A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Calgary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Athens or Calgary?

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 Athens and Calgary. 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: Athens or Calgary?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Calgary is €144. 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 Athens and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Calgary 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Calgary 136
Compare Hotels in Athens and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Calgary? 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 Athens


Hotels in Calgary


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Calgary 12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • Athens Airport To Piraeus Port / Hotel Private Luxury Transfer : $44
  • Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
  • Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport to Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi: $218
  • "Luxurious Transfer": $48
  • A mini Embark / Disembark Tour In Athens With Transfers from airport / port.: $259
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
  • Accessible Private Transfer WAV from Athens Airport to Port Rafina: $43
  • Airport Private Transfers: $79
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $127
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $113
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • From Icefields Parkway Route Tour w/Hotel Transfers: $731
  • Private Transfer to Banff or Canmore: $621
  • From Private Transfer to Lake Louise: $584
  • From Calgary Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Banff: $511
  • Lake Louise: Calgary to Lake Louise Private Transfer 1 Way: $475
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $365
  • From Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Banff by Tesla: $365
  • Private Calgary to Banff One-way Transfer in Luxury Car: $296
  • Calgary Air to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Calgary Airport to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $282
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Field - Roundtrip Transfer: $252
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Athens 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
    Athens 37
    Calgary 29
Typical Food Prices in Athens

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


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $62
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    7.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Calgary 14

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.23
  • Self Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.63
  • Acropolis Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.70
  • 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.46
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.54
  • Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Ancient Agora of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.52
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.52

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Yoho Tour | Moraine Lake | Johnston Canyon | From Calgary: $118
  • 2 Days Jasper and Banff Tour from Calgary: $163
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Calgary's Highlights: $238
  • 2-Hour Scooter Tour of Calgary's City Highlights: $68
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Calgary, E-Bike Upgrade Options Available: $101
  • 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings: $101
  • 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
  • Afternoon tour to Banff from Calgary: $244
  • Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $119
  • Banff Deep 1 Day Tour in Banff National Park: $172
  • Banff Hot Springs - Gondola - Wildlife Tour from Calgary/Banff: $116
  • Banff, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary, Canmore: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Calgary 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $54
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $54
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $79

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $89


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Athens is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Athens or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Calgary, 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.