Which place is cheaper, Mamaia or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Mamaia?
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 Mamaia. 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 Mamaia?
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.
Mamaia
The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.
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 Tours for Seniors to Romania, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Mamaia €60
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Mamaia is €60. 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 Mamaia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Mamaia €23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Mamaia €46
Compare Hotels in Athens and Mamaia
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Mamaia? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Mamaia €25
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:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia
Also for Mamaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
- Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
- Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
- Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Mamaia?
Prices for flights to both Mamaia 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 €37Mamaia €21
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Mamaia €12
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 Mamaia
For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
- One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
- Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Mamaia €11
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia
Also in Mamaia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Mamaia, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Mamaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mamaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mamaia 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 Mamaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Mamaia Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Athens or Mamaia?
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 Mamaia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Mamaia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Mamaia. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Mamaia fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mamaia this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Mamaia during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Mamaia receives 320 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Mamaia. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mamaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Mamaia 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Athens or Mamaia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Mamaia. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Athens is a little warmer than Mamaia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Mamaia fluctuates around 14°C (56°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 Mamaia. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mamaia receives 182 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Mamaia. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mamaia receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Mamaia 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Athens or Mamaia in the Winter?
Both Mamaia and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Mamaia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Mamaia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Mamaia averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Mamaia during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Mamaia receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Mamaia. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mamaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Mamaia 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Athens or Mamaia in the Spring?
Both Mamaia and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Mamaia. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Mamaia fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Mamaia. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mamaia receives 180 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Mamaia. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mamaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Mamaia 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Mamaia and Athens
| Athens | Mamaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.