Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria or San Jose?
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 San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or San Jose?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $16San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.92San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or San Jose? 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.
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 San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.46San Jose $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $244
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $253
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer San José Airport - La Fortuna: $180
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $170
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $177
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $158
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $181
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $136
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO) to Puntarenas city-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $83
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlexandria $6.39San Jose $18
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.46San Jose $21
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
- National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
- 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
- 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
- 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria: $95
- 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
- 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: $60
Tours and Activities in San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Entrance Ticket to the Farm of Hacienda Orosi: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Hacienda Orosi: $21
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Roasting and Cupping Coffee Experience: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Tour: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $33
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.33San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 San Jose is in Central 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or San Jose?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and San Jose, 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 San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Alexandria or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as San Jose. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Alexandria is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than San Jose. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Alexandria is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is much colder than San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than San Jose. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Alexandria is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Alexandria
| Alexandria | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.