Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Alexandria?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesAlexandria Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Alexandria $25
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $25. 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 Petra and Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Alexandria $9.16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Alexandria $18
Compare Hotels in Petra and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Alexandria $3.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
- Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $88
- Private Transfer From or To Airport, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea: $33
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
-
Taxi to Train Station$0.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport: $20
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $20
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Alamein 1-Way & Round-Trip: $38
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $41
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $41
- Private Transfer to El Alamein from Borg El Arab: $49
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo or Giza Hotels: $68
- Alexandria to Giza & Cairo | Private Hotel or Airport Transfer: $73
- Airport Transfer from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh: $74
- Alexandria to Cairo : Private Transfer 24/7 Service: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Alexandria $13
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two$12
-
Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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 Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Baladi Plates Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sofra Stories Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Alexandria Food Tour Taste The Egyptian Traditional Food: $56
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Alexandria $4.73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
-
Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Petra 3-Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Multilingual Guided Tour in Petra: $90
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $19
- Discover Alexandria Walking Tour: $20
- Half Day Tour to Bibliotheca Alexandrina: $22
- Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $35
- Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $40
- Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $45
- Walking Tour in Alexandria from Alexandria Hotels: $45
- Alexandria Library Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $45
- Greek Heritage Tour of Alexandria Egypt: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Alexandria $1.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Alexandria, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Alexandria?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Alexandria in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Alexandria in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Alexandria. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Alexandria. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Petra or Alexandria in the Winter?
Both Alexandria and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Petra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Petra is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Petra or Alexandria in the Spring?
Both Alexandria and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Petra is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Petra
| Petra | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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 | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.