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

Should you visit Athens or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg. 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg is €91. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Gothenburg 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Gothenburg 74
Compare Hotels in Athens and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Gothenburg 17
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:

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
  • Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
  • Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg 36
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
  • 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

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

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

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Gothenburg 19

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Gothenburg, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Gothenburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Gothenburg?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Gothenburg, 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 Athens or Gothenburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Gothenburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Gothenburg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Athens or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Athens or Gothenburg in the Winter?

Both Gothenburg and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Athens or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Gothenburg. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Athens

Athens Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)