Is Egypt expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Egypt is cheap for food, transport and hotels by European standards, but entrance tickets for foreigners are now a big part of the budget and rise often. A budget day is about E£2,700 per person (roughly US$55), mid-range about E£7,000 and comfort about E£19,500, plus the sleeper train or flight south.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | E£900 | E£2,500 | E£9,000 |
| Food & drink | E£500 | E£1,300 | E£3,500 |
| Sights & tickets | E£1,000 | E£2,200 | E£4,000 |
| Local transport | E£300 | E£1,000 | E£3,000 |
| Per person, per day | E£2,700 | E£7,000 | E£19,500 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Egypt day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Giza pyramids plateau ticket | about E£700 |
| Grand Egyptian Museum | about E£1,200-1,500 for foreigners |
| Uber ride across Cairo | E£100-250 |
| Valley of the Kings (three tombs) | about E£750 |
| Felucca at sunset in Aswan (boat, 1 hour) | about E£400-700 |
| Grilled meat or kofta dinner | E£300-800 |
| Cairo-Aswan sleeper train, two-berth cabin | roughly US$100-120 per person |
| Budget guesthouse double, downtown Cairo | E£1,200-2,500 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Unusually, sights and tickets take about as much as the bed on a budget: the Giza plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel each cost E£600-1,500, and extra tickets for special tombs add more. Long-distance transport (sleeper train, domestic flights, cars and drivers) is the next big item. Local food, Uber rides and simple hotels are inexpensive, and small tips of E£20-100 are expected for many services.
When it is cheaper
From May to September, the hot season in the south, hotels and cruise boats drop prices considerably, sometimes by a third or more, and sites are much quieter. December, January and Easter are the most expensive periods.
How to spend less
- Check whether a combined ticket or a Cairo or Luxor Pass suits your plans; they can save a lot on many sites.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo instead of negotiating with street taxis.
- Eat koshari, ful and ta'ameya in local places; a filling meal can cost under E£100.
- Carry small notes for tips and toilets so you are not overpaying for lack of change.
- Visit in the shoulder months of October, November, March or April for good weather at lower prices.
- Book the sleeper train or domestic flights directly with the official operators.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Egypt cost?
About E£2,700 per person on a budget, E£7,000 mid-range and E£19,500 for comfort, plus the trip south by sleeper train or flight.
Why are Egypt's entrance tickets so expensive?
Foreigners pay higher prices than Egyptians, and ticket prices rise often; major sites cost about E£600-1,500 each.
How much should I tip in Egypt?
Small tips of about E£20-100 are expected for services such as guards, drivers and porters; 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included.