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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 $20, while the average daily cost in Riga is $128. 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 $7.65
    Riga $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $15
    Riga $108
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 $2.38
    Riga $10
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 Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab: $14
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $78
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $84
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $238

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 Minivan: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Sedan Car: $34
  • Comfort Private Transfer From Riga to Jurmala Resort: $59
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $147
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $336
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $451
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $419
  • From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $226
  • From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $179
  • Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $79
  • Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $81
  • Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport RIX: $78

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 $11
    Riga $60

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 Riga

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


  • Fast Food Lunch
    $6.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $51
  • Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $63
  • Delicious Pizza Masterclass: $64
  • Unique Guided Walking & Food Tour: $100
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $107
  • Medieval Dinner on the 12th Century at Rozengrals: $117
  • Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $137
  • Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.35
    Riga $14

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
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.42
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.42
  • Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.42
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.65
  • Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.09
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.09
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.09
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $6.09
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off : $14
  • Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $14

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • Riga Art Nouveau Exploration Game and Tour: $4.73
  • Riga's Architecture: A self-guided audio tour of the city's art nouveau history: $5.20
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.35
  • Sliven: Open Air Ethnographic Museum ETAR Entry Ticket: $7.56
  • Riga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.08
  • Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.61
  • Art Nouveau in Written & Audio Guides Tour: $8.62
  • Boat Sightseeing Tour with Mulled Wine: $8.93
  • Latvian History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Riga’s Old Town: $8.99
  • Riga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $9.44
  • Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $9.68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.29
    Riga $21

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: $18
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $32
  • Riga Pub Crawl: $37
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide! : $38
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $45
  • Game Night & Pub Crawl: $46
  • Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $53
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $54
  • Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $74
  • Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting and Cocktails: $93


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)