Which place is cheaper, Pokhara 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 Pokhara?
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 Pokhara. 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 Pokhara?
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.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesPokhara Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Pokhara €19
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is €19. 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 Pokhara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Pokhara €2.97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Pokhara €5.94
Compare Hotels in Athens and Pokhara
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Pokhara? 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 Pokhara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Pokhara €5.80
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:
- "Quick Athens Highlights Tour: Airport or Cruise ship Transfers": $271
- AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ): $33
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $74
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $93
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $143
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $128
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $128
- Airport transfer: $199
- Alimos Glyfada Vouliagmeni to Athens Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $50
- Arrival Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens City: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $128
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride€0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
- Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
- Paragliding Experience with Hotel Transfers: $139
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
- Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
- "Exclusive Private Transfer: Pokhara to Chitwan in a Luxury car": $82
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
- One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Pokhara?
Prices for flights to both Pokhara 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 €64Pokhara €11
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:
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $67
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $69
- Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $69
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $76
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $80
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $81
- Classic Cooking Class with Market Visit and Wine: $81
- Sunset Tour to Temple of Poseidon with Dinner Stop from Athens: $81
- Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $82
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $82
- Athens Food Tour: Flavors of Asia Minor (private group): $82
- Cook Like a Greek in Athens Hands On Cooking Class with Wine: $84
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two€3.42
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Dessert (for 2)€2.28
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Pastries€1.14
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Dinner€4.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- 2 hours Momo cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Pokhara €5.52
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self-Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.51
- Ancient Athens Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.51
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.97
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.21
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $8.96
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.37
- Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $9.39
- Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth Tour: $12
- Athens Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Your Smartphone: $12
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $12
- Ferry Boat Ticket to/from Methana: $13
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $20
- "Pokhara Pumdikot Tour: Eagle Eye Views of Stunning Pokhara": $29
- "Sunrise and Scenic Day Hike in A Perfect Adventure: $84
- 1 Night 2 Days Pokhara to Ghandruk Jeep Adventure: $150
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $67
- 2 Days Palpa-Tansen Hill station tour from Pokhara: $260
- 2 Iconic Suspension Bridge Tour in Pokhara: $29
- 2 Night 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $240
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $99
- 2-Day Scenic Mustang Tour: Pokhara to Jomsom, Kagbeni & Muktinath: $239
- 3 Day Chitwan Jungle exploration Tour from Pokhara: $284
- 3 Days Pokhara Private Comfortable Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Pokhara €4.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $11
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Athens Rooftop Pub Crawl w/ Acropolis Views & Party: $41
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $53
- Athens bar crawl: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store: $66
- Athens Olive oil Honey and Wine Tasting with Snacks Experience: $76
- Athens Boutique Wine Tasting: $79
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Athens with Tasting: $92
- Wine tasting tour of Athens Greece: $124
- Athens Wine Tour: Wine museum and Wine Tasting with Food Pairings: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Pokhara, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Pokhara 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 Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Pokhara?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Pokhara, 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.