Cost of Living in Cairo
How much does it cost to visit Cairo? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Omar Elsharawy / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
EGP 800
per day
Weekly: EGP 5600
Monthly: EGP 24000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Dahab HostelEGP 200
- 🍽️Koshary from Abou TarekEGP 50
- 🚌Metro rides using a reusable ticketEGP 50
- 🎟️Visit the Egyptian Museum (old one)EGP 150
- 🎟️Explore Khan el-Khalili bazaarEGP 0
- 🍽️Shawarma from a local street vendorEGP 75
- 🚌Ride a felucca on the Nile at sunsetEGP 125
- 🎟️Wander through Islamic Cairo and see the Mosque of Muhammad Ali from outsideEGP 150
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
EGP 1500
per day
Weekly: EGP 10500
Monthly: EGP 45000
Examples
- 🏨Private room at The Australian HostelEGP 400
- 🍽️Falafel and foul at FelfelaEGP 150
- 🚌Uber rides for convenienceEGP 200
- 🎟️Entry to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx complexEGP 250
- 🍽️Mezze and grilled meats at Kazaz RestaurantEGP 300
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)EGP 200
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
EGP 3500
per day
Weekly: EGP 24500
Monthly: EGP 105000
Examples
- 🏨Room at The Nile Ritz-CarltonEGP 2000
- 🍽️Fine dining at Osmanly Restaurant (Turkish cuisine)EGP 700
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayEGP 800
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Giza Pyramids and SphinxEGP 1000
- 🎟️Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) with a guideEGP 500
- 🍽️Dinner cruise on the Nile with entertainmentEGP 500
Cost by Category
accommodation
EGP 300-1000 (hostel/budget hotel) to EGP 1500-4000+ (mid-range/luxury hotel)
food
EGP 200-500 (street food/local eateries) to EGP 600-1500+ (restaurants)
Transport
EGP 50-150 (metro/rideshare/taxis)
activities
EGP 150-500 (museums, guides, tours)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamalek | Luxury | Slightly above center | couples, luxury |
| Downtown Cairo (Wust El Balad) | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Heliopolis | Mid-range | Below center | families, digital nomads |
| Garden City | Luxury | Above center | couples, luxury |
Money-Saving Tips for Cairo
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Cairo Costs
How much does it cost to visit Cairo?
Budget travellers can visit Cairo for around EGP 800/day (EGP 5600/week). Mid-range travellers should budget EGP 1500/day, while luxury travel costs around EGP 3500/day.
Is Cairo expensive?
Cairo is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least EGP 800/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Cairo?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Cairo, budget EGP 1500/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Cairo?
Budget travellers in Cairo can get by on EGP 800/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.