Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut 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 Beirut 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: Beirut or Alexandria?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Alexandria $7.99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Alexandria $2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
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 Luxor to Alexandria: $242
- Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $255
- 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): $70
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $16
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Alexandria $6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Alexandria $3.50
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Half-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto and Harissa: $35
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Downtown Beirut Walking Tour Including Lunch: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Small Daily Tours in Beirut City: $40
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
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
- 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
- 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
- Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $60
- Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $111
- Alexandria Day Tour from Alexandria: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Alexandria $1.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in The Bekaa Valley: $50
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Private Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $80
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $102
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Alexandria, we can see that Alexandria is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Alexandria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alexandria than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Beirut. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Alexandria?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Beirut or Alexandria in the Summer?
Both Alexandria and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Alexandria. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Beirut is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Alexandria in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Beirut is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Alexandria in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Alexandria. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Beirut is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Alexandria in the Spring?
Both Alexandria and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Beirut is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Alexandria averages at about 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Beirut
| Beirut | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.