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

Should you visit Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $26
    Rio de Janeiro $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $26, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $122. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $9.64
    Rio de Janeiro $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $19
    Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro


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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.56
    Rio de Janeiro $8.10
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 (HBE)to Alexandria-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $94
  • Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
  • Pickup Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Alexandria Hotel: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $21
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Cairo Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $111
  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $134
  • Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro: $122
  • Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $73
  • AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
  • Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
  • Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $127
  • Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port to Zona Sul: $64
  • Arrival Transfer Rio Santos Dumont Airport SDU to Costa do Sol: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $35

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
  • GEM and Pyramids Tour with Cruise Dinner From Alexandria Port: $120

Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.60
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.79
  • Hamburger
    $0.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
  • Rio Roots Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $62
  • Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
  • Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
  • Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
  • Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
  • Rio Food Tour: Local Favorites, Hidden Gems & Brazilian Flavors: $96
  • Rio Night Food Tour: Street Food, Local Drinks & Hidden Gems: $96
  • Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
  • Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $4.98
    Rio de Janeiro $22

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
  • 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
  • Alexandria Library Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • Private Day Tour to Giza pyramids and the Egyptian museum from Alexandria by car: $40
  • Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
  • Private Alexandria Tour with Local Guide: $45

Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro

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

  • Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.48
  • Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
  • Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
  • Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.37
  • Discover A Guided Tour: $8.24
  • A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
  • Electric Bike Tour: $16
  • Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.34
    Rio de Janeiro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
  • More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
  • Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
  • Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $50
  • Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
  • Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
  • Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $134


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Alexandria during the autumn 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 Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Rio de Janeiro. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

Alexandria is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Alexandria

Alexandria Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)