Find out how much a Sharm El Sheikh holiday costs in 2026, including hotels, food, transport, excursions and realistic 7-day budgets

Planning a holiday to Egypt and wondering how much a Sharm El Sheikh holiday costs in 2026?

The good news is that Sharm El Sheikh can work for almost every budget. You can enjoy a budget-friendly holiday, stay in a comfortable 4-star hotel, or choose a luxury all-inclusive resort and spend more on premium experiences.

For most travelers, the biggest costs are accommodation, food, transportation, and excursions. Your final budget will depend on the time of year, hotel category, length of stay, and the activities you choose.

In this guide, we break down the realistic cost of a Sharm El Sheikh holiday in 2026, including hotel prices, food, taxis, excursions, entertainment, and example budgets for a 7-day trip.

How Much Does a Sharm El Sheikh Holiday Cost?

A typical traveler can expect to spend approximately:

Travel Style	Estimated Daily Budget*
Budget	$40–$70
Mid-Range	$70–$130
Luxury	$150+

*These are general estimates for expenses in Sharm El Sheikh and can vary considerably depending on accommodation, season, exchange rates, and activities.

If your hotel is all-inclusive, your daily spending can be significantly lower because breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and many hotel facilities are already included in your accommodation price.

For travelers staying in a hotel without meals, you should allow additional money for restaurants and drinks.

What Does a Sharm El Sheikh Holiday Include?

Before calculating your budget, it helps to understand the main expenses.

A holiday in Sharm El Sheikh usually includes:

• Hotel or resort accommodation
• Food and drinks
• Airport transfers
• Local transportation
• Boat trips
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Desert safaris
• Shopping
• Entertainment
• Tips and miscellaneous expenses

Not every traveler will pay for all of these.

For example, a visitor staying at an all-inclusive resort and spending most of the week at the beach may spend considerably less outside the hotel than someone booking several excursions and eating at restaurants every evening.

Sharm El Sheikh Hotel Prices in 2026

Accommodation is usually one of the largest parts of your holiday budget.

Sharm El Sheikh offers everything from affordable hotels and apartments to large 5-star all-inclusive resorts.

Budget Accommodation

Budget travelers can look for:

• 2–3 star hotels
• Apartments
• Guesthouses
• Smaller local hotels

Prices can vary depending on the season, location, availability, and booking date.

Mid-Range Hotels

A 4-star hotel can be a good option for travelers looking for a balance between price and comfort.

Many 4-star properties offer:

• Swimming pools
• Restaurants
• Private beaches
• Entertainment
• Shuttle services
• Breakfast or all-inclusive packages

Luxury Resorts

Sharm El Sheikh is particularly well known for its 5-star resorts.

Luxury resorts often include:

• Multiple restaurants
• Private beaches
• Several swimming pools
• Kids’ clubs
• Spa facilities
• Daily entertainment
• All-inclusive meal plans
• House reefs for snorkeling

If you are planning a relaxing beach holiday, an all-inclusive resort can sometimes provide better overall value than booking a cheaper hotel and paying separately for meals.

Is All-Inclusive Worth It in Sharm El Sheikh?

For many visitors, yes.

All-inclusive packages can make budgeting much easier because many of your daily expenses are already covered.

Depending on the hotel, your package may include:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Soft drinks
• Snacks
• Swimming pools
• Beach access
• Hotel entertainment

However, all-inclusive does not necessarily mean everything is free.

You may still need to pay for:

• Excursions
• Scuba diving
• Spa treatments
• Premium drinks
• Airport transfers
• Some water sports
• Tips
• Shopping

Always check exactly what your hotel package includes before booking.

How Much Does Food Cost in Sharm El Sheikh?

Food costs depend heavily on where you eat.

You can find inexpensive local restaurants as well as international restaurants and luxury dining.

Budget Food

If you eat at affordable local restaurants and choose simple meals, your food budget can remain relatively low.

Mid-Range Dining

For visitors who prefer restaurants in popular tourist areas such as Naama Bay, Soho Square, or Nabq Bay, expect to spend more.

Luxury Dining

Upscale restaurants and hotel restaurants can cost considerably more, particularly when ordering imported products, premium seafood, or international dishes.

How to Save Money on Food

If your hotel is all-inclusive, take advantage of the meals already included.

If you are staying on a room-only or bed-and-breakfast basis:

• Eat some meals at local restaurants
• Compare menus before ordering
• Avoid restaurants in the most expensive tourist locations if you are on a strict budget
• Ask about prices before ordering additional services
• Carry bottled water when exploring

How Much Do Excursions Cost in Sharm El Sheikh?

Excursions are one of the most important expenses to consider when planning a Sharm El Sheikh holiday.

The Red Sea is one of the main reasons tourists visit the destination, and there are activities for almost every type of traveler.

Popular excursions include:

Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed is one of the most famous destinations for snorkeling and diving near Sharm El Sheikh.

Visitors can explore:

• Coral reefs
• Tropical fish
• Clear Red Sea water
• White Island
• Protected marine areas

A Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip is one of the excursions worth considering when creating your holiday budget.

Tiran Island

Tiran Island is another popular destination for boat trips and snorkeling.

It is particularly attractive to travelers who want to spend a day at sea and explore the Red Sea’s marine life.

White Island

White Island is famous for its bright sandy appearance surrounded by the blue waters of the Red Sea.

Many boat excursions combine White Island with snorkeling stops.

Desert Safari

If you want a break from the beach, Sharm El Sheikh also offers desert adventures.

Popular activities include:

• Quad biking
• Camel riding
• Bedouin experiences
• Sunset trips
• Traditional dinners
• Stargazing

Scuba Diving

Sharm El Sheikh is internationally known for diving.

Beginners can take introductory diving experiences, while certified divers can choose from numerous dive sites.

How Much Should You Budget for Excursions?

Your excursion budget depends on how many activities you want to do.

For a 7-day holiday, a reasonable approach is to choose 2–4 major activities rather than booking something every day.

For example:

Day 1: Relax at the resort
Day 2: Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip
Day 3: Beach and resort day
Day 4: Desert safari
Day 5: Free day
Day 6: Boat or snorkeling excursion
Day 7: Departure

This gives you a mixture of relaxation and activities without turning your entire holiday into a sightseeing schedule.

Transportation Costs in Sharm El Sheikh

Transportation is another expense to consider.

The main options include:

• Airport transfers
• Taxis
• Hotel shuttles
• Private transfers
• Tour transportation

For many tourists, a pre-arranged airport transfer is the easiest option because you can travel directly from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) to your hotel.

If you plan to take taxis, always confirm the price before starting the journey.

For families and groups, a private transfer can sometimes be more convenient than arranging several separate taxis.

How Much Spending Money Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?

The amount of spending money you need depends on what your hotel package already covers.

If You Have an All-Inclusive Hotel

You may mainly need money for:

• Excursions
• Tips
• Shopping
• Taxis
• Evening entertainment
• Extra drinks
• Optional activities

If You Have Breakfast Only

You will need additional money for:

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Drinks
• Snacks
• Transportation
• Activities

If You Have Room Only

You should plan a larger daily budget because almost all food and drinks will be paid separately.

How Much Does a 7-Day Sharm El Sheikh Holiday Cost?

Let’s look at three different travel styles.

Budget 7-Day Holiday

A budget traveler might choose:

• Affordable accommodation
• Local restaurants
• Limited taxis
• 1–2 excursions
• Free beach and resort activities

The total cost will depend heavily on whether flights and accommodation are included in your calculation.

Mid-Range 7-Day Holiday

A mid-range traveler might choose:

• 4-star accommodation
• Breakfast or all-inclusive
• Several restaurant meals
• 2–3 excursions
• Private or shared transfers
• Some shopping and entertainment

This is often the sweet spot for travelers who want comfort without paying luxury prices.

Luxury 7-Day Holiday

A luxury traveler might choose:

• 5-star resort
• All-inclusive accommodation
• Private airport transfer
• Several excursions
• Private tours
• Diving
• Spa treatments
• Premium restaurants

The cost can increase significantly, but Sharm El Sheikh offers many luxury options.

Example Sharm El Sheikh Budget for Two Adults

Imagine two adults staying for seven nights.

Their holiday might look like this:

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	Low	Medium	High
Food	Low	Medium	High
Transportation	Low	Medium	High
Excursions	1–2 trips	2–3 trips	3+ trips
Entertainment	Low	Medium	High
Shopping	Optional	Optional	Optional

The most important point is that there is no single price for a Sharm El Sheikh holiday.

Two couples can stay in the same destination for seven days and spend completely different amounts.

How to Save Money on a Sharm El Sheikh Holiday

You don’t need to sacrifice the experience to reduce your travel budget.

1. Compare All-Inclusive Packages

If you expect to spend most of your time at the resort, all-inclusive can provide excellent value.

2. Travel Outside Peak Periods

Hotel prices can change considerably depending on demand.

Consider traveling during shoulder periods if your schedule is flexible.

3. Book Excursions Carefully

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest excursion.

Check:

• What’s included
• Pickup location
• Duration
• Lunch
• Equipment
• Number of snorkeling stops
• Group size
• Reviews

4. Combine Activities

Some excursions combine multiple attractions into one trip.

For example, a boat trip may include snorkeling stops and White Island.

5. Use Private Transfers for Groups

If you are traveling with several people, compare the price of a private transfer with multiple taxis.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination.

The best time depends on what you want from your holiday.

Winter

Winter is attractive for travelers who want warm weather compared with many European destinations.

Spring

Spring offers comfortable temperatures and is excellent for outdoor activities.

Summer

Summer can be very hot, but it remains popular with beach lovers.

Autumn

Autumn can provide a good balance between warm weather and outdoor activities.

For snorkeling and diving, the Red Sea remains a major attraction throughout much of the year.

Is Sharm El Sheikh Expensive?

Sharm El Sheikh does not have to be expensive.

The destination can be affordable for budget travelers while also offering luxury resorts and premium experiences.

Your biggest decision is usually your accommodation.

A traveler staying at an all-inclusive resort may have most daily expenses covered, while someone staying in a room-only hotel may spend much more on restaurants, drinks, transportation, and activities.

The best way to plan your trip is to calculate your budget based on your own travel style.

Is Sharm El Sheikh Cheaper Than Other Beach Destinations?

This depends on where you are traveling from and the type of holiday you want.

Sharm El Sheikh can be particularly attractive for travelers looking for:

• Warm weather
• All-inclusive resorts
• Red Sea snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Beach holidays
• Desert adventures

The combination of accommodation and activities can make it a competitive option compared with many other international beach destinations.

How Much Money Should I Take to Sharm El Sheikh?

There is no universal amount.

If you have already paid for:

• Flights
• Hotel
• All-inclusive meals
• Airport transfer

then your remaining spending money may mainly be used for excursions, tips, shopping, and personal expenses.

For a seven-day trip, create a simple daily allowance and then add a separate excursion budget.

It is also wise to keep an emergency reserve rather than spending your entire budget.

Tips for Planning Your Sharm El Sheikh Budget

Before booking your holiday, make a list of every expected expense:

Before You Travel

• Flights
• Hotel
• Travel insurance
• Visa if applicable
• Airport transfer
• Excursions

During Your Holiday

• Food
• Drinks
• Taxis
• Tips
• Shopping
• Activities
• Entertainment

Once you have these numbers, you can calculate a much more accurate total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Sharm El Sheikh holiday cost in 2026?

The cost varies according to your hotel, travel dates, food choices, transportation, and excursions. Budget travelers can spend considerably less than visitors staying in luxury all-inclusive resorts.

Is Sharm El Sheikh expensive?

Sharm El Sheikh can be affordable or luxurious depending on your choices. All-inclusive accommodation can make it easier to control your holiday budget.

How much spending money do I need for 7 days in Sharm El Sheikh?

If your hotel and meals are already paid for, your spending money will mainly cover excursions, transportation, tips, shopping, and personal expenses.

Are excursions expensive in Sharm El Sheikh?

Excursion prices vary depending on the activity, duration, transportation, group size, and what’s included. Always compare the complete package rather than looking only at the advertised price.

How much does food cost in Sharm El Sheikh?

Food prices vary from inexpensive local meals to premium restaurants. Your costs will be significantly lower if your hotel includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Is all-inclusive worth it in Sharm El Sheikh?

For travelers who plan to spend a lot of time at their resort, all-inclusive can be a convenient way to control food and drink expenses.

How many excursions should I book for a 7-day holiday?

For many travelers, 2–4 major excursions provide a good balance between exploring Sharm El Sheikh and having time to relax at the resort.

What are the best excursions in Sharm El Sheikh?

Popular options include Ras Mohammed, White Island, Tiran Island, snorkeling trips, scuba diving, desert safaris, quad biking, and camel riding.

Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Budget for Sharm El Sheikh?

A Sharm El Sheikh holiday in 2026 can be tailored to almost any budget.

The key is to decide what type of trip you want before booking:

Budget: Focus on affordable accommodation, local food, and a small number of activities.

Mid-range: Choose a comfortable hotel or all-inclusive resort and combine relaxation with several excursions.

Luxury: Stay at a 5-star resort, use private transfers, and enjoy premium dining and private experiences.

Whatever your budget, the Red Sea, coral reefs, beaches, and desert experiences are what make Sharm El Sheikh special.

Planning your trip? Explore the excursions available with Sharm Sea and choose the experiences that fit your schedule and budget.

Your Sharm El Sheikh adventure starts here.