A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Arles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria or Arles?

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 Alexandria and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Arles?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Arles is $158. 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 Alexandria and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.85
    Arles $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Arles $158
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Arles? 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.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Arles


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.44
    Arles $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
  • Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $27
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $72
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $262
  • transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Alexandria 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alexandria $6.34
    Arles $58

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
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    $5.02
  • Ice Cream
    $1.12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.43
    Arles $34

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.53
  • Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the City’s Secrets: $5.00
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.41
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.41
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $14
  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $14
  • Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $14
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pick and Drop Off: $14
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $16
  • Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $6.14

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.80
  • Arles Vincent Van Gogh Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Arles Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Arles : Walking tour Arles in Vincent Van Gogh's Footsteps: $38
  • Arles gourmet food walking tour: Discover Camargue's flavors: $38
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $120
  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $192
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $207
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $211
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $307
  • Arles - Private Historic Walking Tour: $494
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.32
    Arles $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Arles is in Europe, 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Alexandria Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Arles?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Arles, 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 Alexandria or Arles?

Arles has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Arles. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Arles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Arles. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Arles. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Alexandria

Alexandria Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)