Pyramids of Giza Cairo — Egypt travel destination

Photos: Google Maps

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost?

Egypt offers ancient wonders at some of the world's lowest travel costs, where $2 buys a filling meal and world-famous monuments charge modest entry fees. Baksheesh culture is the main budgeting wildcard.

UpdatedApril 2026· Currency: Egyptian Pound (E£)
Plan Your Egypt Trip on Yopki

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏨Accommodation

Hostel dorm$5-15
Budget hotel$15-35
Mid-range hotel$35-70
Luxury resort$80-250

🍽Food & Dining

Koshari bowl$1-2
Falafel sandwich$0.50-1
Restaurant meal$5-12
Nile-view dinner$15-30
Fine dining$30-60

🚆Transport

Cairo metro single$0.20
Uber ride Cairo$2-5
Overnight train Cairo-Luxor$20-60
Domestic flight$40-80

🎯Activities

Pyramids of Giza$15
Valley of the Kings$12
Egyptian Museum$10
Felucca sail (1 hour)$10-20

Cheapest Time to Visit

CheapestMay, June, July, August, September
ShoulderMarch, April, October, November
PeakDecember, January, February

Avoid: Summer (Jun-Aug) brings extreme heat exceeding 40C in Upper Egypt. Ramadan timing varies and affects restaurant hours.

Winter (Dec-Feb) is the best weather and peak tourist season. The Red Sea coast is pleasant year-round.

Tipping & Money

Tipping expected

Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and expected in almost every service interaction.

restaurant: 10-15%
taxi: Round up
hotel: 20-50 EGP/night
Tour guide: 100-200 EGP
bar: 10%
Full tipping guide for Egypt →

Cash vs Card

Egypt is primarily cash-based. Cards work at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops. Always carry cash.

Recommended cash: 500-1,500 EGP per day

Full cash & card guide →

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Eat koshari and street food for complete meals under $2.
  • 2Use Uber instead of negotiating with taxi drivers to avoid overcharging.
  • 3Buy combination tickets at archaeological sites for bundled discounts.
  • 4Take overnight trains instead of flights between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a trip to Egypt cost per day in 2026?
Budget travelers spend about $34/day, mid-range about $80/day, and luxury travelers around $200/day per person.
Is Egypt cheap to visit?
Yes, Egypt is one of the most affordable major tourist destinations globally. The devalued pound makes it exceptional value for Western travelers.
How much should I tip (baksheesh) in Egypt?
Baksheesh is expected everywhere. Budget 10-15% at restaurants, 10-20 EGP per service at hotels, and 100-200 EGP per person for tour guides.
When is the best time to visit Egypt on a budget?
May-September is cheapest but extremely hot in Upper Egypt. March-April and October-November offer good value with bearable temperatures.

Egypt Budget Guides

Tipping in Egypt

Restaurant, taxi, hotel norms

Food Costs in Egypt

Meal prices by type

Cash vs Card in Egypt

Payment tips for travelers

Hotels in Egypt

Accommodation costs by type

Transport in Egypt

Getting around costs

Plan Your Egypt Trip

Egypt Itineraries

Day-by-day travel plans with maps and tips

How Many Days inEgypt?

Find the ideal trip length

Compare Egypt With

Egypt vs Morocco

Mid-range: $60/day vs your destination

Egypt vs South Africa

Mid-range: $65/day vs your destination

Egypt vs Argentina

Mid-range: $50/day vs your destination

Egypt vs Australia

Mid-range: $217/day vs your destination

See all country rankings →
Plan Your Egypt Trip on Yopki

Sources: Numbeo 2025-2026, Egypt Tourism Authority, Egyptian Railways official · Last updated April 2026