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

Should you visit Alexandria or Thessaloniki?

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

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Thessaloniki?

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Thessaloniki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki


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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Thessaloniki $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:

  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $243
  • 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 Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • 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: $251
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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 $6.46
    Thessaloniki $45

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 Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Thessaloniki $28

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: $174
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $78
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Thessaloniki $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207


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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Thessaloniki?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Thessaloniki. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

Both Thessaloniki 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Thessaloniki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Alexandria

Alexandria Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)