A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Washington or Alexandria?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Alexandria

Just minutes from the nation's capital of Washington DC, Alexandria offers a world of rich history and beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th-19th centuries. A city of many interests, attractions range from the old haunts of George Washington and historic architecture to museums, local crafts, and quaint boutiques. With its cobblestoned streets, Old Town of Alexandria is sure to charm as well.

Which city is cheaper, Alexandria or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Alexandria $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Alexandria $60
Compare Hotels in Washington and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Alexandria -
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Private transfer from or to IAD , DCA , PHL , MDT airports , VA and Philadelphia: $320
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $218
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168
  • Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

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

  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo International Airport-25 Seater: $381
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo International Airport-15 Seater: $258
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo International Airport –Premium: $226
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo International Airport-Standard: $183
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt: $128
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 25 Seater: $117
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $96
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport – 15 Seater: $87
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport – Premium: $66
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Port – 15 Seater: $57
  • One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Borg El Arab Airport - Standard: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Alexandria -
Typical Food prices in Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

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

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $32
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $36
  • Amazing Alexandria Food Tour: $55
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $60
  • Sound&light show,Giza pyramids-Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • 10 Day Motorcycle Adventure Tour Across Egypt: $3,000
  • 10- hours trip to Alexandria from Cairo day tour: $110
  • 2 Day Cairo Tour From Alexandria Port: $308
  • 2 Day Tour in Cairo: $300
  • 3-Day Private Guided Tour of Cairo and Giza and Alexandria: $373
  • 3-Days Egypt Tours: $375
  • 3-Days Tour Cairo Giza Alexandria: $375
  • 3-Days Tour around Cairo Giza Alexandria: $375
  • 3-Days Tour around Cairo and Alexandria: $375
  • 3-Days Tour to Egypt: $375
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $125
  • Alexandria Day Tour: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Bar Hunt: Ye Olde Pub Crawl through Old Town: $12
  • Haunted Old Town Alexandria Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $26

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Alexandria, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Alexandria.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Alexandria?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Alexandria stays around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Washington or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Washington is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Alexandria stays around 60°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alexandria. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Washington or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Alexandria. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Alexandria is about 35°F (1°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Washington or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Alexandria. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In April, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Alexandria stays around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Washington

Washington Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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Washington vs. Alexandria Travel Comparison

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