Egypt is one of the most affordable travel destinations for European vacationers. But what does a vacation in Egypt really cost? In this detailed budget guide, we show you all costs – from accommodation and food to transport, excursions, and tipping. This way you can perfectly calculate your Egypt vacation budget.
Accommodation: Hotels in Egypt
Hotel prices in Egypt vary greatly depending on season, location, and star rating. Here's an overview of typical accommodation costs in Hurghada (per night, double room):
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (2-3 stars) | 20-40 EUR | Simple room, often with breakfast, near town center |
| Mid-range (4 stars) | 40-80 EUR | All-inclusive, pool, near beach, good service |
| Luxury (5 stars) | 80-200 EUR | Premium all-inclusive, private beach, spa, multiple restaurants |
| Ultra-luxury (5+ stars) | 200-500+ EUR | Butler service, suite, private pools, gourmet dining |
Most vacationers choose a 4-star all-inclusive hotel – offering excellent value for money. In comparison: an equivalent hotel on the Mediterranean often costs two to three times as much.
Tip
The best season for affordable hotel prices in Egypt is May to September. During the off-season, you often pay 30-50% less than peak season (October-April). The weather is still warm and sunny!
Food and Drinks in Egypt
If you've booked an all-inclusive hotel, most meals and drinks are already included in the price. Outside the hotel, you can eat excellently and cheaply in Egypt:
| Meal/Drink | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Street food (falafel, koshari) | 1-3 |
| Lunch at a local restaurant | 3-8 |
| Dinner at a tourist restaurant | 8-20 |
| Dinner at an upscale restaurant | 20-50 |
| Bottle of water (1.5L) | 0.30-0.50 |
| Fresh-squeezed juice | 1-2 |
| Egyptian tea/coffee | 0.50-1.50 |
| Soft drink (can) | 0.50-1 |
| Beer (local, 0.5L) | 2-4 |
Egyptian cuisine is delicious and affordable. Be sure to try Koshari (the national dish), freshly squeezed mango juice, and Ful Medames for breakfast. International cuisine is also available in tourist areas. Read more in our guide to Egyptian cuisine.
Transport and Getting Around
Transport costs in Egypt are very low compared to Europe:
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer Hurghada (private) | 10-20 EUR |
| Taxi in Hurghada (short distance) | 2-5 EUR |
| Uber/Careem in Cairo | 2-8 EUR |
| Domestic flight Hurghada-Cairo | 80-150 EUR |
| Bus Hurghada-Cairo | 10-20 EUR |
| Train Cairo-Luxor (1st class) | 15-25 EUR |
| Car rental per day | 25-50 EUR |
For excursions from Hurghada, we recommend organized tours rather than independent travel. Prices include transport, guide, and entrance fees – so there are no hidden costs. Check out our travel packages.
Excursions and Activities
The most popular excursions from Hurghada and their costs at a glance:
| Excursion | Group Price | Private Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor Day Trip | From 65 EUR | From 150 EUR | 1 Day |
| Cairo & Pyramids | From 75 EUR | From 200 EUR | 1 Day |
| Snorkeling Giftun Island | From 20 EUR | From 100 EUR | Half Day |
| Desert Safari with Quad | From 35 EUR | From 80 EUR | 4 Hours |
| Orange Bay Boat Tour | From 25 EUR | From 120 EUR | 1 Day |
| Dolphin Swimming | From 25 EUR | From 130 EUR | 1 Day |
| El Gouna City Tour | From 20 EUR | From 60 EUR | Half Day |
| Glass Boat Tour | From 15 EUR | From 80 EUR | 3 Hours |
Private tours cost more but offer maximum flexibility: individual pickup times, no waiting for other participants, and a personal guide. Especially recommended for families and couples.
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping (Baksheesh) is an important part of Egyptian culture. Here's a guide:
- Restaurant: 10-15% of the bill (service charge is often not included)
- Tour guide (full day): 5-10 EUR per person
- Driver (full day): 3-5 EUR per person
- Hotel staff (housekeeping): 1-2 EUR per day
- Porter: 1 EUR per piece of luggage
- Restroom attendant: 0.50 EUR (5-10 LE)
Budget about 5-10 EUR per day for tips. It's an important income source for many Egyptians and is greatly appreciated.
Total Costs: 3 Budget Examples
Here are three realistic budget scenarios for 7 days in Egypt (per person, excluding flights):
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (7 nights) | 200 EUR | 420 EUR | 900 EUR |
| Food & Drinks | 70 EUR | Included in hotel | Included in hotel |
| Excursions (2-3) | 100 EUR | 200 EUR | 500 EUR |
| Transport | 30 EUR | 50 EUR | 100 EUR |
| Tips & Miscellaneous | 50 EUR | 70 EUR | 100 EUR |
| Souvenirs | 20 EUR | 50 EUR | 100 EUR |
| Total per Person | 470 EUR | 790 EUR | 1,700 EUR |
Add flight costs (approx. 200-500 EUR depending on season and booking time) and the visa (25 USD). Read our visa guide for all entry details.
Saving Money in Egypt: 7 Tips
- Travel off-season: May to September offers the lowest prices with still-warm weather.
- Book all-inclusive: Full cost control with no surprises.
- Use package deals: Excursion packages are often cheaper than individual bookings.
- Eat at local restaurants: Outside the hotel zone, you pay a fraction of the price.
- Bargain: Always negotiate in bazaars and with vendors – it's expected!
- Pay in Egyptian pounds: Pay in local currency instead of euros – the rate is often better.
- Book early: Early-bird discounts of 10-20% are common with many hotels and operators.
Egypt offers incredible value for money. Whether budget backpacker or luxury traveler – everyone gets excellent value here. Ask us for a personalized quote – we'll put together the perfect trip for your budget!
✅ Key Takeaway
A one-week Egypt vacation costs from approximately 470 EUR per person (excluding flights) in the budget range to around 1,700 EUR in the luxury segment. Thanks to affordable hotel prices, low cost of living, and reasonably priced excursions, Egypt is one of the most affordable long-haul destinations for European vacationers. All-inclusive hotels and package deals offer the best cost control.
