Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Alexandria?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 Izmir and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Alexandria $7.99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.
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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Alexandria $2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
- Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
- Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
- From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
- From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
- From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Izmir 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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $24Alexandria $6.46
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Alexandria $3.50
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
- Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Alexandria $1.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Alexandria, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Alexandria?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Izmir or Alexandria in the Summer?
Both Alexandria and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alexandria in the Autumn?
Both Alexandria and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
Izmir is cooler than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alexandria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Alexandria. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Alexandria averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alexandria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Alexandria. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
In April, Izmir is generally cooler than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Izmir
| Izmir | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.