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

Should you visit Alexandria or San Juan?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or San Juan?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

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


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Alexandria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.92
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or San Juan? 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 San Juan


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 Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.46
    San Juan $14
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:

  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $253
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $244
  • Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
  • Oneway Transfer- San Juan(SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Río Grande: $68
  • Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $6.39
    San Juan $36

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 Juan

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

  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
  • City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.46
    San Juan $49

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
  • Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
  • Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
  • Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
  • Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • Ron del Barrilito Skip-the-Line Heritage Tour Ticket: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.33
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or San Juan?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and San Juan, 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 Juan?

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 Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Alexandria is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and San Juan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than San Juan. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Alexandria is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as San Juan. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than San Juan. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Alexandria is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than San Juan. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Alexandria is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Alexandria

Alexandria San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)