Which place is cheaper, Cappadocia or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Cappadocia?
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 Cappadocia. 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 Cappadocia?
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.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
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 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Cappadocia €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Cappadocia is €142. 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 Cappadocia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Cappadocia €49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Cappadocia €98
Compare Hotels in Athens and Cappadocia
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Cappadocia? 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Cappadocia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Cappadocia €48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cat Valley with Transfers: $262
- Cappadocia Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Champagne and Transfers: $250
- 2 Days 1 Night Cappadocia Tour (Airport Transfer, Hotel, Daily Tour And Atv): $235
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride with Transfers: $196
- Kayseri Airport ASR Transfers to Hacibektas Hotels: $169
- Kayseri Airport ASR Transfers to Nigde City Centre Hotels: $163
- Nevsehir Airport to Cappadocia Hotel Private Transfer: $149
- Private Cappadocia Transfer: $140
- Private Transfers Nevşehir Apt to/from Kaymaklı or Özkonak Underground Cities: $131
- Private Transfers Kayseri Erkılet Airport to/from Cappadocia Region: $131
- Private Transfers Kayseri Apt to/from Kaymaklı or Özkonak Underground Cities: $131
- Kayseri Airport ASR Transfers to Kapadokya (Cavusin) Hotels: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Cappadocia?
Prices for flights to both Cappadocia 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Cappadocia €46
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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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
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:
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Cookies€0.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Turkish Night Show in Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Transfer: $44
- Cappadocia Turkish Night in Avanos Dinner Included: $48
- Cappadocia Traditional Turkish Night with Dinner (in Authentic Cave Restaurant): $53
- Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $55
- Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner : $60
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Entertainments: $62
- Cappadocian cooking - hands-on class with pickup: $64
- Romantic Cappadocia Sunset Dinner and Wine : $65
- Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol: $69
- Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments: $71
- Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $75
- Romantic Cappadocia Private Sunset Dinner With Wild Food : $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Cappadocia €89
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Underground City Entrance for Two€0.87
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Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two€17
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Horseback Riding for Two€3.32
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Cappadocia Driving Tour€3.54
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Goreme Museum Entrance Fee€0.43
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Whirling Dervishes Show€2.90
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Turkish Bath€2.03
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Hot air ballooning€12
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Goreme open air museum€0.58
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Bellydancing Show€3.76
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
- 2 Days Cappadocia Red & Erciyes Ski Tour: $220
- 2 days Cappadocia Full Turkish night Show, Atv & Red Tour: $175
- Cappadocia Red Tour Small Group: $98
- Cappadocia relax tour car and driver: $131
- Private Day Tour Natural Beauties of Cappadocia and Underground Caves: $283
- 1-Hour Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia Goreme Valley: $250
- 2 Days Private Guided Cappadocia Tour with Pick Up: $225
- 2 Days Red and Green tour: $163
- 2 Hour Cappadocia Atv Experience : $40
- 2 Hour Cappadocia Jeep Safari Tour: $101
- 2 Hour Cappadocia Private Classic Car Tour: $128
- 2 Hour Sunset Quad Bike (ATV) Tour in Cappadocia: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Cappadocia €17
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: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
- Cappadocia Nightlife Experience: Bar and Pub Crawl Tour: $32
- Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $64
- Cappadocia Wine Cellar and Wine Yard with Wine Tasting: $79
- Full-day Cappadocia Tour with wine tasting and clay shaping : $90
- Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $196
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Cappadocia, we can see that Cappadocia 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Cappadocia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Cappadocia?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Cappadocia, 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.
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.