Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Playa del Carmen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Cairo or Playa del Carmen?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33Playa del Carmen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cairo and Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Playa del Carmen $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Playa del Carmen $72
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Playa del Carmen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cairo Hotel Prices and Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.80Playa del Carmen $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel: $12
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $50
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $13
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $60
- 2 Day Cairo Tour upon arrival day with airport transfer: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $83
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $127
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Cancun Airport and Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Transfer: $120
- Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen Roundtrip Private Transfer: $165
- Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum Airport Transfers : $190
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Chetumal Airport to Bacalar - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $108
- Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Cairo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCairo $18Playa del Carmen $37
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Giza pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise& shopping: $9.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
- Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
- Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $9.09Playa del Carmen $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $1.00
- Egyptian Museum Tour Cave Church Old Cairo Saladin Citadel: $1.00
- Best Day TourTo Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum, Bazar,Lunch: $1.75
- Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid : $2.00
- Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids Sphinx lunch fees camel 9rd pyramid: $3.50
- VIP privatr tour Giza pyramids sphins &Saqqara and Memphis : $3.50
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $4.00
- Chep Day Tour Pyramids Giza, Memphis, Saqqara and Camel: $4.00
- Private Half Day Pyramids Tour with Felucca: $4.50
- All inclusive Tour To Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.50
- Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
- Cairo Highlights Tours Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $6.43
- Mexico City Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Isla Mujeres Sailing tour from Riviera Maya: $16
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $18
- Full day tour Chichen Itza : $18
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $19
- Ice Bath Experience on the Beach: $20
- Full day Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún and Riviera Maya: $22
- Chichen Itza Tour Options with Cenote Swim from Playa del Carmen: $31
- Adrenaline Atv tour from Playa del Carmen : $35
- Wild Tulum Day: ATV Tour + Zip Lines + Cenote + Rappel & Lunch!: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48Playa del Carmen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa and Playa del Carmen is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Playa del Carmen?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Playa del Carmen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Cairo is cooler than Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Playa del Carmen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cairo is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Playa del Carmen. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In April, Cairo is generally cooler than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the spring, Cairo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Cairo
| Cairo | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.