Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Luxor?
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 Luxor or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor or Beijing? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Luxor or Beijing?
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Luxor Prices
Egypt PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $33Beijing $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $91. 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 Luxor and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $11Beijing $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $22Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Beijing? 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: Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $5.64Beijing $7.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Horus, Kom Ombo and Khnum Temples from Luxor with Transfers : $53
- Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
- Luxor airport transfer : $35
- Private Transfer Luxor International Airport to Luxor Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer Service from Luxor to Hurghada: $128
- Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $30
- Transfer Service from Luxor to Aswan (Private): $51
- Transfer from Luxor Airport to Anywhere in Luxor: $15
- Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Luxor Airport: $35
- Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or Nile Cruise: $17
- private transfer one way from Luxor to Hurghada : $70
- "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.78
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Train from Airport for Two$7.01
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Taxi to Hotel$8.41
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2 Metro Passes$2.24
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Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Luxor 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 dayLuxor $16Beijing $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
- Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
- 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
- Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $60
- Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
- Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on a Luxor Nile River Boat: $60
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
- Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
- Egyptian cooking class and Luxor museum : $120
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.84
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.01
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.80
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Watermelon$1.96
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luxor $10Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.73
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Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full tour to Karnak and Luxor temples, and felucca: $5.00
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
- Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
- Tour in the East Bank of Luxor: $9.00
- Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00
- Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show Experience in Luxor: $9.00
- 4 Hour Private East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Private Day Tour: $10
- Private Half-Day tour to Karnak temple: $10
- Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.41
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.81
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.79
- Tiananmen Square Forbidden City and Jingshan Park Ticket or Tours: $4.00
- Beijing Forbidden City,Tianmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
- Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional): $4.21
- Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Walking Tour: $4.38
- Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours: $4.38
- The Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $4.38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $3.10Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa and Beijing is in Asia, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Beijing, 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 Luxor or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luxor or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. In the summer, Luxor is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luxor in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Beijing. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuxor 33°C (91°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Luxor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Luxor is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuxor 25°C (77°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. Luxor is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Beijing. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuxor 14°C (57°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Beijing. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Luxor is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luxor in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuxor 25°C (77°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Luxor
| Luxor | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.