Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Cape Town?
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 Cape Town can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Cape Town?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $17Cape Town $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $96. 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 Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.99Cape Town $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Cape Town $76
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.49Cape Town $17
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:
- 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 Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers To Hermanus: $217
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $17
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $176
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $146
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $228
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $201
- 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $176
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $53
- 1-3 Passenger Private Cape Town - Airport Transfer: $27
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $16
- 4-7 Passenger Private Cape Town - Airport Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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 $6.46Cape Town $41
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 Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- African Cooking with a Chef Founder: $27
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $27
- Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $40
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $54
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $60
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $61
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $75
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.50Cape Town $23
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 Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.20
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.52
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $4.00
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.07
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.24
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.24
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.22
- Private Guided Tour of Cape Town Diamond Museum: $5.33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.35Cape Town $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.36
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $19
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $24
- Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $27
- From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $37
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $43
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $46
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $48
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $50
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town 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 Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cape Town?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?
Cape Town 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 Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Cape Town. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Cape Townin January. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Cape Townin January. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Alexandria is a little warmer than Cape Town in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.
In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Cape Townin April. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town 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.
In the winter, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Cape Town. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cape Town averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.
Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
In April, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Cape Townin October. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Cape Townin October. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.