Daily costs per person in Egyptian Pound (E£). Cairo is very affordable — street food and transport are cheap, but tourist site entry fees add up.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EGP (Pound) (1 USD ≈ 50 EGP)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | E£300–700 | E£1,000–2,500 | E£5,000+ | Hostels → 3-4 star hotels → 5-star Nile view |
| Food | E£100–250 | E£400–800 | E£1,500+ | Street food → restaurants → Nile dining |
| Transport | E£50–150 | E£200–400 | E£800+ | Metro & Uber → taxi → private driver |
| Activities | E£500–800 | E£1,000–2,000 | E£4,000+ | Pyramids & museums → guided tours → private Egyptologist |
| Drinks | E£30–60 | E£100–200 | E£400+ | Tea & juice → coffee shops → hotel bars |
| Daily Total | E£980–1,960 | E£2,700–5,900 | E£11,700+ | $20–39 → $54–118 → $234+ |
Money-saving tips
Street food is extraordinary
Koshari (E£30), foul (E£10–20), ta'ameya (E£5), and feteer (E£50) are filling and delicious. A full day of street food costs under E£150 — and it's better than most restaurants.
Uber everywhere
Uber is far cheaper and more reliable than taxis in Cairo. A cross-city ride costs E£50–150. Always use Uber to avoid the constant negotiation with regular taxis.
Haggle everything
In Khan el-Khalili and tourist areas, start at 25–30% of asking price. Taxis, market prices, and even some restaurants are negotiable. Walk away for the best deals.
Dual pricing awareness
Egypt has separate tourist and local prices at most sites. Budget accordingly — the Pyramids are E£540 for foreigners. Museums and sites add up fast; prioritise the essentials.
Student discounts
An ISIC student card gets 50% off at almost all archaeological sites and museums — potentially saving E£2,000+ over a week. Buy one before you travel if eligible.
Felucca sharing
A felucca costs E£200–300/hour regardless of passengers (fits 6–8). Share with other travelers to split the cost. Arrange at the Corniche near hotels or through your hostel.
