Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Alexandria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Alexandria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Alexandria?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Alexandria €15
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is €15. 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 Athens and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Alexandria €7.30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Alexandria €15
Compare Hotels in Athens and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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.
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: Athens Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Alexandria €2.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $36
- Athens Airport To Piraeus Port / Hotel Private Luxury Transfer : $44
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $77
- Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
- Santorini Airport JTR Private Transfer with Wi-Fi: $33
- "Luxurious Transfer": $48
- Accessible Private Transfer WAV from Athens Airport to Port Rafina: $43
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $136
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $88
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $121
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Luxury car: $108
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:
- Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $261
- Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $247
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $160
- Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
- Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $74
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $72
- 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
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Alexandria €5.89
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $47
- Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $55
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $66
- Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $66
- Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $66
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $66
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $69
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $72
- Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour: $75
- Athens Evening Food Tour: $78
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $78
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 taste the Egyptian traditional food: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Alexandria €3.19
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.79
- Ancient Athens Quest Experience: $6.12
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.67
- Athens Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.69
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Greek Mythology Quest Experience in Athens: $7.23
- Neighborhood of the Gods Smarthphone GPS APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $7.80
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $8.90
- On the prowl- Cats of Athens Plaka, Self-Guided audio tour on your Phone: $8.90
- Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $8.91
- Ancient Agora of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alamain Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port : $160
- National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
- Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
- 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $80
- Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
- Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
- Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
- Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
- Alexandria Day Tour from Alexandria: $38
- Alexandria Day tour from Aexandria port (Archeological): $100
- Alexandria Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage ride By Night: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Alexandria €1.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $18
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Nightclub Access: $20
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Athens, Greece: $25
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $55
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $55
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $56
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $61
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Athens with Tasting: $81
- Premium Santorini Wine Tasting: $105
- Santorini Wine Tasting and Wine Museum: $110
- Santorini Half Day Wine Tasting & Winery Tour with Pickup: $166
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Alexandria, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Alexandria?
Athens 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 Athens or Alexandria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Athens is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in July than Alexandria. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Athens or Alexandria in the Autumn?
Both Alexandria and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Athens or Alexandria in the Winter?
Both Alexandria and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
In January, Athens is generally cooler than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Athens or Alexandria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Alexandria. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Athens is cooler than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Athens
| Athens | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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.