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

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao 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 Bilbao is $153. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.85
    Bilbao $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Bilbao $162
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.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Bilbao


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.44
    Bilbao $29
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 Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $61
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center Transfer: $115
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastian City Center Transfer: $432
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $71
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $427
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $323
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $323
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $213
  • Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $93
  • Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $60
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Private One way Transfer from Bilbao to Bilbao Airport: $33

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alexandria $6.34
    Bilbao $50

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

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 High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $98
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $104
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $111
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $115
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $115
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $117
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $137
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $159
  • Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $167
  • Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $169
  • Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Dinner: $197

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.43
    Bilbao $32

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

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: $4.37
  • ENJOY PURE HAPPINESS: A PURR-FECT CAT EXPERIENCE !: $7.66
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $21
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $22
  • Bilbao old town walking tour: $22
  • Bilbao Historical Tour: $22
  • Bilbao night tour: $22
  • Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $22
  • Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $29
  • Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $32
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.32
    Bilbao $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $49
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $55
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $81
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $82
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $150
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $180
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $184
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $245
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $256
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $262


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 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, the shopping scene, and the cuisine 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 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)