A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Columbia or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Alexandria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Columbia or Alexandria?

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

Alexandria

Just minutes from the nation's capital of Washington DC, Alexandria offers a world of rich history and beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th-19th centuries. A city of many interests, attractions range from the old haunts of George Washington and historic architecture to museums, local crafts, and quaint boutiques. With its cobblestoned streets, Old Town of Alexandria is sure to charm as well.

Which city is cheaper, Alexandria or Columbia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Alexandria $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Alexandria $60
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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 Columbia


Hotels in Alexandria


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Columbia Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Also for Alexandria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer: from Alexandria to Borg El Arab Airport (HBE): $20
  • Private transfer from HBE airport to Alexandria Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer from Borg El Arab Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $20
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $33
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $36
  • Alexandria AIRPORT ARRIVAL TRANSFER: $36
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – Premium: $37
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port - Standard: $41
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $45
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport - Standard: $53
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 15 Seater: $57
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport – Premium: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Columbia 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
    Columbia $4.02
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

For Alexandria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $32
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $36
  • Amazing Alexandria Food Tour: $55
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $60
  • Sound&light show,Giza pyramids-Dinner on the Nile: $94

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

Tours and Activities in Columbia

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

  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Online Virtual Tour Of Alexandria and Mt. Vernon: $19
  • Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
  • American Revolution and Civil War Guided Tour: $25
  • half day tour to Montazah Palace and gardens: $25
  • Old Town, 2.5 Hour Haunted Bar Tour: $27
  • half day tour to The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria): $27
  • Private Day Tour to Alexandria From Alexandria: $30
  • Alexandria Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Tour in Alex: $32
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $38
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $40
  • Alexandria private excursion tour from Cairo: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Bar Hunt: Ye Olde Pub Crawl through Old Town: $12
  • Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $26

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Columbia and Alexandria, we can see that Columbia 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 North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Columbia 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 Columbia or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Alexandria.

In the summer, Columbia is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria is about 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 Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Columbia or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Alexandria stays around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. Columbia is much warmer than Alexandria in the winter. The temperature in Columbia is usually 45°F (7°C) in January, and Alexandria stays around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Alexandria.

In the spring, Columbia is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April are around 64°F (18°C), and Alexandria is about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Columbia

Columbia Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Columbia vs. Alexandria Travel Comparison

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