Which place is cheaper, Santa Elena or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Alexandria or Santa Elena?
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 Alexandria and Santa Elena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Santa Elena?
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
Santa Elena
Santa Elena is a cute town, and the closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It's one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and is a great place to experience the cloud forest and see some of country's unique wildlife.
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest you have a good chance of seeing rare quetzals which are the national bird of Costa Rica. Other common animals include white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, orange-kneed tarantulas, any of 8-9 species of hummingbirds, and sloth.
Santa Elena is about 1,400 meters above sea level and has a humid and damp environment. The average yearly temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the average rainfall is 3,000 millimetres. Humidity can be anywhere between 74% and 97%.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesSanta Elena Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $29Santa Elena $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $29, while the average daily cost in Santa Elena is $109. 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 Alexandria and Santa Elena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $11Santa Elena $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $22Santa Elena $110
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Santa Elena
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Santa Elena? 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.92Santa Elena $11
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:
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $230
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $230
- Two-Day Private City Tour of Cairo, Giza Pyramids and Saqqara+Airport Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo or vice versa: $160
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to El Cairo: $102
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $94
- Pickup Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Alexandria Hotel: $50
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Elena
Also for Santa Elena, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Direct transfer from Monteverde to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $197
- MiniVan Departure Transfer Monteverde to San Jose Airport SJO: $215
- Monteverde to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) - Departure Transfer: $221
- One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde - Liberia: $276
- Private Transfer From Monteverde to San Jose With 2 Stops: $233
- Private Transfer From Monteverde to your Destination: $240
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Saint Helena Monte Verde: $210
- Shuttle Transfer from Monteverde to Tamarindo area: $65
- Transfer from Monteverde to Santa Tereza Montezuma : $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Santa Elena?
Prices for flights to both Santa Elena and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $15Santa Elena $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
- Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Elena
For Santa Elena, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Monteverde Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $5.47Santa Elena $30
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Cairo Tour of Pyramids, GEM and Khan Al-Khalili: $290
- 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
- 2 Days-Alexandria & Pyramids Tour + Museum (Start Cairo Or Alex): $125
- 8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
- ALL inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids Sakkara from Alexandria Port: $175
- Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
- Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
- Alexandria By Night By Horse Carriage ride And Free Walking Tour: $71
- Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $121
- Alexandria Day Tour: $105
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
Tours and Activities in Santa Elena
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Elena.
- Admission Ticket to Las Pumas Rescue Center : $20
- Cloud Forest hanging bridges with a local naturalist tour guide: $22
- Night Walk Tour in Monteverde: $24
- Wildlife Tour in Curicancha : $24
- Curicancha Birdwatching Tour: $25
- Monteverde Cloud Forest hanging bridges Nature Tour: $25
- Guided Butterfly Conservatory Tour in Costa Rica: $26
- Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour: $27
- Monteverde Butterfly Gardens Tour: $28
- Adventure Day - Outdoor Fun for Family & Friends Package: $29
- Selvatura Park: Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde: $29
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Nature Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.48Santa Elena $6.21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Santa Elena, we can see that Santa Elena is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Santa Elena is in Central America, 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 Santa Elena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Elena 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 Alexandria Expensive? and Is Santa Elena Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Santa Elena?
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 Alexandria or Santa Elena in the Summer?
Both Santa Elena and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena year-round.
Santa Elena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Santa Elena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Santa Elena in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Santa Elena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Santa Elena 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Elena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Santa Elena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Santa Elena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
June to October in Santa Elena is the hurricane season. Santa Elena receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Santa Elena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Santa Elena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Santa Elena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Santa Elena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Elena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Santa Elena. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena throughout the year.
Also, February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season. Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Santa Elena. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Santa Elena. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Santa Elena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Santa Elena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Santa Elena in the Spring?
Both Santa Elena and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Santa Elena is February to May. The hurricane season in Santa Elena is June to October. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Santa Elena. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Alexandria is much colder than Santa Elena in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Santa Elena fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Santa Elena 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Santa Elena and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Santa Elena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.