Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Athens or Phnom Penh?
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 Phnom Penh. 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 Phnom Penh?
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.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
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 Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Phnom Penh €44
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is €44. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Phnom Penh €11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Phnom Penh €22
Compare Hotels in Athens and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Phnom Penh €6.79
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:
- Aegean Wonders Santorini Transfers: $33
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $89
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $123
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Car: $138
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $123
- Airport transfer: $203
- Alimos Glyfada Vouliagmeni to Athens Airport Private Transfer: $41
- Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $51
- Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $101
- Athens AirPort To Athens Hotels Luxury Private Transfer Service: $76
- Athens Airport (ATH) to Athens - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Athens Airport (ATH) to Parnassos - Arrival Private Transfer: $259
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh City to Can Tho City: $375
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
- Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2010: $190
- Private Transfer/ Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by VIP Alphard 2010: $180
- Private Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: $160
- Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
- Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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 €64Phnom Penh €19
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 Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $50
- Athens Food Tour (5+ Stops) - Full Meal Included by Do Eat Better: $66
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $66
- Ancient Roman and Greek Dinner With Ancient Wine Styles: $67
- Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $70
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $70
- Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $70
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $77
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $81
- Sunset Tour to Temple of Poseidon with Dinner Stop from Athens: $82
- Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $83
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two€8.77
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Breakfast for Two€4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Phnom Penh €6.60
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Athens Hidden Gems: $2.35
- Self-Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.56
- Ancient Athens Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.56
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.05
- Athens Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h20 and 29 Audio Reviews: $7.03
- Athens Plaka Area of the Gods Smartphone APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- Self Guided Cinematic Audio Tour with 25 Stories in Athens: $7.61
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.52
- Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.53
- Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $9.53
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh via Chau Doc: $488
- 3 Days Local Life Experience, Nature view, Waterfall: $199
- 4 Hours Private Phnom Penh National Museum and Royal Palace Tour: $155
- 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
- 6-8 Hours Phnom Penh Private Guided Tour: $15
- A Day Hiking Adventure to Chonlos Waterfalls: $189
- A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace S21 Killing Fields and More: $35
- A day Trip Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Private English Speaking Driver: $105
- Adventure Cambodia: A 12-Day Guided Tour off the Beaten Path: $1,525
- All Inclusive Half Day Phnom Penh Discovery Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Phnom Penh €3.74
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
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $29
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $38
- Athens Rooftop Pub Crawl w/ Acropolis Views & Party: $42
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $54
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting: $58
- Athens bar crawl: $60
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store: $67
- Athens by Night Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $86
- 3-Hour Shared Greek Wine Tasting: $107
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Athens with Tasting: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Phnom Penh, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Phnom Penh, 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.