A Travel Price Comparison for Egypt Aswan vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aswan or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Aswan or Alexandria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Aswan or Alexandria?

Aswan

Lounging along the Nile like Egyptian royalty is a fantasy for most world travelers. If you want to do it without the hustle and bustle of Cairo, there's always Aswan. This city in the south of Egypt is the smallest of the three major cities on the Nile. Located just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Aswan's 275,00 people include a large portion of Nubians – mostly resettled from their flooded homeland.

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 10-Day Tours in Egypt, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours in Egypt, and The Best River Cruises in Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Aswan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Aswan Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Aswan $19
    Alexandria $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Aswan is $19, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $20. 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 Aswan and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aswan $6.37
    Alexandria $7.55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aswan $13
    Alexandria $15
Compare Hotels in Aswan and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Aswan 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 Aswan


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: Aswan Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aswan $4.09
    Alexandria $2.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aswan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aswan:

  • Aswan to Luxor Private Car Transfer: $80
  • Private Aswan Airport Transfer To Hotel : $10
  • Private Transfer from Aswan to Luxor: $60
  • "Aswan to Hurghada: Luxe Private Transfer - Comfort Guaranteed ": $120
  • Arrival Transfer from Aswan Airport to Hotels or Nile Cruise: $40
  • Arrival Transfer from Aswan Airport to Hotels or Nile Cruise in Aswan: $8.00
  • Aswan Airport Arrival Transfer: $16
  • Aswan Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Aswan Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Aswan Airport Transfer: $24
  • Aswan Airport Transfer To Hotel: $7.93
  • Aswan Airport Transfer to Hotels in Aswan: $35

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 Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
  • Alexandria Airport Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab: $14
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $19
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $48
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $83
  • Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
  • Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $248
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $253

Is it cheaper to fly into Aswan or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Aswan 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
    Aswan $9.36
    Alexandria $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aswan

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

  • Nubian Dinner in Nubian Village Of Aswan: $40
  • Private Nubian Dinner at Nubian Village in Aswan: $44
  • Nubian Dinner at the Nubian village : $47
  • Nubian Dinner at Nubian Village: $49
  • Dinner on board a cruise on the Nile: $59
  • Private 3-Hour Nubian Party with Dinner and Pickup in Aswan: $77
  • Aswan Sunset Dinner Cruise: $80

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
  • Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
  • Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
  • Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aswan $5.77
    Alexandria $3.30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Aswan

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Aswan are as follows:


  • Temple Kom Ombo for Two
    $1.19

Tours and Activities in Aswan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aswan are as follows:

  • Nubian Museum Magic: Private Tour in Aswan's Heart: $12
  • Philae Temple Complex Skip the Line Entry Ticket: $13
  • Temple Of Kalabsha Entry Tickets Included Pickup And Drop Off: $14
  • Day Trip to Nubian Village with Camel Tour: $15
  • Unfinished Obelisk Entry Tickets Included Pickup And Drop Off: $18
  • Horse Carriage Ride with a Private Tour in Aswan: $20
  • Aswan full day tour phile temple unfinished obelisk high dam : $20
  • Day Trip to Nubian Village with Camel Tour from Aswan: $20
  • City Tour in Aswan by Bicycle : $21
  • From The Unfinished Obelisk Private Tour: $21
  • The Magical Experience of Philae Temple Sound and Light Show: $24
  • Private Day Tour In The Nubian Village In Aswan: $25

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.26
  • Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.26
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.26
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.49
  • Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.01
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Tickets: $6.01
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.01
  • From Cairo: Alexandria Like a Local True Authentic Tour: $9.99
  • Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket with Pick up and Drop Off: $14
  • Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aswan $1.17
    Alexandria $1.27


When comparing the travel costs between Aswan and Alexandria, we can see that Alexandria 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. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aswan Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aswan or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aswan. When comparing the sizes of Aswan 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.