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

Should you visit Alexandria or Riga?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Riga?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

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


Which place is cheaper, Riga or Alexandria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $28, while the average daily cost in Riga is $139. 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 Riga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $10
    Riga $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $20
    Riga $118
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Riga

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Riga? 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 Riga


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 Riga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.76
    Riga $11
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 or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $21
  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Airport: $30
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Alamein 1-Way & Round-Trip: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $42
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to El Alamein/Marassi: $47
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo Airport: $49
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $56
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Marsa Matrouh: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $122
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $122
  • Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $52
  • Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $71
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
  • One way Riga to Vilnius Sightseeing Transfer: $145
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
  • Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Riga?

Prices for flights to both Riga 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
    Riga $65

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
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
  • Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria: $56
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
  • GEM and Pyramids Tour with Cruise Dinner From Alexandria Port: $120

Typical Food Prices in Riga

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


  • Fast Food Lunch
    $6.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
  • Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $125
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $126
  • Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
  • Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $5.24
    Riga $16

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $19
  • Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city: $20
  • Half Day Tour to Bibliotheca Alexandrina: $22
  • Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
  • Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $35
  • Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $35
  • Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
  • Grand Egyptian museum, GEM Tour with a Licensed Private Guide: $40
  • Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
  • Alexandria Library Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $40

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • Old Riga E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide, 45 min: $7.31
  • Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $8.12
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
  • Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
  • Riga Old Town Self Guided Tour with Cat Route: $9.28
  • Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
  • Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
  • Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
  • Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
  • Riga Panorama trip – Golden Autumn | River Cruises Latvia: $11
  • Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
  • Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.42
    Riga $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

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

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
  • Riga Pub Crawl: $41
  • Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
  • Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
  • Latvian Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting: $52
  • Riga Nightlife Pub Crawl for Travelers Age 50 Plus: $52
  • Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $74
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
  • Shooting Range and Old Town Pub Crawl: $106


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Riga?

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

Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Riga fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Riga. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Riga 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Riga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Riga. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Riga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Riga 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Riga in the Winter?

Both Riga 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, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Riga averages at about -5°C (23°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Riga. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Riga -5°C (23°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Riga in the Spring?

Both Riga 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Riga fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Riga 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Riga and Alexandria

Alexandria Riga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)