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

Should you visit Alexandria or Marseille?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Marseille?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Marseille Prices
    France Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $26
    Marseille $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $26, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $201. 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 Marseille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $9.66
    Marseille $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $19
    Marseille $160
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Marseille

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Marseille? 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 Marseille


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 Marseille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.57
    Marseille $32
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: $55
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $256
  • Private Transfer to El Alamein from Borg El Arab: $49
  • Private Transfer from HBE APT to North Coast: $175
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Marsa Matrouh: $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Alamein 1-Way & Round-Trip: $38
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo or Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Airport: $20
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille

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


  • Metro Pass
    $3.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

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

  • Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille by Business Car: $114
  • Cruise Port ↔ Marseille Provence Airport Transfer: $109
  • DE Marseille - Avignon airport transfer service: $235
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Arles city - Arrival Private Transfer: $157
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $176
  • Marseille Airport (MRS) to Marseille- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
  • Marseille Airport (MRS): Transfer to Marseille Cruise Port: $223
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to Cruise Port: $160
  • Marseille Airport Transfer to St Rémy de Provence: $244
  • Marseille Airport Transfer: Private Chauffeur Service: $90
  • Marseille Airport and Cruise port private transfer: $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Marseille?

Prices for flights to both Marseille 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 $14
    Marseille $82

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

Typical Food Prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    $2.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

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

  • Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $37
  • Food Tour Marseille Local specialities only With a local: $79
  • Marseille Food Tour – Full Meal of Local Tastes by Do Eat Better: $85
  • Marseille Guided Food Tour with 10 Locals Favorites Tastings: $109
  • Aix-en-Provence 3-Hour Walking Food Tour: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $4.99
    Marseille $43

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
  • Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $68
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $68
  • Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $85
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $110
  • Alexandria Day Tour – Explore the City's Top Attractions!: $80
  • Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40

Tours and Activities in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.44
  • Marseille Noailles District Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.49
  • Marseille Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.73
  • Marseille Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $6.17
  • entry ticket to the Sky Center panoramic terrace: $17
  • Château D’If Entry Ticket: $17
  • Mucem Fast-Track Entry Ticket and Le Panier Audio Tour: $18
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $23
  • Cosquer Cave Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $28
  • Guided Tour of CEPAC: $32
  • Marseille Guided Tour for 2.5 Hours with a Bilingual Local Guide: $40
  • Marseille Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Marseille $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

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

  • Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $29
  • Short Day Tour around Aix en Provence and Wine Tasting: $137
  • Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $172
  • Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $182
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $183
  • From Marseille Cruise Port : Avignon & Wine Tasting: $185
  • Marseille Highlights & Wine Tasting Day Tour from Marseille: $194
  • Bandol & Cassis Rosé Wine Tour from Marseille: $200
  • Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour: $209
  • Cassis, Bandol, Le Castellet wine tour: Cliffs and Vineyards: $407
  • Marseille Vieux Port & Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $1,222


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Marseille?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

Marseille 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 Marseille in the Summer?

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

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Marseille in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Marseille 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille 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 Marseille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Marseille averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Marseille. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Alexandria or Marseille in the Winter?

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

In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Alexandria usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Marseille. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Marseille 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Marseille in the Spring?

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

Alexandria is a little warmer than Marseille in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Marseille. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Marseille 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Marseille and Alexandria

Alexandria Marseille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)