Which place is cheaper, Denver or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Athens or Denver?
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 Denver. 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.
Athens
Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Athens travel costs.
Denver
Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver travel costs.
Athens and Denver: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
Denver
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Athens or Denver?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Denver, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Denver is known for its skiing and hiking. Athens is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Denver?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denver and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Skiing?
Athens
Denver
Denver is a good destination for skiing. However, Athens is not a skiing destination.
Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
Athens is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Denver?
Athens
Denver
Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Denver
Athens is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Denver
Athens is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Is Athens or Denver Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Denver
Athens is renowned for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Denver does not have a historic old town.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Hiking?
Athens
Denver
Denver is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.
Denver offers some nice hiking trails. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
Athens is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Denver?
Athens
Denver
If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Denver both offer plenty of good spots.
Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Denver is a great destination for shopping. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
Is Athens or Denver More Beautiful?
Athens
Denver
Athens is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.
Athens is a beautiful place to visit, too. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Families?
Athens
Denver
Athens is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Couples?
Athens
Denver
Athens and Denver both good destinations for a couple.
Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Denver is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Denver
Athens is renowned for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Students?
Athens
Denver
Athens is a well-known place for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.
Is Athens or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Denver
Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.
Is Athens or Denver a more walkable city?
Athens
Denver
Athens is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.
Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Denver or Athens?
How long in Athens or Denver?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Denver. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Denver. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Athens than Denver. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Denver if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
-
How many days in Athens or Denver? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Denver 2-3
One day in Athens or Denver?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Denver. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Athens or Denver?
Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Denver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Denver?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denver. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Denver?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the sprawling destination of Denver. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesDenver Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens $167Denver $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is $167, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens $68Denver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens $136Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Athens and Denver
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Denver? 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 Denver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens $29Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
-
Airport Bus for Two$6.93
-
Metro$1.62
-
Metro$2.17
-
Metro from Airport to City Center$8.67
-
Taxi from Airport$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $21
- Athens Center To Piraeus Port Private Departure Transfer: $23
- From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $25
- Athens city to Piraeus port Private transfer: $26
- Santorini: Private Airport and Port Transfer Service: $26
- From Private Transfer between Piraeus Port: $26
- Piraeus port to Athens city Private transfer: $27
- Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $27
- Mercedes Private Transfer Athens - Piraeus: $28
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $28
- Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $28
- Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $279
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $279
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $279
- Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $268
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $237
- Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
- Private One-way Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport: $185
- Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $144
- Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $144
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver 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 dayAthens $70Denver $73
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
-
Ice cream$3.25
-
Souvlaki$2.38
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: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $49
- "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $56
- Authentic Athens Food Tour: $58
- Greek Street Food Tour: $61
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $63
- Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $71
- Traditional Cooking Class with Drinks: $72
- 6-Course Greek Dinner on a Rooftop with Wine: $74
- The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $76
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $76
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
-
Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
- Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $60
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Denver: $60
- Denver 16th Street Mall Food Tour: $69
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Denver: $75
- Italian Gnocchi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Denver: $75
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
- Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $80
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $80
- Dinner Food Tour in RiNo Denver : $99
- Downtown Denver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens $39Denver $52
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $5.68
- Athens Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.81
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.82
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.96
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.95
- Acropolis Self-Guided Audiovisual Tour w/ 3D Models: $9.09
- Acropolis: 3D representations & audiovisual self-guided tour: $9.09
- Cats of Self-Guided Mobile Tour in Plaka: $9.09
- Ancient Athens Quest Experience: $9.28
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.28
- Acropolis Self-Guided Audiovisual Tour with 3D Models: $9.28
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- Colorado Green Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour from Denver: $79
- 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
- 3 Hour Private Walking Tour in Denver with Professional Guide: $242
- All-Inclusive Twilight Ghost Tour with a Boozy Twist: $52
- Back to the Diner Puzzle Room Experience: $33
- Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites: $39
- Best of Denver Tour: $26
- Best of Denver Walking Tour: $26
- Bike & Brew: Beautiful Denver Downtown Tour by E-Bike or Bicycle: $98
- Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
- Capitol Hill Haunts: A Ghostly Walking Tour: $171
- Cheesman Park Ghost Tour: $28
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens $24Denver $5.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Thursday & Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens: $25
- Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $25
- Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
- Athens Greek Wine Tasting with Expert Sommelier: $46
- Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri : $46
- Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $46
- Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $56
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $57
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $57
- Greek food and wine tasting: $57
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $57
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $67
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $35
- Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $35
- Denver Street Art & Murals Tour + Brewery Visit/Beer Tasting: $39
- Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
- Wild West Pub Crawl: $68
- Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Denver is in North 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 Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Athens.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Denver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Denver?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Denver, 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.