Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Alexandria?
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.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Which city is cheaper, Alexandria or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $131, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $40. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
Abu Dhabi's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $156. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $78.
Alexandria's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $38. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $19.
Food
Food in Abu Dhabi costs travelers about $36 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
The price of a meal in Alexandria can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $16 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $6.40 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Abu Dhabi $36
Alexandria $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
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Abu Dhabi 6-Hour Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner:
$58
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Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner:
$59
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Evening Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Riding, BBQ Dinner:
$62
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Abu Dhabi Desert Tour With BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride and Belly Dance Hotel Pickup:
$62
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Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner,Belly Dance,Tanura & Fire Dance,Camel Ride:
$65
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Dune Dinner Safari Abu Dhabi:
$69
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4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner:
$69
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Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Experience Live's show's Bbq Dinner & much More:
$73
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Evening Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride and Sand Boarding:
$83
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Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Dinner:
$85
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Sunset Camel Trek and BBQ Dinner with Shows:
$85
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Buffet Dinner Cruise including Transfer from Abu Dhabi:
$86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
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Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up:
$32
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Alexandria Food Tour:
$36
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Amazing Alexandria Food Tour:
$55
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Alexandria Food Tour:
$60
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Sound&light show,Giza pyramids-Dinner on the Nile:
$94
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Abu Dhabi is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $16 per person, per day, on local transportation in Abu Dhabi.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $6.01 per day to get around in Alexandria.
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:
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Abu Dhabi (AUH) to City Center to Airport - Private Transfer:
$48
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Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address):
$58
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Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer:
$50
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Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$100
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Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer:
$100
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Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$199
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Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport):
$58
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Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE:
$22
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Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer:
$22
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Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers:
$30
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Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai City in Luxury Van:
$147
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Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van:
$102
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
$0.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
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Private Airport Transfer: from Alexandria to Borg El Arab Airport (HBE):
$20
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Private transfer from HBE airport to Alexandria Hotel:
$20
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Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Alexandria Hotels:
$20
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Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer:
$33
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Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer:
$36
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Alexandria AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
$36
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One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – Premium:
$37
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One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port - Standard:
$41
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Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer:
$45
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One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport - Standard:
$53
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One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 15 Seater:
$57
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One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport – Premium:
$66
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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Abu Dhabi typically cost an average of $32 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $8.44 per person, per day in Alexandria. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn:
$8.37
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Skip the Line: Admission Ticket Qasr Al Watan:
$16
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City Tour of Abu Dhabi Landmarks:
$22
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Louvre Abu Dhabi Mindful Museum Admission Ticket:
$30
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90-Minute Small-Group Yas Marina Circuit Tour:
$30
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Abu Dhabi Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$31
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Abu Dhabi city tour with Entry ticket to Louvre Museum from Abu Dhabi:
$34
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Skip the Line: Abu Dhabi Park Zoo and Resort Entrance Ticket with Options:
$35
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Abu Dhabi City Tour From Abu Dhabi:
$35
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Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour By Bus:
$37
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4 Hours Abu Dhabi City Tour:
$40
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Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour:
$40
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Online Virtual Tour Of Alexandria and Mt. Vernon:
$19
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Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian:
$23
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half day tour to Montazah Palace and gardens:
$25
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half day tour to The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria):
$27
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Private Day Tour to Alexandria From Alexandria:
$30
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Alexandria Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$31
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Tour in Alex:
$32
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Alexandria Day Tour:
$38
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Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria:
$40
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Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-guided Ride with Optional Boat Cruise Return:
$50
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Alexandria private excursion tour from Cairo:
$50
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Private Day Tour to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Monatazah Palace In Alexandria:
$50
Alcohol
The average person spends about $11 on alcoholic beverages in Abu Dhabi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Alexandria may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $3.25 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:
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Alexandria Bar Hunt: Ye Olde Pub Crawl through Old Town:
$12
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Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour:
$26
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.
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