Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas. 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Athens and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Athens or Las Vegas?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Athens. While Athens is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions, music, resorts, and shopping, while Athens is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy.
How is Athens different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its museums and history.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. 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.
Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Athens
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Athens is not a theatre destination.
Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Athens is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Las Vegas
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Las Vegas can be an enjoyable experience.
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.
For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Las Vegas
The vibe at night is terrific in both Athens and Las Vegas.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Las Vegas is a world class party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Athens
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Athens is not a live music destination.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Athens
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Athens is not a resort destination.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is very popular for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Athens has a world-famous historical 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.
Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Las Vegas?
Athens
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
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 Las Vegas Better for Families?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Athens
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is very popular for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.
Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Students?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is notable for students. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Athens or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Athens
Las Vegas
Athens is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit 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.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Athens?
How long in Athens or Las Vegas?
Both Athens and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Las Vegas. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Athens or Las Vegas?
People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Las Vegas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Athens or Las Vegas?
People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Las Vegas?
Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the colorful big city of Las Vegas. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.
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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens $138Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is $138, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens $68Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens $136Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Athens and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens $29Las Vegas $53
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$6.93
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Metro$1.62
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Metro$2.17
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Metro from Airport to City Center$8.67
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Taxi from Airport$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus Transfer to/from Argos: $14
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $20
- Athens Hotels To Piraeus Port-Hotels Luxury Transfer Services: $22
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port and Hotels to Athens: $22
- Private transfer between Athens hotels and Piraeus Port: $22
- From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $23
- Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens : $24
- Athens Private Transfer Service: Athens Hotel To / From Piraeus Port : $25
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $25
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City: $26
- Private Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $26
- Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
- West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $509
- Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
- Private Roundtrip Transfer: To Las Vegas by Luxury Limo: $245
- Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $238
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
- Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $211
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $201
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Manila ATV Mountain Trail Adventure(with Transfers***): $175
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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 $40Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream$3.25
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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: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- 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
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Oriental Kitchen Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $64
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens $39Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.19
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.20
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.58
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Neighborhood of the Gods Smarthphone GPS APP Audio Walking Tour: $6.00
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.39
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.93
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.11
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens $24Las Vegas $55
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
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $26
- Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $38
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Las Vegas?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Las Vegas, 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.