Which place is cheaper, Rhodes or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Rhodes?
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 Rhodes. 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.
Athens
Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Rhodes
Rhodes is a beautiful, diverse, and active island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Athens and Rhodes: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
Rhodes
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Athens or Rhodes?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Rhodes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Rhodes is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Rhodes is popular for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Rhodes?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rhodes and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Rhodes?
Athens
Rhodes
You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Rhodes and Athens.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rhodes that are not to be missed. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Rhodes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Rhodes
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Rhodes can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
For foodies, Rhodes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Resorts?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Rhodes for its luxury resorts. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.
Athens is not a resort destination.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.
Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Beaches?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.
Rhodes offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.
Athens is not a beach destination.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens is very popular for its old town. However, Rhodes does not have a historic old town.
Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Rhodes does not have a historic old town.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Hiking?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.
Rhodes is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.
Athens is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Rhodes?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Rhodes specifically to go shopping. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Families?
Athens
Rhodes
Both Athens and Rhodes are excellent family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Rhodes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Couples?
Athens
Rhodes
Rhodes is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Rhodes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Rhodes. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Students?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens is well known for students. However, Rhodes is not popular with students.
Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Rhodes is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Rhodes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens and Rhodes both offer excellent public transit to get you around.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit in Rhodes is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.
Is Athens or Rhodes a more walkable city?
Athens
Rhodes
Athens is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Rhodes is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Rhodes Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Rhodes or Athens?
How long in Athens or Rhodes?
In either Athens or Rhodes, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Rhodes because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 3-5 days is enough time in Rhodes.
Families should spend more time in Rhodes than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rhodes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Rhodes than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rhodes that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Rhodes if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
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How many days in Athens or Rhodes? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Rhodes 3-5
One day in Athens or Rhodes?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Rhodes. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Athens or Rhodes?
Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Rhodes is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Rhodes?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rhodes. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Rhodes?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world famous destination of Rhodes. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
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 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Rhodes €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Rhodes is €135. 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 Rhodes in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Rhodes €58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Rhodes €116
Compare Hotels in Athens and Rhodes
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Rhodes? 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 Rhodes Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Rhodes €48
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:
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
- "Luxurious Transfer": $47
- 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 Van: $113
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $80
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH 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 Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rhodes:
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Taxi Ride€7.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kiotari (and return): $255
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Glistra-Glystra (and return): $242
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Pefki (and return): $227
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Lardos - Lindos (and return): $223
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Vlicha (and return): $191
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kalathos (and return): $186
- From Rhodes To Lindos ! Private one way transfer : $163
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Haraki - Charaki (and return): $163
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Salakos (and return): $153
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kamiros (and return): $153
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Stegna (and return): $138
- Rhodes Private Return Transfer - Rhodes Airport to Kolympia (and return): $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Rhodes?
Prices for flights to both Rhodes 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 €37Rhodes €47
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 Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- 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
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Oriental Kitchen Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $64
Typical Food Prices in Rhodes
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rhodes:
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Coffee€1.95
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Dinner for Two€23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rhodes.
- All Inclusive Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Unlimited Aperol Spritz, Beer, Wine: $43
- Rhodes Sunset Cruise - Dinner with Live Music set: $43
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $53
- Guided Rhodes City By Night with Live Music & Dinner: $69
- Rhodes by Night With Dinner - Laterna: $72
- Sip & Savor 11-Dish Wine Pairing and Cooking Adventure: $73
- Vine & Dine Tale: 11-Plate Lunch, Wine Discovery, Cooking Mastery: $75
- 3-Hours Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner all Inclusive: $76
- Sunset Cruise w/ Gourmet Dinner, Drinks & Live Music: $77
- Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class : $85
- Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes: $86
- Tasting Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & more in an Authentic Greek village: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Rhodes €19
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.19
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.20
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.58
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Neighborhood of the Gods Smarthphone GPS APP Audio Walking Tour: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.39
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.93
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $6.99
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.11
- South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.45
Tours and Activities in Rhodes
Here are a few actual costs in Rhodes for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour Yellow Semi Submarine Swimming Cruise with Drinks Included!: $54
- Full Day Sail Cruise In Greece: $139
- Rhodes Town Day Tour from Kolymbia in a High Speed Boat: $49
- 3-hour Guided Submarine Tour in Saint Paul's Bay, Lindos and Navarone Bay: $38
- 30m Wooden traditional Boat - 6.5 Hours Day Cruise in Rhodes: $71
- 4 Hour Beach Tour with Meal and Unlimited Drinks in Rhodes: $119
- 4x4 Buggy Adventures - Off-road Polaris Experience: $119
- 6-Hour Guided Tour in the Main Ancient Attractions of Rhodes: $71
- 90 min Sunset Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay with Unlimited Drinks!: $33
- Acropolis of Lindos E-Ticket with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- All in One Full Day Rhodes Island Tour for First Time Visitors: $60
- Athens Riviera Luxury 18m Yacht private cruise: $3,729
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Rhodes €12
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
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Pub Crawl: $26
- Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $38
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
Sample the Local Flavors in Rhodes
Also in Rhodes, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners: $37
- Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier: $53
- 1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting : $54
- Full Day Guided Rhodes Island Cultural & Wine Tour: $55
- Enchanting Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour: $55
- Full Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting : $60
- Full-Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer: $60
- Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers: $64
- Rhodes Deluxe Tour including Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting : $64
- Full-Day Сomprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting : $66
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Rhodes, we can see that Rhodes is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Rhodes Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Rhodes?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Rhodes. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Rhodes, 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.