Should I Visit Alexandria or Quito for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Alexandria or Quito?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Quito?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Quito

Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.

Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.

Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.

Which place is cheaper, Quito 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

Quito Prices
Ecuador Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Alexandria $20

Quito $66

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $20, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Quito in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Alexandria $7.51

Quito $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Alexandria $15

Quito $44

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Quito? 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 Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Alexandria $2.34

Quito $6.99

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:

Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $82
Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $19
Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $75
Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $251
Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $246

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:

Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel

$10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:

Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $60
Airport Transfer in Quito: $20
Express Transfer: Mariscal Sucre Airport to Quito: $34
From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $169
Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
Private Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel : $57
Private Transfer from Quito Airport : $30
Private Transfer from or to Quito Airport (one way): $20
Private Transfers Quito to Tena: $65
Private Transpor for tours, transfers, visits, etc, for 8 hours: $165
Private transfer in or out Quito airport. Bilingual guide-driver: $48
Private transfer to Mindo: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito 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 $10

Quito $34

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: $20
Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

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

Old Town Highlights & Food Tour: $29
3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $39
Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
Quito Cooking Class Shared Experience: $59
Ecuador Food Tour: $69
Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
Ecuadorian Cooking Class with a chef and Local Market: $89
Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95
Quito Private Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
Ecuadorian Cooking Classes in Quito at the Terrace: $120

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Alexandria $3.28

Quito $16

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.24
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.47
Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $5.96
Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $5.96
From Cairo: Alexandria Like a Local True Authentic Tour: $8.99
Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $14
Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $14
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pick and Drop Off: $14
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Ticket with Pickup and Drop Off: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two

$8.00

Tours and Activities in Quito

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

Night Tour in Quito with free time at La Ronda Street: $15
2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
Middle of the World Tour with Tickets: $25
Quito : Must-see Sites Walking Tour With A Guide: $28
Explore Old Town Sightseeing, Food, Culture Small Group Walking Tour: $29
Walking Tour Quito: $30
Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
Private custom tour with a local guide: $31
Quito : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $31
Shared middle of the world monument tour : $32
Middle of the World Tour with entrances every day: $35
Middle of the World and Volcano Tour: $35

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Alexandria $1.27

Quito $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:

Beers for Two

$9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Quito

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

Half-day tour to high altitude vineyards and wine tasting: $45
Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour: $130

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Quito?

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

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

Should you visit Alexandria or Quito?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Quito?

Alexandria

Quito

Which place is cheaper, Quito or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Quito

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Quito?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Tours and Activities in Quito

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Sample the Local Flavors in Quito

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Quito?

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Quito

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

Should you visit Alexandria or Quito?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Quito?

Alexandria

Quito

Which place is cheaper, Quito or Alexandria?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Quito

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Quito?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Tours and Activities in Quito

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Sample the Local Flavors in Quito

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Quito?

Related Articles for Alexandria

Related Articles for Quito

Subscribe to our Newsletter