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

Should you visit Alexandria or Philadelphia?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Philadelphia?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.85
    Philadelphia $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.44
    Philadelphia $28
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: $45
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $262
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $72
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $27
  • Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $361
  • Philadelphia City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $193
  • Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $138
  • Philadelphia int Airport Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $70
  • Philadelphia to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport(JFK) - Departure Private Transfer : $176
  • Philadelphia to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer : $173
  • One Way Private Airport Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $97
  • Private Transfer: Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL in in Business Car: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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 $6.34
    Philadelphia $49

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
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia

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


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
  • Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
  • South Philly Non-Touristy Food Tour by local Food Writer: $57
  • Secret Food Tour: $58
  • Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market : $59
  • 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $65
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
  • Chef-Led Italian Market Food Tour: $75
  • Chef-Led Italian Market Food Tour: $80
  • Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.43
    Philadelphia $28

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
  • Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $185
  • 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria: $95
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
  • Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
  • Alexandria Day tour from Alexandria: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
  • Solve the Case Quest Experience in Philadelphia: $7.24
  • Philadelphia 76ers Basketball Game Ticket: $7.42
  • Philadelphia 76ers Basketball Game Ticket at Wells Fargo Center: $7.53
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Allentown: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Allentown by Wacky Walks: $10
  • National Liberty Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Discover Fantastic Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Iconic Walking Tour of Historic Sights: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.32
    Philadelphia $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

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

  • Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
  • Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
  • Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Philadelphia?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Alexandria or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alexandria is much warmer than Philadelphia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Philadelphia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphia. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Philadelphia in the Spring?

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

In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Alexandria

Alexandria Philadelphia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)