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

Should you visit Alexandria or Rotterdam?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Rotterdam?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is $200. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.65
    Rotterdam $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $15
    Rotterdam $162
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Rotterdam

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam


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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.38
    Rotterdam $27
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 Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $259
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $253
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $248
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $240
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $85
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $78
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $45
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Rotterdam: $7.69
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $291
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $269
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $167
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $237
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $140
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $205
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $172
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $140
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $169
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Rotterdam?

Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam $97

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour: $73
  • Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide - the best vegan spots: $79
  • Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $79
  • #1 Food Tour in eat & enjoy with a local guide: $81
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour by Bike: $94
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $96
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $96
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $118
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $159
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $269

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.35
    Rotterdam $33

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
  • 2 Days-Alexandria & Pyramids Tour + Museum (Start Cairo Or Alex): $125
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
  • Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
  • Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
  • Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $86
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $60
  • Alexandria Day Tour from Alexandria: $38

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.

  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.22
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.31
  • Breda: The True Lord Quest Experience: $6.99
  • Explore Gouda with Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $7.47
  • Rotterdam in 1 Day: Walking Tour with Digital Guide: $7.93
  • Rotterdam City of Spies Exploration Game and Self Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Rotterdam in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $8.08
  • Breda in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $8.08
  • Delfshaven Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Rotterdam’s Old Town: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese: $9.99
  • Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
  • 1-day RET Public Transport Ticket: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.29
    Rotterdam $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

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

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $7.93
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Rotterdam?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alexandria is much warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Alexandria is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Rotterdam. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.

Alexandria is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Alexandria

Alexandria Rotterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)