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

Should you visit Eilat or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Alexandria?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Eilat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $142, 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 Eilat and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $94
    Alexandria $7.92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $188
    Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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 Eilat


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Alexandria $2.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

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

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

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 Luxor to Alexandria: $244
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $253
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Eilat 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
    Eilat $36
    Alexandria $6.39

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.
    Eilat $16
    Alexandria $3.46

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $65
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
  • National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
  • 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria: $95
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117
  • Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $135
  • Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Alexandria $1.33


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


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat 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 Eilat or Alexandria in the Summer?

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

Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Alexandria. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is a little warmer than Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Alexandria in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Eilat is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Alexandria in the Winter?

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

Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Eilat is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Alexandria in the Spring?

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

In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Eilat is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Eilat

Eilat Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)