Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Lima €85
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Lima is €85. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Lima €47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Lima €94
Compare Hotels in Athens and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Lima €5.43
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:
- Private Transfer from Airport Athens to Centre Athens: $23
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $24
- Athens Center To Piraeus Port Private Departure Transfer: $25
- Santorini Luxury Private Airport, Port & Hotel Transfer: $25
- Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $26
- Athens City to Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $26
- Piraeus Port to Athens Hotels Private Transfer with Meet & Greet: $29
- Departure Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $29
- Athens Hotels to Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens: $29
- Santorini Hotel/Port & Airport Transfers: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride€5.14
-
Taxi Ride€5.14
-
Short Taxi Ride€3.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- From Lima Private transfer to Paracas: $290
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $211
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $211
- Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $192
- Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
- Enjoy a Football Game in Lima with local guide and Transfers: $99
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Transfer by car from the airport to the hotel: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 €64Lima €29
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:
- Ancient Roman and Greek Dinner With Ancient Wine Styles: $64
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $65
- Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $68
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $68
- Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $68
- Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $74
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $74
- Athens Cooking Class with Central Market Visit and City Views: $75
- Athens Traditional Food Tour: $78
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $78
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $79
- Athens Private Food Tour:Eat like a Greek! Seafood& Wine included: $80
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two€4.11
-
Ice cream€3.34
-
Coffee€2.83
-
Donut€0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food Tours on the Forbidden Side of Lima with Elite DRONE FOOTAGE: $5.00
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $43
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $44
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $55
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $55
- Barranco Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Lima €8.20
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.85
- Athens, a Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $4.95
- Self-Guided Podcast Walking Tour: The Sunken City of Athens: $5.48
- Acropolis and Plaka Local Guided Walking Tour: $5.72
- Athens Plaka Area of the Gods Smartphone APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- South Slope Acropolis Self-Guided 3D Audio Tour (No Ticket): $8.00
- Self Guided Cinematic Audio Tour with 25 Stories in Athens: $9.14
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.14
- Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.15
- Athens' Podoniftis Stream: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $10
- TOP Athens : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)€15
-
Movie Tickets€2.18
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 1 day tour in Ica Peru: $200
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $265
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $134
- 2 Days 1 Night Tour of Paracas Huacachina & flight to Nazca Lines: $272
- 2D Tour from Lima Paracas and Huacachina with Night in Huacachina: $230
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $143
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $275
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Tour Discover Paracas and Huacachina from Lima: $260
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Lima €5.33
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $13
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $17
- Athens Party Pub Crawl w/ 1-hour Open Bar & VIP Nightclub Access: $21
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $22
- Athens Olive Oil and Herbs Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $23
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $36
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $51
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $56
- Athens Wine Tasting and Wine tour at with Castle Visit: $56
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $56
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting: $56
- Athens Greek Wine Tasting with Sommelier and City Views: $62
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€6.91
-
Beer€3.85
-
Cocktail€3.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Barranco Bohemian Bar Crawl: 4 Bars & Live Music: $24
- Lima Anti Pub Crawl: $60
- From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Lima, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Lima, 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 Lima?
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Athens or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Lima. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in July than Lima. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Athens or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Lima. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Lima. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Athens or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Lima. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Athens is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Lima. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Athens or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Athens is cooler than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Lima. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Athens
| Athens | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
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.