Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Alexandria or Edinburgh?
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 Edinburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Edinburgh?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $16Edinburgh $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $190. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.85Edinburgh $99
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Edinburgh $198
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Edinburgh
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.44Edinburgh $23
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:
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
- Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $262
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $72
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $27
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
- Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
- Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
-
Local Bus$4.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Van: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $100
- Departure Transfer - Edinburgh City to Edinburgh Airport: $106
- Departure Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $161
- Edinburg: Private Transfer to/from Edinburg Airport and City: $150
- Edinburgh Accommodation to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $78
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Private Transfer to Edinburgh: $231
- Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh Accommodation Arrival Transfer: $60
- Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh Accommodation Round-Trip Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Edinburgh?
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 dayAlexandria $6.34Edinburgh $52
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
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$11
-
Dinner at Filling Station$13
-
Lunch for Two$20
-
Sandwich$2.47
-
Cheese & bread$9.67
-
Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$33
-
2 Coffees and Scones$7.76
-
Turkish Delight$1.87
-
Soup at the Pub$7.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
- Plant-based Food Tours of the Old Town: $72
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $91
- Food Tour with drinks: $111
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $121
- Traditional Scottish Cuisine Food Tour: $124
- A Taste Of Edinburgh Food Tour. Includes All Food & Drinks: $124
- Edinburgh Traditional Food Tour: $126
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $126
- PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith: $234
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.43Edinburgh $27
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
- Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
- 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $185
- 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria: $95
- 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
- Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
- Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
- Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
- Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
- Alexandria Day tour from Alexandria: $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Show Tickets$43
-
Movie Tickets for Two$16
-
Donation for Storytellers$8.02
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Edinburgh Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $3.34
- Audio Tour Royal Mile: from the Castle to "The Tron Kirk": $5.46
- Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.47
- Gothic Quest Experience in Edinburgh: $5.79
- Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.13
- Harry Potter-Themed self-guided tour with app: $7.13
- Edinburgh City of Wizards: Quest Experience: $7.24
- Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Edinburgh/Royal Mile in 1 Day: Walking Tour - Audioguide: $8.20
- Edinburgh Mystery Adventure: The Midnight Body Snatcher: $9.97
- Old Town Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.32Edinburgh $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
-
Beer & Wine$19
-
Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tour & Tasting: $19
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $20
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $26
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $26
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $26
- Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $27
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $27
- Tranent: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting: $27
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $33
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $33
- Pickering's Distillery Tasting Tour (Gin Jolly): $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Edinburgh?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Edinburgh. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Edinburgh in the Autumn?
Both Edinburgh 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, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Alexandria is much warmer than Edinburgh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Edinburgh in the Winter?
Both Edinburgh 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 winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Edinburgh in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.
In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Edinburgh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.