A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luxor vs. San Sebastian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luxor or San Sebastian?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Luxor or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Luxor Prices
    Egypt Prices
    San Sebastian Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Luxor $33
    San Sebastian $133

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $133. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    San Sebastian $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    San Sebastian $94
Compare Hotels in Luxor and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or San Sebastian? 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.

Hotels in Luxor


Hotels in San Sebastian


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 and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    San Sebastian $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Private transfer from/to Luxor train station: $5.00
  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00
  • Seamless Transfers Between Luxor Airport & Your Hotel: $6.65
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.90
  • Luxor Airport to Aswan, Hurghada Transfer pickup/drop off 1 Way: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.00
  • Private Transfer From/To Luxor International Airport: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Transfer to Hotel: $7.02
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.36
  • Transfer from Luxor Airport or Hotel: $9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $192
  • Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
  • San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $287
  • San Sebastian Private Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
  • Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Luxor $16
    San Sebastian $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Lunch or Dinner: $21
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • 2 Hour Cooking Session with Family in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $70
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $78
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Cooking Class & Soulful Egyptian Farmer Experience in Luxor: $120

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $65
  • Lunch for 2
    $12
  • Lunch for 2
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.

  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
  • Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
  • Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
  • Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $166
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
  • Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $191
  • Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $197
  • Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $233
  • San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $275

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $10
    San Sebastian $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • 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
  • Historical Day Tour To Luxor And Mummification Museums: $8.00
  • Day Tour To Habu Temple Valley Of Workers And Queens: $8.00
  • Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
  • Luxor Day Tour: Explore Dendara & Abydos Temples: $8.19
  • Private Half-Day Tour: Exploring Luxor's East Bank: $8.50
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the kings & Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon: $9.00
  • Private Guided Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples: $9.00
  • Explore Luxor in amazing City Tour, Horse carriage : $9.00
  • Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    $7.04

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:

  • San Sebastián Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.13
  • Who Am I? San Sebastian Identity Puzzle Adventure: $5.96
  • Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $7.44
  • San Sebastian Interactive City Tour: $8.33
  • San Sebastian Donostria: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $14
  • Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour : $15
  • San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink: $18
  • San Sebastian Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour: $19
  • Guided tour of San Sebastián: $20
  • Tour por el estadio Real Sociedad: $22
  • Hondarribia on Bicycle Tour of Nature and Basque Culture: $36
  • zumaia sup tours: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    San Sebastian $23

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $123
  • San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
  • San Sebastian Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour: $173
  • Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $178
  • Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $209
  • Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour from San Sebastian: $299
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian is in Europe, 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 San Sebastian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luxor or San Sebastian?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and San Sebastian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is much warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Luxor or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as San Sebastian. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Luxor is much warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Luxor usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Luxor or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Luxor is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Luxor or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Luxor during the spring 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 beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Luxor is much warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Luxor usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Luxor

Luxor San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)