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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Alexandria?

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dubai Prices
    UAE Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    Egypt Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubai $289
    Alexandria $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $20. 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 Dubai and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Alexandria $7.55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Alexandria $15
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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 Dubai


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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Alexandria $2.35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

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

  • Deep Dive Experience in Dubai Ticket with Transfer Option: $167
  • Dining Experience at Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa With Transfers: $185
  • Dubai Airport Transfer Experience: $126
  • Dubai City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $210
  • Dubai Frame Admission Tickets With Transfers Option: $24
  • Inside Burj Al Arab Tour with Gold Cappuccino and Transfer: $190
  • Wild Wadi Water Park with Round-Trip Transfers: $170
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1 Hour Self-Drive ATV Experience with Shared Transfer : $90
  • 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
  • 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $142
  • 2 Way Transfer Dubai Miracle Garden and Return: $49

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:

  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $202
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $83
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $76
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $51
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Dubai 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
    Dubai $96
    Alexandria $11
Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

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

  • Al-Seef Premium Dinner Cruise: $12
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $14
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Waterfront Dubai: $17
  • Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $17
  • Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $17
  • Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner: $19
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek with pickup & drop off: $19

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: $20
  • Private Half Day Food Tour in Alexandria Egypt : $20
  • Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
  • Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Alexandria $3.30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

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

  • Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket: $5.45
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.29
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.81
  • Old Dubai Historic Guided Tour: Creek, Street Food & Souks: $8.00
  • Old Town, Souks, Street Food, Guided Tour & Abra Ride: $9.00
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Dubai Old Town Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $11
  • Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket: $11
  • Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket: $11
  • Global Village Entrance Skip the Tickets Line : $11
  • OliOli® Children Museum Admission Tickets: $12
  • Ancient Dubai, Hidden Gems, Souks and Museums Tour: $12

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alamain Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port : $160
  • National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
  • Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $174
  • 2 Days-Alexandria & Pyramids Tour + Museum (Start Cairo Or Alex): $125
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $78
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Alexandria $1.27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $54
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $59
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110


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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Alexandria?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dubai or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Alexandria. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Alexandria. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Dubai is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Dubai

Dubai Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)