Which place is cheaper, Jakarta or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Athens or Jakarta?
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 Jakarta. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Athens travel costs.
Jakarta
Jakarta is a sprawling, friendly, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jakarta travel costs.
Athens and Jakarta: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
Jakarta
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Athens or Jakarta?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Athens than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Athens is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Jakarta is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Athens is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Jakarta?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jakarta and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Jakarta?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.
Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is terrific for its historic old town. However, Jakarta does not have a historic old town.
Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.
Jakarta does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Jakarta?
Athens
Jakarta
Jakarta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Is Athens or Jakarta More Beautiful?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.
Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.
Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Families?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Athens is a very family-friendly destination. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Couples?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens and Jakarta both notable 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.
Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Students?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.
Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Jakarta is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Jakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.
Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.
Is Athens or Jakarta a more walkable city?
Athens
Jakarta
Athens is a great city for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.
Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Jakarta Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Athens?
How long in Athens or Jakarta?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Jakarta. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Jakarta. 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 Jakarta. 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 Jakarta 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.
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How many days in Athens or Jakarta? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Jakarta 1-3
One day in Athens or Jakarta?
Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Jakarta. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Athens or Jakarta?
Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Jakarta 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 Jakarta?
Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. 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 Jakarta?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Jakarta. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesJakarta Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Jakarta €64
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Jakarta is €64. 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 Jakarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Jakarta €28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Jakarta €56
Compare Hotels in Athens and Jakarta
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Jakarta? 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 Jakarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Jakarta €17
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: $2,866
- From Greek Islands Private Helicopter Transfer: $2,843
- VIP Transfer between Athens Airport & Costa Navarino (Pylos): $682
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $557
- From Private Corinth Tour & Panoramic with Transfer: $426
- Layover Tour with Airport/Port Transfer with local: $375
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $296
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $291
- Private Transfer from Athens to Mantoudi: $287
- Private Transfer from Athens to Epidaurus or Epidavros: $285
- Athens to Lefkada Private Transfer: $279
- Athens city Tour (4hrs) combined with Marine of Alimos transfers: $279
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:
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Taxi to Station€0.92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta
Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $238
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $224
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $179
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $179
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency: $179
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $179
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Bandung: $172
- Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Sedan : $153
- Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Luxury Van: $141
- Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Bandung: $124
- Private Transfer between Jakarta and Bandung: $120
- Private Transfer from Jakarta to Bandung Airport (BDO): $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Jakarta?
Prices for flights to both Jakarta 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 €64Jakarta €24
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: $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 Jakarta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:
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Dinner€2.31
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Dinner€0.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta
For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
- Private Street Food Tour with MRT Transportation: $46
- Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
- Cikini Heritage Food Tour: $49
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $52
- Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Jakarta €11
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruise Passengers: $92
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $291
- Cape Sounio Temple of Poseidon Epic Private Tour from Athens: $277
- Delphi & Hosios Loukas Arachova Village Luxury Private Tour : $207
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $69
- Essential Athens Highlights Half-Day Private Tour with Flexible Options: $295
- Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $116
- Mycenae Epidaurus Nafplio Isthmus Canal Private Luxury Tour : $189
- Private 5 hour Tour in Athens with a pick up: $151
- Private Full Day Tour in Delphi: $227
- Private Luxury Tour: Athens Riviera & The Temple of Poseidon: $151
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon : $139
Tours and Activities in Jakarta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.
- 1 Day Jakarta Historical Tour : $75
- 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $177
- 3 Days Ujung Kulon National Park Private Guided Tour: $1,788
- 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55
- A day casual walking tour in The City of Jakarta: $35
- Afternoon Guided Chinatown Tour in Jakarta : $53
- Bali : Turtle Conservation Center Tour option Release Turtle: $17
- Bandung City Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Start From Jakarta): $154
- Bandung City Tour with High-Speed Rail (Whoosh) from Jakarta: $199
- Bandung Tour : Volcano, Coffee Fields, Hot Springs Water: $115
- Best Jakarta Private Tour with local Guide: $81
- Best Jakarta Tours, your best friend in travelling.: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Jakarta €3.57
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Jakarta, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Jakarta is in Asia, 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 Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta 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 Jakarta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Jakarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Jakarta?
Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Jakarta, 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.