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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Malmo is €76. 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 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Malmo 90
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 7.39
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:

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
  • Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
  • Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

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 37
    Malmo 24
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:

  • 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 Malmo

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

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
  • Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120

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.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
  • Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
  • Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
  • Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $58
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Malmo 33

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 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)