Which place is cheaper, Messina or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Messina?
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 Messina can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Messina?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Messina
Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $17Messina $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, while the average daily cost in Messina is $127. 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 Messina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.99Messina $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Messina $140
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Messina
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Messina? 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 Messina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.49Messina $24
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:
- Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:
- From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Messina?
Prices for flights to both Messina 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 $6.46Messina $40
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 Messina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.
- Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
- Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
- Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.50Messina $23
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
- Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38
Tours and Activities in Messina
Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
- 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
- Guided City Highlights Walking Tour: $47
- The Godfather Movie Tour from Messina: $84
- Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
- Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour: $87
- Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared tour: $87
- Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina: $98
- 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
- Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
- Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
- Taormina and Castelmola: Private tour: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.35Messina $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Messina, we can see that Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina 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 Messina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Messina?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Messina, 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 Messina?
Messina 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 Messina in the Summer?
Both Messina and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Messina. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Messina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Messina in the Autumn?
Both Messina and Alexandria during the autumn 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 Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Messina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Messina in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Messina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Messina. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Messina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Messina in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Messina. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year.
In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Messina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Messina and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Messina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.