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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.

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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Rome Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $28
    Rome $237

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $28, while the average daily cost in Rome is $237. 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 $10
    Rome $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $20
    Rome $206
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 $3.76
    Rome $24
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 (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
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $21
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Sphinx Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer Alexandria to Cairo Hotel or Airport: $99
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo: $190
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $56
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

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


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.29
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $51
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Airport Transfer from Fiumicino to Rome City (or viceversa): $104
  • Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Business Car: $101
  • Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $122
  • Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $138
  • Airport Transfer: Rome to Ciampino Airport CIA by Luxury Van: $108
  • Airport Transfers Rome Centre to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino: $64
  • Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $244
  • Airport to Rome Private Transfer: $244
  • Airport transfer Ciampino to Rome: $104
  • Airport transfer from (FCO) to Port or viceversa: $209
  • Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $122
  • Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Car: $161

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 $14
    Rome $96

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 Rome

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.42
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.57
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.03
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $36
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.29
  • Dinner
    $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Rome Gnocchi and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $40
  • Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
  • Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
  • Roman Dinner after History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $44
  • Pizza Cooking Class in Rome - Near Piazza Navona: $45
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Prosecco in Rome: $45
  • Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $45
  • Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $46
  • Cappuccino, Moka and Tiramisù Cooking Class in Central Rome: $47
  • Pesto and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $48
  • The Original Fettuccine & Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $5.24
    Rome $41

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

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)
    $79
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $34
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $86

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • Rome Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided City Tour: $2.28
  • Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems: $3.71
  • Hidden Treasures — A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.63
  • Experience Rome Trevi Fountain with Ticket: $4.64
  • Audio guided tour of the historic center of Rome: $4.64
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour: $4.64
  • Rome:Pantheon Entry Ticket with Hosted Experience and Audio Guide: $5.22
  • Pantheon Admission Ticket : Audio Guide or Guided Tour: $5.79
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • Testaccio: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome's Food Traditions: $6.10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The gods of the Palatine: $6.72
  • Rome Walking Tour 2h40 and 23 audio commentary: $6.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.42
    Rome $21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.43
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.25
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
  • Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $32
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
  • Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $38
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $45
  • Rome Wine Tasting in Monte dei Cocci | Authentic Lazio Wines: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $49
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $52
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
  • Burlesque lessons with the best Italian stars: $58
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $64
  • Rome Bar Crawl: Interactive Night Tour with Games and Karaoke: $75


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)