Egypt is moderate cost - cheaper than Europe, similar to Southeast Asia. 10 days costs $700 budget, $1,800 mid-range, $4,500+ luxury (excluding flights).
Egypt trip cost: daily budget at a glance
Short answer: budget on roughly $90–170 per person per day mid-range (excluding international flights).
| Travel style | Per day (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $40–70 | Hostels/guesthouses, street food, public transport |
| Mid-range | $90–170 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, the odd tour or taxi |
| Luxury | $300+ | 4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides & transfers |
Quick Cost Snapshot for Egypt
Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP) (~50 EGP = $1 USD)
Budget traveler: $50-80/day
Mid-range traveler: $150-220/day
Luxury traveler: $400+/day
Cost Breakdown by Category
Continue planning your Egypt trip
Flights from USA
$800-1,400 round trip. Cheapest months: April-May + September-October.
Hotels per night
Budget: $20-40 (hostel/guesthouse). Mid: $70-130 (Nile view 4-star). Luxury: $200-800+ (Old Cataract, Mena House).
Food per day
Budget: $10-15 (koshary + ful). Mid: $25-40 (mid-range Egyptian). Luxury: $80+ (hotel restaurants).
Transport
Uber in Cairo widely used + cheap ($2-5 rides). Trains between cities: $10-30. Domestic flights to Aswan: $50-100.
Activities per day
Pyramids of Giza: $13. Egyptian Museum: $13. Valley of Kings: $13. Nile cruise (3 nights): $300-1,500.
Tipping ('baksheesh')
Critical in Egypt. 10% restaurants. $1-2 hotel staff. $1 photo-takers. $5-10 day guide.
Sample Budgets
Budget (backpacker style): Hostels + street food + public transport + free attractions. Plan $50-80/day.
Mid-range (most travelers): 3-star hotels + casual restaurants + some paid activities + occasional taxis. Plan $150-220/day.
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels + fine dining + private transport + premium experiences. Plan $400+/day.
Money-Saving Tips
Eat local: Skip tourist-zone restaurants - walk 2-3 blocks for 50% cheaper, more authentic meals.
Use public transport: Buy day or week passes for unlimited rides.
Visit shoulder season: 30-40% off peak prices for similar weather.
Book in advance: Flights cheapest 8-12 weeks out. Hotels 2-3 months out.
Cash for markets: Most markets and small vendors don't take cards.
The Honest Two-Tier Budget (and the Costs People Forget)
Here is the realistic split. A careful shoestring runs around $45-65 a day: a dorm bed in downtown Cairo or on Luxor's West Bank at roughly $12-20, street food, and shared transport. A comfortable mid-range day sits closer to $130-180, covering a 3-4 star hotel, restaurant meals, a private driver, and one guided site. For a 10-day loop through Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, plan on about $700-900 backpacking or $2,000-3,000 mid-range, before your international flight.
The line items people forget are entry fees and tipping. Egypt's single-entry e-visa now costs around $30 (up from $25 earlier in 2026), and the new Grand Egyptian Museum charges foreign adults about 1,450 EGP, roughly $30, for that one ticket. Baksheesh then quietly compounds across bathroom attendants, drivers, and anyone who waves you toward a doorway, so keep small EGP notes on hand.
- Take an Uber from Cairo airport (about 150-250 EGP) rather than an arranged transfer, and ignore touts who insist Uber cannot enter the terminal; this saves roughly $15-25.
- Book the Watania sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor at about $90-130 per person sharing, which folds a hotel night into the fare.
- Buy attraction tickets at the gate instead of through a hotel desk that adds a markup.
FAQ
How much does a trip to Egypt cost?
For a typical week-long trip: budget $50/day, mid-range $150/day, luxury $400/day. Multiply by trip length + add flight cost.
What's the currency in Egypt?
The currency is Egyptian pound (EGP). Current exchange: ~50 EGP = $1 USD. Most cards accepted in cities; carry cash for markets and rural areas.
Is Egypt cheaper than Europe?
Depends on destination - Asian and African destinations are generally 30-50% cheaper. Western Europe + UK can be similar to or more expensive than the US.
How can I save money in Egypt?
Eat where locals eat (not on tourist squares). Use public transport over taxis. Visit shoulder season (lower prices). Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead. Use free museums + attractions where available.
Should I carry cash or use cards in Egypt?
Both. Cards work in cities, hotels, and major restaurants. Cash needed for markets, taxis, tips, and small towns. Always have $50-100 in local currency.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Egypt cost?
A budget trip runs $30-60 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 per day, while luxury travel starts at $200+ daily.
Is Egypt expensive for tourists?
Cost depends on your travel style. Egypt can be affordable with budget accommodation and local food, or expensive if you opt for luxury hotels and fine dining.
How can I save money in Egypt?
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants instead of tourist spots, use public transport, travel in shoulder season, and book flights early for the best deals.
What currency is used in Egypt?
Check the local currency before you go. ATMs are widely available in most destinations, and credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. Always carry some local cash for markets and small vendors.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.