A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Alexandria for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Savannah or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Savannah travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Savannah and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Savannah or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Savannah. Although Savannah and Alexandria are roughly the same size, Savannah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Savannah is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Alexandria is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alexandria is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Savannah. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Alexandria?

Savannah
Alexandria

Both Savannah and Alexandria have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Savannah or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Alexandria

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Savannah and Alexandria can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Alexandria has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Alexandria

Savannah is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Savannah for the nightlife scene. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Alexandria

Savannah is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Savannah offers a nice beach destination. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Alexandria?

Savannah
Alexandria

Both Savannah and Alexandria are superb shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Savannah or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Savannah
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Savannah is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.


Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Families?

Savannah
Alexandria

Savannah is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Savannah offers lots of family activities. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Savannah
Alexandria

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Alexandria make for a superb place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Alexandria

Both Savannah and Alexandria are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.


Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Students?

Savannah
Alexandria

Savannah is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Alexandria is not popular with students.

Is Savannah or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Savannah
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Savannah
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Savannah is a very walkable city. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Savannah or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

Families should spend more time in Savannah than Alexandria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Savannah. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Savannah or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Savannah or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful city of Alexandria offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Alexandria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alexandria, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Alexandria?

Savannah, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Savannah or Alexandria?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Savannah Prices
    USA Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Savannah $202
    Alexandria $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $202, 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Savannah and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 Savannah


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $243
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $243
  • Private Savannah Airport to Tybee Island Transfer : $100
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Savannah Int'l: $68
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah (SAV) Airport: $36
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Savannah 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
    Savannah $99
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Southern & Secret Walking Food Tour: $92
  • Southern and Secret Food Tour: $92
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $93
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $93
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah: $109
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $125
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $125
  • Savannah’s Palate – Private Historic Food Tour: $1,429

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Alexandria -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • A Film History of Savannah Walking Tour : $29
  • The Southern History of Savannah Walking tour: $29
  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $38
  • 10pm Restless Souls Tour: $30
  • 2 Hours Dolphin Eco Tour: $42
  • 2-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour: $36
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $55
  • 2hr Paranormal Walking Tour: $30
  • 8pm Savannah Secrets True Crime Tour: $30
  • 8pm Voices of the Dead Tour: $30
  • 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Haunted Hops Savannah Pub Tour Spirits and Brews: $25
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bad Kitty Pub Crawl, Spooky Naughty Ghosts: $30
  • Savannah Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Haunted Pub Crawl With Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $33
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Pub Crawl with Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $33
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $33
  • Late Night Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Alexandria?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah or Alexandria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the summer, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savannah 82°F (28°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Savannah because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Savannah is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Alexandria. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alexandria. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Savannah

Savannah Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)