Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Varanasi?
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 Varanasi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Varanasi?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $28Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $28, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $10Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $20Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.73Varanasi $4.38
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:
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $55
- Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $274
- Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Cairo: $125
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $42
- Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $54
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $56
- Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
- Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Cairo Airport: $100
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.85
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Rickshaw Ride$0.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
- Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $33
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi 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 $14Varanasi $11
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: $20
- Private Half Day Food Tour in Alexandria Egypt: $20
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $56
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
- GEM and Pyramids Tour with Cruise Dinner From Alexandria Port: $120
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $39
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $5.21Varanasi $9.30
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
- 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $89
- 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
- 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
- Alamain Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port: $160
- 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: $68
- Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $121
- Alexandria Day Tour: $110
- Alexandria Day Tour – Explore the City's Top Attractions!: $83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.74
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $11
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Varanasi Pedal Rickshaw Tours: $13
- Private Yoga Experience in Varanasi: $15
- Varanasi Tuk Tuk Tour: $16
- Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17
- Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17
- Varanasi on Tuk Tuk (2 hours offbeat famous travel experience): $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.41Varanasi $6.96
When comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Varanasi, we can see that Varanasi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Alexandria is in Africa and Varanasi is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Varanasi?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Varanasi, 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.
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.