Should you visit Athens or Dubai?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the prices of travel for Athens and Dubai. 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. So, let's dig into it.
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.
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
Which city is cheaper, Dubai or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Dubai is €188. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Dubai in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Athens, €102 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Athens, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is €51, such as in a hostel.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €258 in Dubai For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Local Transportation
Athens's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €22 per person, per day on transportation in Athens.
Dubai's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €9.75 per person, per day on transportation in Dubai.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer from Αthens City to Igoumenitsa Port:
$1,763
-
Private Transfer from Athens City to Syvota:
$1,203
-
Private City Transfer From Athens To Pilos:
$970
-
Private City Transfer From Athens to Kranidi:
$970
-
Transfer to Corfu from Athens including visit to Delphi:
$964
-
Athens to Corfu Luxury Private Transfer:
$890
-
Private Transfer to/ from Lefkada Marina to/ from Athens Airport or City Centre:
$759
-
Transfer From Athens To Lefkada:
$678
-
Private Transfer from Athens to Nafplio:
$666
-
Transfer to Lefkada - The Safest and most Convinient way:
$605
-
Delphi Private Full Day Luxury Transfers From Athens:
$597
-
Private Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-ATH to Igoumenitsa-Parga-Sivota-Ioannina:
$592
Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
-
Taxi Ride
€12
-
Airport Taxi
€12
-
Sea Taxi
€0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Versace VIP Spa Journey- chauffeur transfer, gourmet food and champagne:
$1,524
-
VIP Desert Safari Package with Stretch Limousine Transfers:
$999
-
BollyWood Parks Family Package With Private Transfer for 1 to 6 people:
$924
-
Ferrari World Trip with Private Transfer:
$868
-
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with Private Transfer From Dubai for 1 to 6 people:
$808
-
Dubai Wild Wadi Water Park With Private Transfers for 1 to 6 people:
$685
-
2 Hours Buggy Can Am X3 with Transfers for 2 Persons:
$654
-
IMG Theme Park Dubai with 2 way Private Transfer for 1 to 5 people:
$654
-
Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari & Astronomy with Dubai transfers:
$622
-
Exclusive Yacht with Private Transfer:
$597
-
Overnight Camping in Ras Al Khaimah- transfer from Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman:
$542
-
La Perle by Dragone Dubai VIP with Transfers:
$480
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Dubai?
Prices for flights to both Dubai 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
In Athens travelers spend around €30 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
The average traveler spends about €42 per day in Dubai for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Athens €30
Dubai €42
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:
-
Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters:
$6.22
-
Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class:
$27
-
Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local:
$42
-
Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies:
$45
-
Street Culture & Food Tour:
$56
-
Afternoon Food Tour:
$56
-
Athens walking and tasting food tour.:
$60
-
4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit:
$69
-
Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups:
$75
-
The Classic Food Tour:
$76
-
Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour:
$77
-
Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens:
$77
Typical Food prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet:
$17
-
Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$18
-
Dubai Deira Cruise with International Buffet Dinner with Live Shows:
$19
-
Cruising with Dinner and Live Shows at Dubai Creek:
$20
-
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$20
-
Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Creek (Without Transfers):
$20
-
Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60:
$21
-
Sightseeing Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$21
-
Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai:
$22
-
Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek:
$22
-
Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai:
$22
-
Dubai Creek 2-Hour Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$23
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Athens can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €28 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Dubai can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €14 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
-
"A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals:
$411
-
"Athens city tour":
$270
-
"Private tour in Athens":
$243
-
''Tour in Athens'':
$118
-
1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway:
$264
-
1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.:
$317
-
1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise:
$168
-
10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,:
$2,457
-
10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience:
$2,411
-
10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini:
$1,798
-
10 Days Private Tour: North Greece:
$2,706
-
10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese:
$2,706
Typical Entertainment prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
-
"Glimps of History"-4 Hrs Dubai city tour:
$163
-
04 Days Best of Dubai With Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise and City Tour:
$305
-
1 Day 2 Tours Combo:
$76
-
1 Hour Jet Ski Tour of Dubai Atlantis:
$153
-
1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons:
$220
-
1 Hour Private Jet Ski Tour in Dubai:
$195
-
1 hour Mina Seyahi Jetski Tour:
$160
-
1.5-Hours Dubai Historic Old Town Walking Tour: Covid-19 safe & PRIVATE tour:
$60
-
1001 Adventure Tour:
$71
-
12 Hours Dubai Stopover Tour:
$350
-
12-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour:
$176
-
2 Days TRIO-Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour.:
$136
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Athens, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €18.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Dubai, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €17.
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
-
Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting:
$37
-
Virtual Greek Wine Tasting:
$87
-
Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour:
$96
-
Wine tasting tour:
$131
-
Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour:
$133
-
The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour:
$140
-
Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens:
$148
-
Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth:
$148
-
Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes:
$149
-
Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus):
$151
-
Greek Private Wine Tasting:
$166
-
Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting:
$168
Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Dubai, we can see that Dubai 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 Dubai is in Middle East, 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Athens.
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