Egypt Travel Cost Guide: Know The Budget You Will Need
This travel cost guide for visiting Egypt breaks down everything you need to know—from seasonal pricing to where to stay, eat, and save money in Egypt.
Is Egypt an Expensive Place to Visit?
Egypt is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. Compared to U.S. travel prices, Egypt is incredibly affordable, and even within the Middle East and North Africa, it offers tremendous value. You can travel here on a tight budget, but luxury experiences are also available at a fraction of what they would cost in Europe or the U.S.
This guide will break down:
- The cheapest and most expensive seasons to travel
- How much you'll pay for food, lodging, and attractions
- Which neighborhoods and cities cost more or less to stay in
- Daily and weekly budgets for all traveler types
Seasonal Cost
Timing your trip is key. Egypt’s high and low seasons greatly affect accommodation and tour prices.
Peak Season
October to April
Mild weather makes this the best time to explore pyramids, temples, and the Nile. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit. Prices for hotels, Nile cruises, and tours are at their highest, especially in December and January.
Shoulder Season
May & September
Temperatures rise, but travel becomes cheaper. These months offer fewer crowds and lower hotel and tour costs—a great value for travelers who can handle moderate heat.
Off-Season
June to August
Blistering summer heat keeps most tourists away. Accommodation and flight prices drop dramatically. This is the cheapest time to visit, especially for cultural travelers and backpackers. Red Sea beach towns like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh remain popular due to sea breezes and diving opportunities.
Most Expensive Times to Visit Egypt
- Late December to early January – Holiday surge for Christmas and New Year
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Domestic tourism increases hotel and transport costs
- October to April – General high season with inflated pricing for tours and cruises
Cheapest Months to Visit Egypt
- June, July, August – Cheapest overall; massive discounts on lodging and tours
- Mid-May & September – Lower crowds, better prices, and more tolerable weather
Where You Stay Impacts The Cost
The area you stay in makes a huge difference in total cost. Some neighborhoods are upscale, while others offer authentic experiences at local prices.
Most Expensive Areas To Stay
Zamalek (Cairo)
- Affluent island district on the Nile with embassies, cafes, and boutique hotels
- Home to art galleries, Nile views, and high-end dining
- Pros: Walkable, safe, scenic
- Cons: Most expensive in Cairo
- Nearby Attractions:
- Cairo Tower
- Cairo Opera House
- Nile river cruises
El Gouna (Red Sea)
- Private beach resort town with golf courses, yacht marinas, and gated luxury resorts
- Pros: Clean, exclusive, European-style vibe
- Cons: Isolated, pricey
- Nearby Attractions:
- Kitesurfing spots
- Diving sites
- Desert safaris
East Bank (Luxor - Luxury)
- Hosts major 5-star hotels with Nile views
- Pros: Walkable to temples, scenic
- Cons: Pricey during high season
- Nearby Attractions:
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
Affordable Areas To Stay
Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square)
- Great access to metro, buses, and museums
- Budget and mid-range hotels aplenty
- Pros: Central, budget-friendly
- Cons: Loud, heavy traffic
- Nearby Attractions:
- Egyptian Museum
- Islamic Cairo
West Bank (Luxor)
- Budget-friendly guesthouses and eco-lodges
- Pros: Quieter, close to major ancient sites
- Cons: Fewer amenities
- Nearby Attractions:
- Valley of the Kings
- Hatshepsut Temple
Cheapest Areas To Stay
Dahab (South Sinai)
- Bohemian beach town known for diving and backpacking
- Pros: Extremely low-cost, chill atmosphere
- Cons: Remote, long journey from Cairo
- Nearby Attractions:
- Blue Hole dive site
- Mount Sinai
Aswan Guesthouses
- Budget hotels and Nubian guesthouses near the Nile
- Pros: Laid-back, affordable
- Cons: Fewer attractions compared to Luxor
- Nearby Attractions:
- Philae Temple
- Unfinished Obelisk
Egypt Vacation Costs
What does it cost to visit Egypt? Below we break it down by lodging, food, transportation, and attractions.
Avg. Accommodation Cost (Per Night)
| Season | Budget (EGP) / (USD) | Moderate (EGP) / (USD) | Luxury (EGP) / (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | EGP 400–800 / $13–26 | EGP 1,200–2,500 / $39–81 | EGP 3,500+ / $113+ |
| Shoulder | EGP 300–600 / $10–20 | EGP 1,000–2,000 / $32–65 | EGP 3,000+ / $97+ |
| Off-Season | EGP 200–500 / $6–16 | EGP 800–1,500 / $26–48 | EGP 2,500+ / $81+ |
Food Cost (Per Meal)
| Type | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | EGP 30–60 / $1–2 | EGP 60–100 / $2–3 | EGP 80–150 / $2.50–5 |
| Moderate | EGP 60–100 / $2–3 | EGP 100–200 / $3–6.50 | EGP 200–350 / $6.50–11 |
| Luxury | EGP 150+ / $5+ | EGP 300+ / $10+ | EGP 500+ / $16+ |
Transportation Cost
| Traveler Type | Common Modes | Daily Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Metro, buses, Uber, shared taxis | EGP 50–100 / $1.50–3.50 |
| Moderate | Uber, private taxis, domestic flights | EGP 150–300 / $5–10 |
| Luxury | Private drivers, flights, hotel cars | EGP 600+ / $20+ |
Popular Ride Options:
- Uber (available in Cairo, Alexandria)
- Careem (local rideshare app)
- Metro in Cairo: EGP 5–10 / $0.15–0.30
- Private driver per day: EGP 1,000–1,500 / $32–48
Attractions
- Pyramids of Giza – EGP 200–400 / $6.50–13
- Egyptian Museum – EGP 200 / $6.50
- Karnak Temple (Luxor) – EGP 220 / $7
- Valley of the Kings – EGP 240–400 / $7.75–13
- Philae Temple (Aswan) – EGP 180 / $6
- Abu Simbel Temples – EGP 255–400 / $8.25–13
- Nile Cruise (3–4 nights) – EGP 5,000–12,000 / $160–390
Day Trips From Egypt's Main Cities
| Destination | From | Distance | Transport Cost (RT) | Top Attractions | Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | Cairo | 2.5–3 hrs | EGP 150–300 / $5–10 (train) | Roman Amphitheater, Catacombs | EGP 100–200 / $3–6.50 |
| Fayoum Oasis | Cairo | 1.5 hrs | EGP 500+ / $16+ (private car) | Wadi El Rayan, waterfalls | Free–EGP 50 / $1.50 |
| Abu Simbel | Aswan | 3 hrs | EGP 1,200+ / $40+ (bus or flight) | Abu Simbel Temples | EGP 400 / $13 |
| Sinai Desert | Sharm El Sheikh | 2–3 hrs | EGP 600+ / $20+ (4x4 tour) | Camel rides, star gazing | Tour prices vary |
Daily Budget
| Season | Budget Traveler | Moderate Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | EGP 800–1,200 / $26–39 | EGP 2,000–3,500 / $65–113 | EGP 5,000+ / $162+ |
| Shoulder | EGP 700–1,000 / $23–32 | EGP 1,800–3,000 / $58–97 | EGP 4,500+ / $145+ |
| Off-Season | EGP 600–900 / $19–29 | EGP 1,500–2,500 / $48–81 | EGP 4,000+ / $130+ |
Weekly Budget (7 Days)
| Traveler Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | EGP 3,500 / $113 | EGP 1,500 / $48 | EGP 500 / $16 | EGP 1,000 / $32 | EGP 6,500 / $209 |
| Moderate | EGP 10,000 / $325 | EGP 2,800 / $91 | EGP 1,200 / $39 | EGP 2,000 / $65 | EGP 16,000 / $520 |
| Luxury | EGP 25,000+ / $810+ | EGP 5,000+ / $162+ | EGP 3,000+ / $97+ | EGP 4,000+ / $130+ | EGP 37,000+ / $1,200+ |
Flight Cost
Flight prices depend on your departure city, airline, and season. Major U.S. airports like JFK, LAX, and ORD offer better fares.
| Season | Avg. Roundtrip from US |
|---|---|
| Peak | $900–$1,400 |
| Shoulder | $700–$1,000 |
| Off-Season | $550–$850 |
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