Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 Abu Dhabi and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Alexandria $7.99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Alexandria? 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.
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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Alexandria $2.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $40
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $62
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $74
- Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $242
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Alexandria $6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Alexandria $3.50
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $7.98
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $8.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.26
- Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.26
- Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.26
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.26
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Alexandria $1.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Alexandria, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Alexandria is in Africa, 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Alexandria, 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 Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Alexandria. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria in the Winter?
Both Alexandria and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Alexandria averages at about 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria in the Spring?
Both Alexandria and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.