Egypt on a Budget in 2026
Travellagio · 6 min read
Egypt is one of those destinations where the gap between tourist prices and local prices is enormous. A tourist felucca ride on the Nile costs $30; the local ferry crossing costs $0.10. This guide helps you navigate that gap.
What it costs
| Item | Tourist price | Smart price |
|---|---|---|
| Giza Pyramids entry | $13 (fixed) | $13 (same) |
| Meal | $8–15 | $2–5 (local restaurants) |
| Hotel (Cairo) | $50–100 | $15–35 |
| Cairo–Luxor train | $20–40 | $5–10 (2nd class) |
The route
Cairo (2–3 days): Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili market, Islamic Cairo.
Luxor (2–3 days): Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, hot air balloon at sunrise ($80–100, worth it).
Aswan (1–2 days): Philae Temple, felucca on the Nile, Nubian villages.
Red Sea (2–3 days): Dahab or Hurghada for snorkeling and diving. Dahab is cheaper and more backpacker-friendly.
Daily budget
Backpacker: $25–40/day
Mid-range: $50–90/day