A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chania or Alexandria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Alexandria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Chania or Alexandria?

Chania

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Chania is Crete's most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, crisscrossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent harbor. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences. On the other side, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound, with old townhouses now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels. Although all this beauty means the old town is packed with tourists in summer, it's still a great place to unwind. The Venetian Harbor is super for a stroll and a coffee or cocktail. Plus it’s got a university and a modern area to the city, which means that it retains its charm in winter. Indie boutiques and an entire lane dedicated to leather products provide good shopping and, with a multitude of creative restaurants, you’ll likely have some of your best meals on Crete here.

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Chania?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is €16. 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 Chania and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Alexandria 7.49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Alexandria 15
Compare Hotels in Chania and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Chania 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 Chania


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: Chania Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Alexandria 2.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • Arrival Transfer Chania Airport to Chania, Rethimno or Heraklion: $25
  • Bali: Shared Transfer from Chania/Heraklion Airport to Bali: $33
  • Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
  • Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
  • Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
  • Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
  • Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
  • Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
  • Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
  • Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet and transfer: $31
  • Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with Elos Stop and Transfer: $34
  • Falassarna Beach Sunset Trip with Transfer: $36

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:

  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • 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: $251
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • 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: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Chania 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
    Chania 32
    Alexandria 6.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chania

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

  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
  • CHANIA WALKING FOOD TOURS – 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR: $107
  • CHANIA CRETE COOKING CLASSES – 3 HOURS: $107
  • Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic: $118
  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $123
  • From The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages: $123
  • Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $127
  • From Agioi Theodoroi Catamaran Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour: $128
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $131
  • Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video: $214

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
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chania 21
    Alexandria 3.28

Tours and Activities in Chania

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Chania's Turbulent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Discover Chania's Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $11
  • Full-Day Tour Gramvousa Balos Bay from Rethymno with French Guide: $19
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $19
  • Shared Falassarna Beach Tour Visit from Rethymno: $25
  • Skip the Line: Limnoupolis Water Admission Ticket: $27
  • Full Day Guided Botanic Garden Tour in Spili, Preveli and Plakias: $27
  • From Rethymno Areas: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Guided Tour: $27
  • Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta: $29

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
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
  • Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Alexandria 1.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Chania

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:

  • Cretan wine tasting, hosted in French: $91
  • Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings: $144
  • Wines, Olives, and History: A Private Wine Tour from Chania: $791


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Alexandria, we can see that Chania is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chania 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 Chania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chania 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 Chania Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chania or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania or Alexandria?

Chania 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 Chania or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Chania is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chania 26°C (80°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Chania or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

In the autumn, Chania is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Chania or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Alexandria. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Chania or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

Chania is cooler than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Chania usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Chania

Chania Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)