A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a adventure-filled, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Clearwater and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Clearwater or Alexandria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Clearwater than Alexandria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Clearwater is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Alexandria is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Also, Clearwater is famous for Clearwater Beach. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Clearwater different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Clearwater. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Alexandria?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Both Clearwater and Alexandria have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Clearwater has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Evening events are notable in both Clearwater and Alexandria.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Clearwater. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Alexandria?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Alexandria is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Families?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Clearwater. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Clearwater and Alexandria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.


Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Clearwater or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Clearwater due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

Families should spend more time in Clearwater than Alexandria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Clearwater, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Clearwater if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alexandria.


  • How many days in Clearwater or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Clearwater or Alexandria?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the outdoorsy coastal city of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Alexandria?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Clearwater, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Alexandria?

Clearwater, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Clearwater or Alexandria?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Clearwater and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Pete–Clearwater Airport to Clearwater Beach Round-Trip Transfer: $144
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Alexandria -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Madeira Beach in Florida: $300
  • 2 Hour Sunset Kayak Tour: War Veterans Memorial Park: $59
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
  • 90 Minute Jet Ski Ft Desoto Sand Bar Tour: $159

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Alexandria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Alexandria. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Clearwater is much warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Alexandria. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Clearwater

Clearwater Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)