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

Should you visit Athens or Tel Aviv?

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 Tel Aviv. 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 Tel Aviv?

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.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Tours for Seniors to Israel, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem.


Which place is cheaper, Tel Aviv or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Tel Aviv is €148. 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 Tel Aviv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Tel Aviv 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Tel Aviv 160
Compare Hotels in Athens and Tel Aviv

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Tel Aviv? 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 Tel Aviv


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 Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Tel Aviv 8.08
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:

  • Athens Airport To Piraeus Port / Hotel Private Luxury Transfer : $44
  • Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $86
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $121
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $88
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Car: $135
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Luxury car: $107
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Piraeus Port to Athens City by Business Car: $44
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Piraeus Port to Athens City by Luxury Van: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens airport ATH to Athens City by business car: $59
  • Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $96
  • Athens ↔️ Costa Navarino Private Transfer: $244

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    1.46
  • Taxi to Airport
    37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): Private Transfer to Tel Aviv: $460
  • Private Transfers and Chauffeur Services: $300
  • Private transfer service from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $298
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $286
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV Private transfer to Tel Aviv in Luxury Van: $276
  • Tel Aviv Prvate Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Luxury Van: $276
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Business Car: $276
  • Tel Aviv Airport(TLV) to Haifa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $272
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer To Amman: $240
  • Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Tel Aviv?

Prices for flights to both Tel Aviv 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 64
    Tel Aviv 44
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
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $47
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $54
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $54
  • "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $60
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $65
  • Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $65
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $68
  • Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $70

Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:


  • Dinner for Two
    21
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    120
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    32
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    3.47
  • Lunch at the airport
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.

  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $45
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $60
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour : $122

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Tel Aviv 21

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: $3.31
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $5.44
  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.60
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.60
  • Athens Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.60
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Ticket & Optional Audio Tour: $7.61
  • Athens Olympic Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $7.61
  • Ancient Agora E-Ticket & Optional Audio Tour: $7.61
  • Athens Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $7.76
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $7.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    73
  • Etzel museum
    3.71

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Tel Aviv for Couples: $243
  • 1-Day Tour Jerusalem and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv: $129
  • A Self-Guided Jaffa Tour: The Story of its American-German Colony: $7.99
  • Amazing Tour of The Sarona Templer Colony in Israel: $300
  • Best of Golan Heights Day Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $190
  • Best of Jerusalem and Bethlehem Day Tour from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem: $189
  • Best of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Walking Tour - 1 Day: $150
  • Bethlehem and Jericho Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $190
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv: $183
  • Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
  • Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River Tour from Tel Aviv: $150
  • Caesarea, Haifa, and Akko: Full-Day Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Tel Aviv 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Polykala Distillery showroom. A125 years of history along with liqueur tasting.: $16
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $18
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $18
  • Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Nightclub Access: $20
  • Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $22
  • Athens, Greece: Friday & Saturday Night Bar Crawl: $22
  • Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Night Gems Pub Crawl: $38
  • Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Nightlife Gems Pub Crawl: $39
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $53
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Clubs, dance bars and free shots: $21
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
  • Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
  • Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Tel Aviv, we can see that Athens 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. Even though Athens is in Europe and Tel Aviv is in Middle East, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Tel Aviv?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Tel Aviv, 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.