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

Should you visit Alexandria or Caen?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Caen?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is $132. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Caen $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Caen $130
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Caen $38
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 Luxor to Alexandria: $243
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen $43

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Caen $20

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
  • National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $174
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $78
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $135

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268

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


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Caen?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Caen, 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 Caen?

Caen 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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Caen. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Caen. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Alexandria during the winter 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 museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. Alexandria is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Caen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Caen. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Alexandria

Alexandria Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)