Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Luxor?
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 Luxor. 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 Luxor?
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.
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Luxor €16
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Luxor is €16. 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 Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Luxor €7.14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Luxor €14
Compare Hotels in Athens and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Luxor? 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 Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Luxor €3.66
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:
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $80
- "Luxurious Transfer": $47
- AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
- Airport Private Transfers: $79
- Airport Transfer: $109
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $80
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $113
- Airport transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride€0.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
- One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
- Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
- Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
- Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
- Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
- Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
- Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
- Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
- Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 €37Luxor €5.46
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: $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
- Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Luxor €6.31
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.20
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.21
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.60
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.42
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.53
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
- South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)€0.53
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Temple Karnak for Two€2.57
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Camel Ride for Two€1.19
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
- City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
- Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
- Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
- Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
- Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
- Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
- Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
- Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
- Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
- Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
- East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Luxor €2.12
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 Luxor, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Luxor is in Africa, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Luxor?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Luxor, 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 Luxor?
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Athens or Luxor in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Luxor. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.
It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. In July, Athens is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
Athens usually gets more rain in July than Luxor. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Luxor 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luxor in the Autumn?
Both Luxor and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Athens is cooler than Luxor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Luxor. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luxor in the Winter?
Both Luxor and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.
In the winter, Athens is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Luxor averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Luxor. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Luxor 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Athens or Luxor in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Luxor. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Athens is generally much colder than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Luxor. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Luxor and Athens
| Athens | Luxor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.