Egypt · tool
How much does Cairo cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Cairo trip before you book anything.
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Cairo, Egypt travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$30–$60
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$10–$20
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic guesthouse room.
Food
$8–$15
Street food, local eateries (ful, koshary), and simple cafes.
Transport
$5–$10
Public microbuses, metro, and occasional shared taxis.
Activities
$5–$10
Focus on free sights, walking tours, and entry to less popular historical sites.
Misc
$2–$5
Small tips (baksheesh), water, and incidentals.
Mid-range
$85–$160
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$30–$60
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
Food
$25–$50
Mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and some mid-range dining experiences.
Transport
$15–$30
Taxis (use apps like Uber/Careem), private car for a few hours.
Activities
$10–$10
Entry fees to major sites like the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili.
Misc
$5–$10
Souvenir shopping, moderate tips, and personal expenses.
Luxury
$220–$440
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$100–$200
4-5 star hotel with amenities, or a high-end serviced apartment.
Food
$50–$100
Fine dining restaurants, hotel buffets, and upscale cafes.
Transport
$30–$60
Private driver for the day, airport transfers, and premium taxi services.
Activities
$20–$40
Private guided tours, special access, Nile dinner cruises, and premium experiences.
Misc
$20–$40
Higher tips, quality souvenirs, spa treatments, and incidentals.
Destination-specific money tips
- •ATMs are plentiful, but some smaller banks may charge higher fees for international withdrawals. Stick to major bank ATMs if possible.
- •Credit cards are accepted in most tourist hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but always carry some cash for smaller vendors and transport.
- •Baksheesh (tipping) is expected for almost any service, even small ones. Have small EGP notes handy for porters, guides, and restroom attendants.
- •Bargaining is common in souks and for taxi rides not booked through an app. Be polite but firm.
- •While some tourist sites quote prices in USD or EUR, paying in EGP is often cheaper, especially if you get a good exchange rate.
Plan the rest of your Cairo trip
Trip budgets elsewhere