Which place is cheaper, Melaka or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Athens or Melaka?
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 Melaka. 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 Melaka?
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.
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesMelaka Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Melaka €29
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Melaka is €29. 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 Melaka in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Melaka €8.49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Melaka €17
Compare Hotels in Athens and Melaka
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Melaka? 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 Melaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Melaka €1.87
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:
- Paros Private Helicopter Transfer Service: $3,439
- Private Transfer from Athens Airport to Epidaurus: $294
- Private Transfer from Athens to Kalabaka with 2h Sightseeing Stop: $294
- Athens city Tour (4hrs) combined with Marine of Alimos transfers: $282
- Athens to Volos Private Transfer: $276
- Athens to Larissa private Transfer: $276
- "Quick Athens Highlights Tour: Airport or Cruise ship Transfers": $271
- Private Transfer from Athens Airport To Costa Navarino Hotel: $270
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $269
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $265
- Kyllini Port Transfer: $258
- Athens Airport Transfer Service: $254
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
-
Taxi€4.24
-
Bus Ride€0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Car]: $240
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Singapore Car Transfer: $220
- °Sit Back & Relax - Malacca to Kuala Lumpur MPV Transfer: $208
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $170
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Kuala Lumpur city: $118
- ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $82
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $81
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Malacca Port to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL): $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Melaka?
Prices for flights to both Melaka 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 dayAthens €64Melaka €18
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:
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $65
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $69
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $76
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $80
- Sunset Tour to Temple of Poseidon with Dinner Stop from Athens: $81
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $81
- Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $82
- Athens Food Tour: Flavors of Asia Minor (private group): $82
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $82
- Cook Like a Greek in Athens Hands On Cooking Class with Wine: $84
- Around Greece in 5 Dishes: Dinner, Theater & Music: $85
- Feast on LGBTQ+ Walking Food Tour: $85
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)€6.37
-
Dinner at the Market (for Two)€2.76
-
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)€1.27
-
Taiwanese Noodle Soup€1.06
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€6.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rempah Routes Melaka Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Melaka Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Small Group Melaka After Dark Food Tour: $75
- Private Traditional Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Melaka €3.60
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- "Athens City Tour - 4 Hours": $167
- "Athens Night Experience - 4Hours": $167
- "Athens in a Day: A Full-Day Tour of the City’s Top Highlights": $255
- "Athens in a Glimpse with Cruise Port Pickup & Drop-Off": $176
- "Private City Tour of Athens": $176
- "Tour of Ancient Corinth:Follow in the footsteps of Apostle Paul": $200
- 1 Day Parnitha Athens Private Hiking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $176
- 2 Days Private Tour at Delphi and Meteora: $252
- 2 days Spanish guided tour in Delphi and Meteora: $294
- 2-Day Delphi & Meteora Tour from Athens with Hotel & Guided Tour: $270
- 2-Day Guided Tour to Meteora from Athens with Accommodation: $141
- 2-Day Tour to Delphi & Meteora with Guide and Tickets From Athens: $270
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Maritime Museum Entrance€0.64
-
Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance€4.24
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)€9.55
-
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance€2.12
-
Melaka Zoo Entrance€1.49
-
Low Cost Kite€0.64
-
Malacca Duck Tour€8.49
-
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)€2.12
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- °14 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour from Melaka w' Tour Guide: $126
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $182
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Melaka €7.36
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $13
- Athens Party Pub Crawl w/ 1-hour Open Bar & VIP Nightclub Access: $21
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri: $47
- Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $70
- Athens Olive oil Honey and Wine Tasting with Snacks Experience: $76
- Athens Small-Group Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $106
- 3-Hour Shared Greek Wine Tasting: $106
- Wine tasting tour of Athens Greece: $124
- Athens Wine Tour: Wine museum and Wine Tasting with Food Pairings: $129
- Athens Olive Oil, Raki and Wine Tasting: $129
- Santorini Wine Tasting Journey: $147
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Melaka, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Melaka is in Asia, 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Melaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Melaka?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Melaka, 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.
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.