As of November 12, 2026, Ethiopia is cheaper than Egypt for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $64 in Ethiopia against $69 in Egypt, a gap of 7.4%. Over the past year Egypt has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+2.8% after inflation, against −1.5%). Egypt carries the lower US advisory (Level 2 against Level 3). Egypt is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Egypt | Ethiopia |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $69 | $64 |
| Lean day | $29 | $25 |
| Comfortable day | $173 | $159 |
| Real change, 12 months | +2.8% | −1.5% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +13.5% | +6.9% |
| Versus 5-year average | +6.8% | +39.8% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 3.8 · Well set up | 2.3 · Expedition-grade |
| Index score | 68 | 62 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Sep | Mar, Sep |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The pyramids, the Nile and the Red Sea after a 2024 devaluation.
The catchInflation has eaten much of the devaluation, hassle at major sites is constant, and hotels increasingly quote in dollars.
Rock-hewn churches and highlands unlike anywhere else in Africa.
The catchArmed conflict in several regions drives the advisory, and conditions change quickly. Check which areas are open.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.