Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Cairo?
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 Cairo or Alexandria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Alexandria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Cairo or Alexandria?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in Egypt, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Egypt.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesAlexandria Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $20Alexandria $20
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $20, 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 Cairo and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $8.79Alexandria $7.50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $18Alexandria $15
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.80Alexandria $2.33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $3.47
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Paradise Hotel to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $8.00
- Private Transfer from Cairo international Airport and Hotel: $10
- Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Transfers From Cairo Airport: $13
- 01 way Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Your Hotel in Cairo: $13
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $13
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $24
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $60
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:
- Alexandria Hotel to Sphinx Airport Private Transfer: $66
- Alexandria Airport (HBE)to Alexandria-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
- Alexandria Airport Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab: $14
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $35
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $91
- Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $23
- Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $6.40
- 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: $56
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $134
- Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Cairo 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 dayCairo $7.71Alexandria $10
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV and Nile Dinner Cruise with Belly dancer show: $5.00
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $6.54
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $6.54
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $7.50
- VIP Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,CamelRide,Shopping&DinnerCruise: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show With Pickup : $9.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.39Alexandria $3.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.79
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.09
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half day tour in Giza pyramids , sphinx , panorama: $2.50
- Private tour to the Pharaonic Village and Khan El Khalili Market: $3.25
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $3.75
- Best cairo tours visit to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $4.00
- private tour Great pyramids , and Egyptian Museum,Khan ElKhalili : $4.00
- Cairo Half day tours to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $4.00
- Private Day tour to Giza pyramids and Sphinx : $4.00
- Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $4.00
- Your VIP Giza Tour: Pyramids, Camels & Authentic Egyptian food: $4.00
- Private Yacht Tour in the Heart of Red Sea : $4.50
- Private Day Tour Giza Pyramids and Egyptian museum (OR) GEM : $4.50
- Giza pyramids ,Sphinx ,Valley Temple Private tours : $5.00
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Alexandria Horse Carriage Tour : $21
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $24
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
- From Cairo: Alexandria Like a Local True Authentic Tour: $30
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $32
- Guided City Walking Tour: $35
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride : $35
- Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
- Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
- Alexandria Library Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.10Alexandria $1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $61
When comparing the travel costs between Cairo 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 Cairo Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Alexandria?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo 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 Cairo or Alexandria in the Summer?
Both Alexandria and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Alexandria in the Autumn?
Both Alexandria and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Alexandria. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cairo is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Alexandria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Cairo is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Alexandria averages at about 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Alexandria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Alexandria. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Alexandria. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Cairo
| Cairo | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 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) |
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.