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

Should you visit Alexandria or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Barcelona?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Alexandria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Barcelona $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona


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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Barcelona $20
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:

  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • 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: $65
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $8.36
  • Airport Bus
    $5.36
  • Metro
    $2.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
  • Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
  • Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
  • Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
  • Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
  • Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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 $6.46
    Barcelona $35

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

Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.45
  • Sandwich
    $1.82
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.07
  • Tapas on the beach
    $8.88
  • Gelatto
    $2.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Barcelona $36

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
  • Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $45
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $9.16
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
  • History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
  • Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
  • Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
  • Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
  • Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
  • Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Barcelona $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
  • Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
  • Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Barcelona?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Barcelona. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Alexandria

Alexandria Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)