How Much Does Sharm El Sheikh Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Sharm El Sheikh offers a remarkably wide spectrum of costs, making it accessible for budget-conscious divers and luxury seekers alike. Solo travelers can navigate the coast on as little as $34 / E£1,618 per day, while those desiring the full resort experience might spend upwards of $287 / E£13,654. Compared to Mediterranean beach destinations, the value for world-class diving and high-end amenities remains exceptional. Most costs are driven by resort choices and specialized activities like scuba diving, though local dining and transit are incredibly affordable. Whether visiting for the vibrant coral reefs or the desert landscapes, understanding the divide between resort prices and local rates is key to managing a budget.
Is Sharm El Sheikh expensive to visit?
Sharm El Sheikh is a highly affordable Red Sea destination where travelers should expect to spend between $34 / E£1,618 and $287 / E£13,654 per day depending on their preference for local charm or all-inclusive luxury.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Sharm El Sheikh
$34
per person /day
$138
per person /day
$287
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 | $102 | $414 | $862 |
| 5-Day Trip | $171 | $691 | $1,436 |
| 7-Day Trip | $238 | $967 | $2,010 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the $27 / E£1,299 tourist visa on arrival and the $1.08 / E£51 nightly room tax collected at checkout. This extra cushion also helps with the mandatory $8.24 / E£392 entry fee for Ras Mohamed National Park if you decide on a last-minute snorkeling trip.
How Does It Compare?
See how Sharm El Sheikh stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Sharm El Sheikh
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant Typical for local cafes in the Old Market. ~$4.24 / E£201. | $4.25 E£202 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L draught) Price in a standard hotel bar or restaurant. ~$1.71 / E£81. | $1.71 E£81 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Blue Minibus (Microbus) Fare The cheapest way to get between Naama Bay and the Old Market. Costs ~$0.21 / E£10. | $0.21 E£10 |
| Taxi (Airport to Naama Bay) Always negotiate before getting in. Should cost roughly ~$11 / E£504. | $11 E£506 |
| Daily Car Rental (Economy) Useful for exploring Nabq, though taxis are often cheaper for single trips. ~$38 / E£1,819/day. | $38 E£1,821 |
| Private Boat Transfer (Tiran Island) Faster and more private than large group tours. ~$53 / E£2,524 per boat. | $53 E£2,529 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sharks Bay Oasis (Budget Hotel) Excellent budget option near the airport. Represents ~$14 / E£688 per person when sharing. | $28 E£1,321 |
| Jewel Sharm El Sheikh Hotel (Mid-Range) Centrally located mid-range choice. Approximately ~$64 / E£3,045 per person per night. | $123 E£5,839 |
| Cleopatra Luxury Resort (Luxury Resort) Adults-only luxury resort. Approximately ~$106 / E£5,043 per person including breakfast. | $203 E£9,676 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ras Mohamed National Park Entry Fee Mandatory for all visitors entering the marine park for snorkeling or diving. | $8.24 E£392 |
| Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike Tour Includes transport and guide. High physical demand. ~$47 / E£2,225. | $47 E£2,225 |
| Introductory Scuba Dive (1 Dive) Includes equipment and instructor. Perfect for beginners. ~$38 / E£1,819. | $38 E£1,821 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Orange GO 520 Internet Package (49GB) Massive data package for long stays. ~$11 / E£526. | $11 E£526 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| PADI Open Water Course Full certification course taking 3–4 days. | $412 E£19,590 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining out is quite economical if you venture into the Old Market, where an inexpensive meal costs roughly $4.25 / E£202. While resort prices are higher, a domestic beer at a standard bar remains reasonable at $1.71 / E£81. Travelers should note that sit-down restaurants typically add a 12% service charge and 14% VAT to the final bill.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Fares Seafood
$7.44–$15 / E£354–E£708Old Market · Local chain
The seafood soup is a meal in itself and costs ~$4.24 / E£201.
El Masrien
$8.51–$14 / E£405–E£658Old Market · Street food area
The best place for authentic Egyptian grilled meats and stuffed pigeon.
Gad
$1.06–$3.19 / E£50–E£152Naama Bay · Local chain
Great for a quick, ultra-cheap lunch. A falafel wrap is only ~$1.29 / E£62.
Farsha Mountain Lounge
$5.32–$11 / E£253–E£506Ras Um Sid · Street food area
Go for sunset; the view is free, but the pizza/snacks are decent value at ~$7.42 / E£353.
Abou El Sid
$9.57–$19 / E£455–E£910Naama Bay · Local chain
Try the Mouloukhia with chicken for a true Egyptian experience (~$13 / E£604).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The blue microbuses are the most cost-effective way to get around, with fares between Naama Bay and the Old Market costing only $0.21 / E£10. Taxis from the airport to Naama Bay should be negotiated to approximately $11 / E£506, while car rentals for exploring Nabq Bay average $38 / E£1,821 per day.
Accommodation Overview
Options range from budget-friendly stays like Sharks Bay Oasis at $28 / E£1,321 per night to mid-range hotels like Jewel Sharm El Sheikh for $123 / E£5,839. For those seeking top-tier comfort, luxury resorts such as Cleopatra Luxury Resort cost about $203 / E£9,676 per night and typically include private beach access.
Accommodation Budget in Sharm El Sheikh
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 Eat at Fares Seafood in the Old Market for high-quality, local-priced meals that avoid the high resort markups.
- 2 Use the blue microbuses (minibuses) to travel between Naama Bay and Hadaba for just $0.21 / E£10 instead of expensive private taxis.
- 3 Purchase a local SIM card like the Orange GO 520 package for $11 / E£526 to avoid astronomical roaming fees at resorts.
- 4 Bring your own snorkeling mask and fins to save on daily rental fees at Ras Mohamed National Park or local beaches.
- 5 Visit during the shoulder months of October or November when water temperatures are 26–28°C (79–82°F) but resort prices haven't peaked.
- 6 Negotiate taxi fares firmly before entering the vehicle, aiming for the verified rate of $11 / E£506 for airport transfers.
- 7 Stay in the Hadaba or Sharks Bay area for better accommodation value compared to the central Naama Bay strip.
- 8 Book a PADI Open Water Course for $412 / E£19,590 as a bundle rather than paying for individual introductory dives at $38 / E£1,821 each.
- 9 Shop for snacks and water at the Metro Supermarket in the Old Market or Carrefour to avoid inflated hotel minibar prices.
- 10 Take advantage of resort breakfast inclusions; many mid-range hotels like Jewel Sharm El Sheikh provide substantial morning meals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
+30-50%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-40%
Oct, Nov, May
Summer (Jun–Aug) is dangerously hot (40°C+/104°F+) but prices for 5-star resorts drop to ~$53 / E£2,519 per night. Oct–Nov offers the best balance of water temperature and price.
Events to Watch
- ● COP Summits (Dates vary): +200% hotels
- ● Orthodox Christmas (Jan 7): High occupancy
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Marvel at the Al Sahaba Mosque's stunning architecture in the Old Market (exterior viewing is always free).
- 2 Watch the dancing fountain show at SOHO Square, which typically runs every hour in the evenings.
- 3 Explore the winding alleys and vibrant atmosphere of the Old Market (Sharm El Maya) without spending a cent.
- 4 Visit the Heavenly Cathedral to view its intricate ceiling paintings and religious frescoes for $0.
- 5 Take a sunset stroll along the 3km beachfront promenade in Naama Bay.
- 6 Walk through Il Mercato, an open-air shopping mall designed with classic Italian architecture.
- 7 Hike to the public viewpoint at the top of the Ras Um Sid cliffs for panoramic views of the Red Sea.
- 8 Visit the Peace Square to see the iconic Winged Peace Icon sculpture.
- 9 Window shop and enjoy the neon lights and sculptures throughout the SOHO Square entertainment district.
- 10 Visit the El Mustafa Mosque, known for its beautiful twin minarets and marble facade.
- 11 Walk through the desert foothills surrounding the Nabq area for a view of the Sinai mountains at dusk.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Day Charter on a Luxury Yacht
Avoid the crowded 'cuttlefish' tour boats and explore Ras Mohamed on your own schedule. ~$594 / E£28,265 total.
PADI Scuba Certification Course
The Red Sea is one of the world's best classrooms; the high-quality instruction here is worth every cent.
SOHO Square Fine Dining (The White Elephant)
Exceptional Thai cuisine in a luxury setting; a rare refined dining experience in Sharm. ~$53 / E£2,530.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Sharm El Sheikh
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Sharm El Sheikh and what they cost
Cairo (by Bus)
$85 / E£4,046 by bus
$26 / E£1,213
$138 / E£6,574
Dahab (Blue Hole & Canyon)
$32 / E£1,517 by shared van
$8.51 / E£405
$60 / E£2,832
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
1 $ ≈ 48 E£
Yes
Widely accepted in resorts and malls; cash essential for taxis, markets, and tipping.
Expected. Tipping ~$1.18 / E£56 for small services, ~$5.3–$11 / E£252–E£504 per day for dive guides, and 10% in restaurants (even if service is included).
Use ATMs at major banks (CIB, Banque Misr). Avoid 'standalone' ATMs in convenience stores which charge high fees. Daily limit usually ~$171 / E£8,116.
Mandatory in the Old Market and for taxis. Aim for 50% of the initial quote and settle around 60–70%.
Connectivity
eSIM: $21–$29 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $11–$14 / E£504–E£672 for 30GB
WiFi: Limited and slow outside of major resorts; Naama Bay cafes often require a purchase for access.
Buy a local Vodafone or Orange SIM card at the airport arrival hall; it is significantly cheaper and faster than eSIMs.
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 Sharm El Sheikh.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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