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

Should you visit Alexandria or Rome?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Rome?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

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


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Alexandria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, while the average daily cost in Rome is $182. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Rome $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Rome $190
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Rome $23
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 to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.14
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $48
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Fiumicino Airport Rome (FCO) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $207
  • Rome Private Transfer To Civitavecchia Sea port: $96
  • Rome hotels to Venice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $293
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Fco Rome airport or Rome : $250
  • Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $164
  • Airport Transfer to Rome City Hotels - Private Car Service: $65
  • Airport transfer: $120
  • All Italy: Private Premium Transfers in Rome: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Van: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $6.46
    Rome $51

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 Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.20
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.29
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.84
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.14
  • Dinner
    $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Rome $39

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
  • Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

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


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $74
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $35
  • Roma Pass
    $32
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $21
  • Segway Tour
    $80

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Rome $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $6.96
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.79
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Rome?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Rome, 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 Rome?

Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome 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 Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Rome. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Alexandria or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome 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 Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rome in the Winter?

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

In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Rome. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rome in the Spring?

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

Alexandria is a little warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Alexandria

Alexandria Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)