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

Should you visit Athens or Malmo?

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 Malmo. 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 Malmo?

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.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

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 Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €96. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €63
    Malmo €46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €126
    Malmo €92
Compare Hotels in Athens and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Malmo? 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 Malmo


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 Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €27
    Malmo €7.58
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:

  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port: $229
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $262
  • Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $103
  • Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $110
  • Transfer in Athens: $60
  • Transfer from or to Athens Airport: $97
  • Transfer from Piraeus port to Athens hotel or Glyfada Riviera hotel: $114
  • Transfer from Athens Airport to Vouliagmeni: $109
  • Transfer from Athens Airport (ATH) to Athens City Center: $45
  • Transfer Athens Airport to Piraeus Port or Cruise Terminal: $94
  • Transfer ATHENS CITY CENTER to/from RAFINA PORT: $107
  • Transfer ATHENS CITY CENTER to/from ATHENS COAST: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    €18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $160
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
  • Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $100
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $97
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $97
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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 €64
    Malmo €42
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:

  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $48
  • Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $54
  • Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $56
  • Athens's original vegan food tour: $64
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $65
  • Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $67
  • Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $74
  • Athens Traditional Food Tour: $78
  • Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $80
  • Around Greece in 5 Dishes: Dinner, Theater & Music: $82
  • Feast on LGBTQ+ Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 26+ Tastings: $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $41
  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €36
    Malmo €15

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $206
  • "All Day Tour Athens & Corinth:Highlights & Path of Apostle Paul": $295
  • "All day tour of Athens-8h:Exploring its most popular landmarks": $249
  • "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $171
  • "Delphi Full-Day Tour: Ancient Oracle and the Heart of the Earth": $295
  • "Discover Poros from A Scenic Island Tour": $295
  • "St. Paul’s Church & Greek Olive Oil Experience”: $194
  • 1 Day Hymettus Athens Private Hiking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $171
  • 1 Day Parnitha Athens Private Hiking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $171
  • 2 days Spanish guided tour in Delphi and Meteora: $286
  • 2-Day Delphi & Meteora Tour from Athens with Hotel & Guided Tour: $263
  • 2-Day Delphi and Meteora Tour from Athens: $237

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $15
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Highlights Walking Tour: $31
  • Malmö Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $23
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $64
  • Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $44
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $69
  • Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.71
  • Self-Guided Podcast Tour Möllan's Radical Heart: $5.47
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €23
    Malmo €34

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • 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 Rooftop Pub Crawl w/ Acropolis Views & Party: $40
  • Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri: $46
  • Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $51
  • 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
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $56
  • Athens bar crawl: $57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Malmo, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Malmo?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Malmo, 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 Malmo?

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 Malmo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Malmo. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Malmo. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Athens or Malmo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Malmo. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°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 Malmo. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Malmo. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Athens or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Malmo in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Malmo. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Athens or Malmo in the Spring?

Both Malmo and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Malmo. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Athens

Athens Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)