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

Should you visit Athens or Maribor?

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 Maribor. 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 Maribor?

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.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor 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 Maribor 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 Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Maribor 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Maribor 88
Compare Hotels in Athens and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Maribor? 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 Maribor


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 Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Maribor 8.73
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:

  • 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 Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252
  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor 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
    Maribor 26
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

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    24
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    7.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Maribor 8.57

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
  • Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Maribor 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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Maribor?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Maribor, 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 Maribor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Maribor. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Maribor in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maribor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Maribor. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Athens or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Maribor. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Athens or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Maribor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Maribor. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Maribor. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Athens or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Maribor. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Maribor in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Maribor during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Maribor. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Athens

Athens Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)