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

Should you visit Alexandria or Palermo?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Palermo?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo is $99. 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 Palermo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Palermo $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Palermo $120
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Palermo

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Palermo? 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 Palermo


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 Palermo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Palermo $6.04
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 Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

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


  • Bus to Monreale
    $3.21
  • Bus From Airport
    $6.43
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    $1.39
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Airport Transfer Palermo: $59
  • From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $10
  • Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa to Palermo airport, private transfer: $44
  • Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $44
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Palermo Airport to Palermo city or vice versa, private transfer service: $41
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Palermo airport transfer to Grand Hotel et des Palmes: $42
  • 1-Way Bus Transfer to/from Misilmeri: $2.89
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the Airport: $62
  • Bus Transfer to/from Airport and City Center: $6.42
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Palermo?

Prices for flights to both Palermo 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
    Palermo $31

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

Typical Food Prices in Palermo

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Fast Food Lunch
    $5.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Palermo $18

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

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


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    $6.43
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    $13
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Palermo

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $8.56
  • Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $21
  • Fast And Furious Bike Tour in Palermo: $27
  • Palermo storie e segreti: tour tra arte misteri e leggende: $31
  • Panoramic Trip to Mondello by CruiserCar: $32
  • Palermo di sera: tour del centro storico: $32
  • Walking Tour of Historic Markets and Monuments: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Palermo $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    $2.74
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

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

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Palermo?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

Palermo 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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Palermo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Palermo in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Palermo. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Palermo 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Palermo. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Palermo averages at about 20°C (67°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Palermo 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Palermo. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Palermo 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo 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. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Palermo in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Palermo. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Palermo 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Palermo and Alexandria

Alexandria Palermo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)