Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Beijing?
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 Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Beijing?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $16Beijing $78
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $78. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.85Beijing $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Beijing? 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.44Beijing $7.92
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:
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alexandria Airport Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab: $14
- Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $88
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $258
- 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 Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $27
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.84
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Train from Airport for Two$7.09
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Taxi to Hotel$8.51
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2 Metro Passes$2.27
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Metro$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $75
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $74
- Arrival Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK) to Hotel: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlexandria $6.34Beijing $20
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
- Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.85
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.09
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.84
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Watermelon$1.99
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Gulou (the Drum Tower) of Beijing Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $68
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.43Beijing $25
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
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.56
- Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.56
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.47
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $14
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pick and Drop Off: $14
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pickup and Drop Off: $17
- Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $17
- Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.51
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.93
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Forbidden city +Tianan men square tickets booking with tour: $3.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $5.02
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.50
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.80
- Temple of Heaven Tickets Booking: $7.00
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Confucius Temple and the Impercial College E-ticket: $7.20
- Temple of Earth ticket; Serene, Majestic, Ancient: $7.23
- Beijing：Jingshan Park (Palace Museum Garden) Ticket: $7.38
- Jingshan Park Entry ticket: $7.38
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.32Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $120
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $166
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing 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, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Beijing. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Alexandria is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Beijing. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Beijing. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Alexandria is a little warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.