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

Should you visit Dallas or Alexandria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
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 Dallas or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Alexandria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dallas is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Alexandria is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Alexandria

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Dallas and Alexandria.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dallas or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Alexandria

Dallas 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Alexandria

Dallas is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Dallas or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Dallas
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Alexandria?

Dallas
Alexandria

Both Dallas and Alexandria are high quality shopping destinations.

Dallas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. 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.

Is Dallas or Alexandria Better for Families?

Dallas
Alexandria

Dallas 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 Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Dallas
Alexandria

Both Dallas and Alexandria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dallas
Alexandria

Alexandria is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

Dallas
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Dallas or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Dallas
Alexandria

Alexandria is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Dallas or Alexandria. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Dallas. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Dallas 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 Dallas or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Dallas or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the chic city of Dallas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Alexandria?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dallas or Alexandria?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $202
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $100
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Alexandria -
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $245
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Arts District Private Walking Tour featuring Museums: $135
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

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
  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • 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
    Dallas $12
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

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 Dallas and Alexandria, we can see that Dallas 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 Dallas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dallas 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 Dallas Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Alexandria?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Alexandria. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dallas is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Alexandria averages at 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 Dallas this time of the year. In the summer, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in July than Alexandria. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Dallas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. Dallas is much warmer than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Alexandria. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dallas is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Dallas

Dallas Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)