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

Should you visit Aqaba or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Alexandria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Alexandria?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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

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


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Aqaba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 Aqaba and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Alexandria $8.15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Alexandria? 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 Aqaba


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Alexandria $2.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
  • Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
  • Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $165
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Aqaba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
  • Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
  • Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
  • From Amman or Amman Airport : Private transfer to Aqaba city: $106

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:

  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $76
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $255
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $53
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $17
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $17
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $74
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt : $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $42
    Alexandria $6.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $70
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $72
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $88
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Alexandria $3.56

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
  • 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
  • Mosaic Art Experience: $39
  • Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.35
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.35
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $6.40
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Alexandria $1.37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Alexandria, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Alexandria is in Africa, 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Alexandria, 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 Aqaba or Alexandria?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Aqaba or Alexandria in the Summer?

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

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Alexandria averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Alexandria. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Alexandria in the Winter?

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

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Aqaba is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Alexandria in the Spring?

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

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Alexandria. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Aqaba is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Alexandria averages at about 19°C (66°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Aqaba

Aqaba Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)