Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Alexandria or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or La Fortuna?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesLa Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $26La Fortuna $138
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $26, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $138. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $9.66La Fortuna $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $19La Fortuna $114
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.57La Fortuna $23
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 Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Airport: $20
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Alamein 1-Way & Round-Trip: $38
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $41
- Private Transfer to El Alamein from Borg El Arab: $49
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $55
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $55
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo or Giza Hotels: $68
- Alexandria Airport (HBE)to Alexandria-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
- Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Marsa Matrouh: $73
- Alexandria to Giza & Cairo | Private Hotel or Airport Transfer: $73
- Airport Transfer from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh: $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer: $202
- Arenal to Los Suenos Marriott Jaco Private Transfer Service: $230
- Arenal to Papagao Customizable Private Transfer Service: $280
- Arenal to Tamarindo Private 1-Way Door-to-Door Transfer Service: $290
- Costa Rica Scenic Transfer to or from La Fortuna -Arenal Volcano: $50
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $160
- From One way shared transfer to Monteverde: $74
- From Private Transfer to Tamarindo & Conchal: $279
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- From San Jose: One way shared transfer to La Fortuna: $74
- Guided Tour to Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges with Transfer: $79
- La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Hotels to SJO Airport Private Transfer: $195
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 $14La Fortuna $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Half Day Food Tour in Alexandria Egypt: $15
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Baladi Plates Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Alexandria Food Tour Taste The Egyptian Traditional Food: $56
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Traditional cooking lesson with a local family: $37
- Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $38
- Farm to Table Cooking Class: $43
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Traditional cooking class with local family: $50
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $50
- Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience: $60
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Arenal Boat Tour & Pirate Hot Springs Dinner: $69
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Sloth Tour with Cane Juice and Cooking Class: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $4.99La Fortuna $49
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $19
- Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city: $20
- Discover Alexandria Walking Tour: $20
- Half Day Tour to Bibliotheca Alexandrina: $22
- Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride: $35
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $35
- Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $40
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
- Walking Tour in Alexandria from Alexandria Hotels: $45
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE GUARANTEED Sloth Watching Tour: $23
- Café Experience in Bijagua: $25
- Arenal Park Self-Guided Experience: $27
- La Fortuna Herbal Tea Experience and Medicinal Plant Tour: $27
- Sloths Frogs and Wildlife Primary Night Walk Tour: $28
- Sunrise Birdwatching Tour on a Private Reserve: $29
- La Fortuna Night Walk: Sloths, Frogs & Wildlife Tour: $29
- Sloths and Monkeys Guided Tour in Arenal Nature Walk: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- San Carlos: The Art of Chocolate Making Tour at Don Olivo: $30
- Tour of stingless bees and healing honey tasting: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.35La Fortuna $12
Sample the Local Flavors in La Fortuna
Also in La Fortuna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting in Costa Rica: $55
- Wine Tasting Experience: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna is in Central America, 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or La Fortuna?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 1270 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Alexandria or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as La Fortuna. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than La Fortuna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is cooler than La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Alexandria is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than La Fortuna. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Alexandria is generally much colder than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Alexandria
| Alexandria | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.