Should I Visit Alexandria or Dharamsala for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Alexandria or Dharamsala?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Dharamsala?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Dharamsala

With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Religious Tours in India, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India.

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Alexandria Prices
Egypt Prices

Dharamsala Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Alexandria $20

Dharamsala $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $20, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $40. 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 Dharamsala in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Alexandria $7.51

Dharamsala $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Alexandria $15

Dharamsala $44

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Dharamsala

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Dharamsala? 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 Dharamsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Alexandria $2.34

Dharamsala $4.97

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 Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $19
Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $75
Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $84
Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $246
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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 $10

Dharamsala $14

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: $20
Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Alexandria $3.28

Dharamsala $5.39

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.24
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.47
Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $5.96
Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $5.96
From Cairo: Alexandria Like a Local True Authentic Tour: $8.99
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pick and Drop Off: $14
Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $14
Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $14
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pickup and Drop Off: $15

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:

The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $13
Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $24
Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $25
Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $41
Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $41
Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $55
Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $79
Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $95

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Alexandria $1.27

Dharamsala $5.39

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Dharamsala, 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.

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

Should you visit Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Alexandria

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Dharamsala

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

Should you visit Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Alexandria

Dharamsala

Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Dharamsala

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Dharamsala?

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Dharamsala

Subscribe to our Newsletter