Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, 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 Cairo and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.36Alexandria $7.99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Alexandria $16
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 $2.99Alexandria $2.49
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$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $16
- Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
- Cairo Airport Departure Transfer : $25
- Cairo Airport Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Paradise Hotel to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Windsor Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private Transfer to Siwa Oasis from Cairo Going and Coming Back: $125
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Sonesta Hotel Tower : $9.60
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
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 to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $250
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $40
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $16
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 $4.75Alexandria $6.46
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.
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $8.78
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Cairo Night Dinner With Belly Dancer Show With Pickup & Drop Off: $13
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $15
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $18
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $18
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $23
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.Cairo $5.75Alexandria $3.50
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$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cheapest Tour to Wonders Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx : $4.00
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.27
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
- Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop : $4.70
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- Baron Empain Palace Entry Tickets: $5.16
- Entry Ticket to the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace : $5.39
- Skip The Line with Memphis Museum Entry Ticket: $6.53
- Cairo Shopping Tour.: $7.00
- Baron Palace Skip the line Access Entry Tickets: $7.02
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.27
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.10
- Citadel of Qaitbay E-ticket with Audio Tour and City Audio Tour: $12
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.17Alexandria $1.35
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: $59
When comparing the travel costs between Cairo and Alexandria, we can see that Cairo 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.