Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Bilbao?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $17Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.99Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Bilbao? 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 and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.49Bilbao $28
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 to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $209
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $6.46Bilbao $48
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.50Bilbao $31
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
- Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.35Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Bilbao?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao 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, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Alexandria is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the winter, Alexandria is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Bilbao. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.
In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.