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

Should you visit Alexandria or Durban?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Durban?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Durban

The third largest city in South Africa, Durban sits on the east coast of the country in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city also has the country's most active port. The city's comfortable weather and vast beaches make it one of the country's major tourist centers. There's a population of about 3.5 million in the entire metropolitan area that spreads over 2,295 square kilometers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Durban 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 Durban is $52. 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 Durban in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Durban $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Durban $48
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Durban

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Durban? 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 Durban


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 Durban Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Durban $13
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:

  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $243
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • 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
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

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

  • 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer: Durban City to Durban Airport DUR by Business Car: $76
  • Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Durban Cruise Ship Transfers : $39
  • Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • From Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Overnight Safari w/ Transfer: $500
  • Private Sedan Transfers - Durban King Shaka: $35
  • Private Transfers - Minibus - Durban Arrivals and Departures: $32
  • Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Durban?

Prices for flights to both Durban 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
    Durban $16

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 Durban

For Durban, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Durban: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Durban $16

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 Durban

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Durban.

  • 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.33
  • Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $8.00
  • 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $8.00
  • Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.41
  • Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise in Durban: $8.68
  • Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $10
  • Luxury Harbour Ocean Boat Cruise: $11
  • Durban Walking Tour: $26
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens: $42
  • Durban City Sightseeing Tour: $43
  • Durban:Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Durban $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Durban

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

  • Bar Crawl in Durban : $36


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Durban?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Durban. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Durban, 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 Durban?

Durban 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 Durban in the Summer?

Both Durban and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as Durbanin January. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Durban fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

Durban gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Durbanin January. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Durban receives 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Durban 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Durban in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Durban. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Durban in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Durban fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Durbanin April. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Durban receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Durban 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Durban in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Durban. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Alexandria is cooler than Durban. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Durban averages at about 17°C (62°F)in July.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Durbanin July. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Durban receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Durban 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Durban in the Spring?

Both Durban and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

In April, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as Durbanin October. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Durban fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Durbanin October. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Durban receives 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Durban 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Durban and Alexandria

Alexandria Durban
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 102 mm (4 in)