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

Should you visit Alexandria or Marbella?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Marbella?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Marbella 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 Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Marbella $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Marbella? 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 Marbella


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 Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Marbella $26
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 transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $243
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • 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
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella 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
    Marbella $41

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 Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Marbella $21

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 Marbella

For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Marbella $6.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Marbella?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Marbella, 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 Marbella?

Marbella 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 Marbella in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Marbella. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Marbella. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Marbella 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Marbella in the Autumn?

Both Marbella 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, many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Marbella in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Marbella. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Marbella 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Marbella in the Winter?

Both Marbella 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, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Marbella averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Marbella. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Marbella 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Marbella in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Marbella. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Marbella. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Marbella 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Marbella and Alexandria

Alexandria Marbella
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)