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

Should you visit Athens or Nizhny Novgorod?

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 Nizhny Novgorod. 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 Nizhny Novgorod?

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.

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Nizhny Novgorod 19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Nizhny Novgorod 38
Compare Hotels in Athens and Nizhny Novgorod

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Nizhny Novgorod? 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 Nizhny Novgorod


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Nizhny Novgorod 1.11
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:

  • From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
  • From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
  • From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
  • Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
  • From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
  • Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
  • Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
  • Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Nizhny Novgorod?

Prices for flights to both Nizhny Novgorod 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
    Nizhny Novgorod 8.93
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Nizhny Novgorod 1.59

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Nizhny Novgorod 2.20

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 Nizhny Novgorod, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Nizhny Novgorod?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Nizhny Novgorod, 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 Nizhny Novgorod?

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 Nizhny Novgorod in the Summer?

Both Nizhny Novgorod and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Nizhny Novgorod fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Nizhny Novgorod. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Nizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Athens or Nizhny Novgorod in the Autumn?

Both Nizhny Novgorod and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Nizhny Novgorod fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Nizhny Novgorod. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Nizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Athens or Nizhny Novgorod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Nizhny Novgorod. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nizhny Novgorod. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Nizhny Novgorod averages at about -10°C (13°F).

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Nizhny Novgorod. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Nizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F)

Should I visit Athens or Nizhny Novgorod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Nizhny Novgorod. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Nizhny Novgorod fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Nizhny Novgorod. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Nizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Nizhny Novgorod and Athens

Athens Nizhny Novgorod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -10°C (13°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -8°C (17°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -7°C (19°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)