (E£142) on local transportation
- $18 (E£888) on hotels
A one week trip to Cairo for two people costs, on average, $274 (E£13,832). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$137
E£6,916
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$274
E£13,832
-
One Month
Per person
$587
E£29,640
-
One Week
For a couple
$274
E£13,832
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$548
E£27,664
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,174
E£59,280
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cairo cost?
A one week trip to Cairo usually costs around $137 (E£6,916) for one person and $274 (E£13,832) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cairo on average costs around $274 (E£13,832) for one person and $548 (E£27,664) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cairo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cairo on average costs around $587 (E£29,640) for one person and $1,174 (E£59,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cairo expensive to visit?
Cairo is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Cairo has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $7 (E£359) per day, mid-range travelers spend $19 (E£988) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $58 (E£2,955) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cairo.
Within Africa, Cairo is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Africa for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Cairo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cairo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cairo?
The average Cairo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cairo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cairo cost?
Cairo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$3
(E£167)
|
$9
(E£444)
|
$25
(E£1,243)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$1
(E£45)
|
$3
(E£142)
|
$10
(E£516)
|
|
Food 2
|
$3
(E£137)
|
$8
(E£390)
|
$24
(E£1,237)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2
(E£108)
|
$5
(E£273)
|
$14
(E£684)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$0-1
(E£12-35)
|
$1-2
(E£28-83)
|
$1-4
(E£62-185)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Cairo without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $7 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Cairo has plenty of hostels like Dahab Hostel, Meramees Hostel, and The Australian Hostel. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most people who travel to Cairo will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $19 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Cairo. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Guardian Guest House is a good kid-friendly option, and Nile Boutique is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Cairo here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $58 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx with Camel Riding - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cairo
The prices for hotels in Cairo can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $61, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $114. With budget accommodations starting at $22 and luxury hotels peaking at $299, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cairo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $18 (E£888). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $8.79 (E£444) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cairo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cairo include:
- Al Nabila Hotel starting at $65
- Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo starting at $107
- Tiba Pyramids Hotel starting at $27
- Sakkara Inn starting at $20
- Guardian Guest House starting at $29
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cairo
Cairo does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $2.80 (E£142) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cairo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cairo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.80
E£142
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Cairo international Airport and Hotel for $10 details
- Private Cairo International Airport Meet & assist with transfer for $30 details
- 2 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free airport Transfers for $190 details
How much does it cost to go to Cairo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cairo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Cairo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Cairo. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Metro Ride
E£4.00
-
Taxi Ride
E£15
Food Budget in Cairo
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cairo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cairo is $7.71 (E£390) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$7.71
E£390
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cairo is around $8 (E£390) per person, with previous travelers spending from $3 to $24. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cairo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $2
- Lunch: $1 to $3
- Dinner: $2 to $5
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Cairo has a large number of excellent restaurants that offer everything from traditional Middle Eastern foods to international cuisines. It's best to avoid those that are listed in guidebooks, as the quality often slips as the price goes up. If you're looking for cheap food, then casual street restaurants and street stalls may be your best option. The downtown area in particular has a lot of budget food options.
The Nile is also lined with some of the city's best restaurants, which offer a delicious tasting of Egyptian cuisine. The food is comparable to Middle Eastern food elsewhere, with only subtle differences in the types of cheese used or the style of hummus. Many of the restaurants along the Nile are more expensive, but the ambiance and the quality of the food make them easily worth the added expense.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Cairo, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, ATV, shopping Tour and Dinner cruise for $25 details
- Best 3 Days Tour of Cairo, Giza& Alexandria with Dinner Cruise, Felucca& Camel for $158 details
- Cairo Dinner Cruise on River Nile with Belly Dancing Show for $14 details
Typical prices for food in Cairo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Cairo. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cairo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cairo typically cost an average of $5.40 (E£273) 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.
$5.40
E£273
Most people think of the Pyramids when they think of Cairo, but there really is so much more to this city. You should easily allow at least three, if not more, days to fully explore even the most popular sights. Check out this guide to a 5, 7, or 10 day itinerary of Egypt for more info.
You should definitely not miss the Egyptian Museum, which is conveniently located in the middle of town. You can spend hours seeing the artifacts that date back thousands of years. The museum is divided into many rooms and you'll find fascinating objects on display, and also scattered almost randomly around the room. In Old Cairo you'll see most of the Coptic sights, which offer you a glimpse into a very different side of the city. You can also take a stroll down the famed Nile River where you'll see plenty of young Egyptian couples out walking and taking in the evening light.
As Cairo is a large city, there is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy while you're in town. Many visitors take a felucca ride along the Nile River. Feluccas can be found across from the Four Seasons Hotel in the Garden City. It's possible to charter a ride and negotiate a fair price.
It's also worth visiting at least one of Cairo's many parks. Probably the most famous is the Giza Zoo. Other options include Al Orman Gardens, Al Azbakieya Gardens, Genenet El Asmak, and Merryland, among many others.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cairo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Guided Tour to Giza Pyramids Egyptian Museum & Khan El Kahlili Bazaar for $100 details
- Private Guided Tour to Giza pyramids, Great Sphinx and Camel Ride for $34 details
- Comfort Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis for $120 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Cairo, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Cairo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $1.10 (E£56) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cairo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$1.10
E£56
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cairo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks for $56 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 4, 2024
Traveling in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt
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.
Cairo sits on the famed Nile River and is filled with history and culture. The city is filled with sights and attractions, but there is also an atmosphere that combines the old and new. The city is an excellent place to explore and experience a modern, yet traditional Middle Eastern capital.
Cairo's climate is a hot desert climate. The humidity is usually higher than you might expect due to the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile Delta. Wind storms are common, particularly between the months of March and May. During this time the air can be very dry. High temperatures in the winter months can be anywhere from the mid 60s Fahrenheit to the mid 80s. During the summer the highs can climb over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is rare, but more common during the cooler months.
There remains an ongoing threat of terrorism in Egypt, and visitors to Cairo should remain alert and aware of their surroundings. Research any current developments prior to any visit to the area.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cairo is a large city that covers a vast area. The central core can be divided into 11 districts. These are Midan Tahrir, the Downtown, Midan Ramses, Garden City, Islamic Cairo, Old Cairo, Dokki Mohandeseen, Gezira and Zamalek, Giza, Heliopolis and Nasr City, and Ma'adi. Midan Tahrir is where you'll find the Egyptian Museum, many hotels, and "Liberation Square". Midan Ramses is where the main railway station is located and Garden City is a suburb near the city center and a good option for accommodation.
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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.
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.