Egypt is a land of ancient wonders, vibrant bazaars, and breathtaking landscapes—but how much does a trip actually cost? Whether you're dreaming of cruising the Nile, exploring the Pyramids of Giza, or diving in the Red Sea, understanding your daily budget is key to a stress-free adventure. In this guide, we break down the costs for every type of traveler, from backpackers to luxury seekers, and share insider tips to save money without missing out.
Average Daily Cost in Egypt
On average, a traveler in Egypt spends between $30 and $150 per day, depending on travel style. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and incidentals. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Budget traveler: $30–$50/day
- Mid-range traveler: $50–$100/day
- Luxury traveler: $100–$150+/day
These figures are estimates; your actual spending will vary based on your choices. To keep your costs predictable, plan ahead and book accommodations and tours in advance.
Accommodation Costs
Your biggest expense after flights is likely accommodation. In Cairo, a budget hostel bed costs around $5–$10, while a mid-range hotel room ranges from $30 to $60. In Luxor and Aswan, prices are similar, but in resort areas like Sharm El Sheikh, expect to pay more for beachfront properties.
For a comfortable stay with amenities like Wi-Fi and breakfast, budget around $40–$60 per night. If you're looking for luxury, five-star hotels in Cairo or Hurghada can cost $100–$200 per night, but you'll enjoy top-notch service and facilities.
Food and Drink Budget
Egyptian cuisine is delicious and affordable. Street food like koshari, falafel, and shawarma can cost as little as $1–$3 per meal. A sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back $5–$10, while fine dining in upscale areas might cost $20–$30 per person.
To save money, eat where the locals eat, and embrace the street food culture—it's both tasty and budget-friendly. Don't forget to try fresh juices and Egyptian tea, which are inexpensive and refreshing.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Egypt is affordable. Within cities, use the metro (Cairo), microbuses, and taxis. A short taxi ride within Cairo costs around $2–$5, while a day of public transport might total less than $5. For intercity travel, trains and buses are efficient and cheap: a train from Cairo to Luxor costs about $15–$20 in second class, while a first-class ticket is around $30–$40.
If you're planning to visit multiple cities, consider a domestic flight—Cairo to Aswan can be as low as $50–$80 if booked early. For a truly local experience, take the overnight sleeper train between Cairo and Luxor, which saves on a night's accommodation.
Entry Fees and Tours
Egypt's iconic sites have entrance fees that add up. The Pyramids of Giza cost about $15, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is $10, and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is around $12. If you plan to visit many sites, consider purchasing a tour package or an Egypt Pass, which offers discounted entry to multiple attractions.
Guided tours are optional but can enhance your experience. A day tour to the Pyramids, including transport and guide, might cost $50–$100 per person. For a Nile cruise, expect to pay $70–$150 per day, depending on the cruise class.
Budget Tips and Tricks
To stretch your budget, follow these tips:
- Travel during shoulder season (October–April) to avoid peak prices.
- Bargain at markets—haggling is expected and can save you up to 50%.
- Use public transport instead of private taxis for long distances.
- Eat at local restaurants away from tourist hotspots.
- Stay in guesthouses or hostels instead of hotels.
- Book tours in advance to avoid last-minute surcharges.
Another way to save is to stay connected with an Egypt eSIM, which gives you unlimited data for a flat fee, so you won't rack up roaming charges or need to buy local SIM cards.
Connectivity Costs
Staying connected in Egypt is essential for navigation, booking tours, and sharing your adventure. Local SIM cards are available but require registration and can be a hassle. An Egypt eSIM from eSIM Égypte offers unlimited data on 4G/LTE networks (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) with instant delivery via QR code. Prices start at €6.50 for 1 day, and you can choose a plan that fits your trip length, from 3 days to 30 days. With fair-use policy, you get high-speed data daily, then reduced speed after ~1GB, but you never run out of data.
For more details on coverage, check our network coverage page. And before you travel, check if your phone is eSIM compatible.
Sample Daily Budgets
To give you a clearer picture, here are three sample daily budgets:
Budget Traveler (≈$40/day)
- Accommodation: $10 (hostel)
- Food: $8 (street food)
- Transport: $5 (public)
- Attractions: $15 (one major site)
- Misc: $2
Mid-Range Traveler (≈$80/day)
- Accommodation: $40 (3-star hotel)
- Food: $15 (restaurants)
- Transport: $10 (taxis)
- Attractions: $15 (plus a tour)
- Misc: $5
Luxury Traveler (≈$150/day)
- Accommodation: $80 (5-star hotel)
- Food: $30 (fine dining)
- Transport: $20 (private driver)
- Attractions: $20 (luxury tours)
- Misc: $10
Conclusion
Planning your Egypt trip budget is straightforward with a little research. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Egypt offers incredible value for money. Remember to factor in your daily expenses, and don't forget to stay connected with an Egypt eSIM for a hassle-free connectivity experience. With your budget set, you can focus on what really matters: experiencing the magic of Egypt.
For any questions, feel free to contact us or check our FAQ. Safe travels!