How Much Does Luxor Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Luxor is a remarkably affordable destination for those accustomed to European or North American prices, though the cost of historical sightseeing can accumulate quickly. A solo traveler can navigate the city on a budget of $35 / E£1,669 per day, while those seeking high-end Nile views and private guides may spend upwards of $266 / E£12,643. While local food and transport are inexpensive, the concentration of world-class monuments means entrance fees are often the largest portion of a visitor's daily spend. The city is geographically split by the Nile, with the East Bank offering modern conveniences and the West Bank providing a more rustic, village-like atmosphere. Regardless of style, Luxor provides unparalleled access to ancient history at a fraction of the cost found in other global archaeological hubs.
Is Luxor expensive to visit?
Luxor is very budget-friendly—expect to spend between $35 / E£1,669 and $266 / E£12,643 per day depending on whether you choose local guest houses or luxury riverside resorts.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Luxor
$35
per person /day
$111
per person /day
$266
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $105 | $332 | $798 |
| 5-Day Trip | $175 | $553 | $1,329 |
| 7-Day Trip | $246 | $774 | $1,861 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to maintain a 15% buffer to cover hidden costs such as the mandatory ~26% in taxes and service charges at upscale restaurants, the ~$27 / E£1,296 entry visa fee, and small tips for services known as baksheesh.
How Does It Compare?
See how Luxor stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Luxor
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for local Koshary or a falafel platter. | $4.25 E£202 |
| Mid-Range 3-Course Dinner Price per person is ~$22 / E£1,023 in a sit-down establishment along the Nile. | $22 E£1,024 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) Alcohol is mostly served in hotels and licensed tourist restaurants. | $2.13 E£101 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi Starting Fare Always negotiate before getting in; a trip within the East Bank should be ~$2.13–$3.19 / E£101–E£152. | $1.06 E£50 |
| Airport to City Taxi Drivers often ask for more; ~$8.51 / E£405 is a fair price for the 20-minute drive. | $8.51 E£405 |
| Local Nile Ferry (Public) Runs 24 hours. A cheap way (~$0.21 / E£10) to get between the East and West Banks. | $0.21 E£10 |
| Private Driver (Full Day West Bank) Hiring a private car for 6–8 hours costs ~$43 / E£2,023. Essential for the spread-out West Bank sites. | $43 E£2,023 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Guest House (Double Room) Price for two people is ~$19 / E£885 per night in a simple, well-rated budget hotel. | $17 E£810 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Iberotel Luxor) Includes breakfast and Nile views. Approximately ~$60 / E£2,832 per night. | $60 E£2,832 |
| 5-Star Resort (Sonesta St. George) Luxury stay with pool and spa. Approximately ~$97 / E£4,595 per night. | $88 E£4,206 |
Activities (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Karnak Temple Complex Entrance Covers the main open-air museum and precinct of Amun-Re. Students with valid ID pay ~$6.38 / E£303. | $13 E£607 |
| Valley of the Kings General Admission Includes entry to 3 tombs. Note that Tutankhamun and Seti I require separate, high-tier tickets costing ~$11 / E£506 and ~$38 / E£1,821 respectively. | $16 E£758 |
| Luxor Temple Entry Beautifully lit at night; opening hours until 20:00. Student price is ~$5.32 / E£253. | $11 E£506 |
| Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari) The small electric 'taftaf' train from the car park to the temple costs an extra ~$0.42 / E£20. | $9.36 E£445 |
| Luxor Museum Admission Located on the Corniche; best visited in the evening when it is cooler. | $8.51 E£405 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mobile Data Plan (10GB+) Tourist SIMs are available at the airport for slightly higher upfront costs. | $3.19 E£152 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Luxor is highly accessible, with local staples like Koshary at El-Zaeem costing around $4.25 / E£202 for a filling meal. In contrast, a mid-range three-course dinner at a sit-down establishment along the Nile, such as Al-Sahaby Lane, averages $22 / E£1,024 per person. Alcohol is primarily found in hotels and licensed restaurants, where a 0.5L domestic beer typically costs $2.13 / E£101.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
El-Zaeem
$1.27–$2.55 / E£60–E£121East Bank (near Train Station) · Local chain
The best spot for authentic, fast, and cheap Koshary (~$1.48 / E£71).
Al-Sahaby Lane
$3.83–$7.44 / E£182–E£354East Bank (near Luxor Temple) · Local chain
Great rooftop views of Luxor Temple; try the camel burger for ~$7.44 / E£354.
Sofra Restaurant & Cafe
$5.32–$11 / E£253–E£506East Bank · Local chain
Traditional decor and excellent stuffed pigeon for ~$6.38 / E£303.
Abu Ashraf
$4.25–$8.51 / E£202–E£405East Bank (Souq area) · Street food area
Point at the fish you want and they grill it for you. Expect to pay ~$7.44 / E£354.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The most economical way to cross the Nile is the local public ferry, which operates 24 hours a day for only $0.21 / E£10 per trip. For exploring the expansive West Bank, hiring a private driver for a full day is a common and efficient choice at approximately $43 / E£2,023. Within the East Bank, taxis are plentiful and should cost between $2.13–$3.19 / E£101–E£152 for short trips, provided the fare is negotiated beforehand.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation in Luxor offers excellent value, with simple but well-rated budget guest houses available for roughly $17–$19 / E£810–E£885 per night. Mid-range travelers can stay at the Iberotel Luxor for about $60 / E£2,832, featuring Nile views and breakfast, while luxury experiences at resorts like Sonesta St. George typically cost around $88 / E£4,206 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Luxor
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use the local public ferry for $0.21 / E£10 to cross the Nile instead of hiring more expensive private motorboats.
- 2 Present a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) at sites like Karnak Temple to pay the student rate of $6.38 / E£303 instead of the full $13 / E£607.
- 3 Eat at local-oriented establishments in the Souq area, such as Abu Ashraf, where a hearty meal can be found for $4.25 / E£202.
- 4 Purchase a local SIM card with 10GB+ of data for $3.19 / E£152 at the airport to avoid expensive international roaming fees.
- 5 Opt for the general admission ticket for the Valley of the Kings at $16 / E£758, which includes three tombs, rather than paying $38 / E£1,821 for a single high-tier tomb like Seti I.
- 6 Fill up on breakfast at hotels like the Iberotel Luxor, which is often included in the $60 / E£2,832 room rate, to save on lunch costs.
- 7 Walk from the car park to the Hatshepsut Temple instead of taking the 'taftaf' electric train to save the $0.42 / E£20 fee.
- 8 Pre-arrange airport transfers for ~$8.51 / E£405 to avoid the inflated 'walk-up' prices quoted by taxi drivers at the terminal.
- 9 Visit the Luxor Museum in the evening for $8.51 / E£405; it is air-conditioned, allowing you to avoid the midday heat and the need for extra drinks.
- 10 Bring a high-quality filtered water bottle to avoid the cumulative cost of buying plastic bottles in the 40–45°C (104–113°F) summer heat.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb
+40-60%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-30-50%
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr
Peak winter sees comfortable 22–25°C (72–77°F) days but high crowds. Summer is extremely hot (40–45°C / 104–113°F) but offers massive hotel discounts.
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 – Jan 5): +100% hotel rates
- ● Eid al-Fitr (dates vary): Local crowds and price spikes
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walking along the Nile Corniche at sunset to enjoy the river views.
- 2 Exploring the vibrant atmosphere of the Luxor Souq (market) in the East Bank.
- 3 Viewing the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues visible from the roadside on the West Bank.
- 4 Observing the exterior of the Abu Haggag Mosque, which is uniquely built into the ruins of Luxor Temple.
- 5 Hiking the mountain trails above the Valley of the Kings for panoramic views of the Nile Valley.
- 6 Strolling through the agricultural fields and local villages of the West Bank.
- 7 Watching the traditional felucca sailboats navigate the Nile from the riverbank.
- 8 Visiting the Franciscan Church located near the city center.
- 9 Exploring the public areas around the harbor on the East Bank.
- 10 Watching the sunrise over the West Bank mountains from the East Bank riverside.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Unparalleled views of the Valley of the Kings and temples as the sun rises. Costs ~$64 / E£3,034.
Luxor Pass (Premium)
Includes the tombs of Seti I and Nefertari (worth ~$71 / E£3,358 alone) plus all other sites for 5 days. Approx ~$272 / E£12,957.
Private Nile Felucca Sunset Sail (2 Hours)
A peaceful way to see the Nile without engine noise. Negotiate to ~$17 / E£809 for the boat.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Luxor
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Luxor and what they cost
Dendera (Temple of Hathor)
$53 / E£2,529 by taxi
$6.38 / E£303
$74 / E£3,540
Temple of Esna
$32 / E£1,517 by taxi/train
$4.25 / E£202
$47 / E£2,225
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
1 $ ≈ 48 E£
Yes
Cards accepted at 4-5 star hotels and official ticket offices (now strictly card-only for many monuments); cash essential for markets and taxis.
Baksheesh is expected for everything. ~$0.59 / E£28 for luggage, ~$1.18 / E£56 for temple guardians showing 'secret' spots, and 10% in restaurants.
ATMs are plentiful on the East Bank (Corniche). Banque Misr and CIB are reliable. Fees are usually ~$2.35–$4.71 / E£112–E£224 per withdrawal.
Mandatory in the souq and for taxis/feluccas. Aim for 40–50% of the initial asking price.
Connectivity
eSIM: $21–$29 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $4.12–$8.24 / E£196–E£392 for 10GB-20GB packages
WiFi: Available in most hotels but often slow; limited in cafés and absent at archaeological sites.
Buy a local Vodafone or Orange SIM at the airport or in town for the best rates and coverage.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Luxor.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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