A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Xi'an for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Athens or Xi'an?

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 Xi'an. 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 Xi'an?

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.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

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 Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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 Xi'an is €89. 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 Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Xi'an 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Xi'an 114
Compare Hotels in Athens and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Xi'an? 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 Xian


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
    Xi'an 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:

  • Athens Airport To Piraeus Port / Hotel Private Luxury Transfer : $44
  • Athens Airport Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
  • Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport to Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi: $220
  • "Luxurious Transfer": $48
  • A mini Embark / Disembark Tour In Athens With Transfers from airport / port.: $261
  • Airport Private Minivan Transfers: $164
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $85
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $120
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $87
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Car: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Luxury car: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
  • Private Round-trip Airport Transfer to Terracotta Army & City Wall with A Guide: $199
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $195
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $184
  • Xian City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Tour With Airport Transfer: $176
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Ticket With Private Transfer Service: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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
    Xi'an 12
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
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $54
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $55
  • "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $59
  • 4 hours Greek Traditional Cooking Class Athens incl. drinks: $59
  • Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $65
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
  • Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $69
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $71
  • The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Pick-Up: $35
  • Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Xi'an 33

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $5.36
  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $6.97
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Ticket & Optional Audio Tour: $6.97
  • Greek Mythology Quest Experience in Athens: $7.13
  • South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.49
  • Athens Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.49
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.49
  • Athens Olympic Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $7.50
  • Ancient Agora E-Ticket & Optional Audio Tour: $7.50
  • Athens Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.68
  • Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $7.69

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Terracotta Army Group Tour: $110
  • Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
  • Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
  • Terracotta Army Day Tour with Biangbiang Noodles Making Class: $225
  • Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk: $55
  • #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $82
  • 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
  • 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
  • 1 day The Terracotta Army+Xi'an City Wall+Yongxing Square Mini Group Tour: $106
  • 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
  • 1 day private tour to Xi'an Terra Cotta Warriors by Metro/Subway: $110
  • 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Xi'an 6.79

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.: $15
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $18
  • Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $21
  • Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Night Gems Pub Crawl: $38
  • Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Nightlife Gems Pub Crawl: $38
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri : $44
  • Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $53
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $54
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
  • 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Xi'an, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Xi'an 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Xi'an, 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.