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

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Should you visit Alexandria or Istanbul?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Istanbul?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $21, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $43. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alexandria and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $10
    Istanbul $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $20
    Istanbul $52
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul


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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.16
    Istanbul $2.50
Typical Local Transportation prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Private Airport Transfer: from Alexandria to Borg El Arab Airport (HBE): $20
  • Private transfer from HBE airport to Alexandria Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $20
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $33
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $36
  • Alexandria AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER: $36
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – Premium: $37
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port - Standard: $41
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $45
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport - Standard: $53
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 15 Seater: $57

Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.15
  • Local Bus
    $0.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $109
  • 2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2 Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfer: $56
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Transfers: $500
  • 2m Transfer: $85
  • 4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers: $350
  • 4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer: $474
  • Air Transfer Lines | Airport Transfer Service: $44
  • Airport Transfer, Hotel Tranfer, Shuttle Service, Taxi Service: $26
  • Airport private transfer to hotel and back: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfers from New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $123
  • City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $8.20
    Istanbul $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $32
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $36
  • Amazing Alexandria Food Tour: $55
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $60
  • Sound&light show,Giza pyramids-Dinner on the Nile: $94

Typical Food prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.11
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.03
  • Dessert
    $0.45
  • Pastries
    $0.08

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $29
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer: $34
  • Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ): $35
  • Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive): $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul: $37
  • Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner: $37
  • Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus: $38
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $39
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $4.44
    Istanbul $16

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Online Virtual Tour Of Alexandria and Mt. Vernon: $19
  • Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
  • half day tour to Montazah Palace and gardens: $25
  • half day tour to The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria): $27
  • Private Day Tour to Alexandria From Alexandria: $30
  • Alexandria Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Tour in Alex: $32
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $38
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $40
  • Private Day Tour to Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Monatazah Palace In Alexandria: $50
  • Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-guided Ride with Optional Boat Cruise Return: $50
  • Alexandria private excursion tour from Cairo: $50

Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $1.06
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $1.06
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.53
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.59

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

  • Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines: $8.71
  • VR Dervish Experience: $10
  • Museum of Illusions Istanbul Ticket: $11
  • Piri Self-Guided Audio Tour: Istanbul, Historical Peninsula: $11
  • Old City Insider Walking Tour: $11
  • Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App: $11
  • Basilica Cistern VIP Tickets: $12
  • Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a: $12
  • Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque&Hippodrome Guided Tours Everyday /No que / No line!: $12
  • Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center Entrance Ticket: $14
  • SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket: $14
  • Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.71
    Istanbul $3.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Bar Hunt: Ye Olde Pub Crawl through Old Town: $12
  • Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul: $427

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Istanbul. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July are around 26°C (79°F), and Istanbul is about 24°C (74°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Istanbul. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Istanbul stays around 16°C (61°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alexandria is much warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The temperature in Alexandria is usually 13°C (55°F) in January, and Istanbul stays around 6°C (43°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April are around 19°C (66°F), and Istanbul is about 13°C (55°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Alexandria

Alexandria Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)


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Alexandria vs. Istanbul Travel Comparison

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