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

Should you visit Alexandria or Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Saint Petersburg?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is $64. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $8.15
    Saint Petersburg $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Saint Petersburg $72
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.54
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

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


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $246
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $260
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt : $160
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $74
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $17
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $17
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $53
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $255
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $76
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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 $6.58
    Saint Petersburg $19

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
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $36
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.56
    Saint Petersburg $18

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alamain Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port : $160
  • Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
  • Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $178
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria: $95
  • 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $135
  • Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.37
    Saint Petersburg $9.81


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Saint Petersburg. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Alexandria during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about -8°C (18°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Saint Petersburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Alexandria

Alexandria Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)