A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Dublin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kos or Dublin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Dublin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Kos and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Kos or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin. Although Kos and Dublin are popular destinations, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

How is Kos different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dublin and Kos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Dublin?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Music?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Dublin has diverse options. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Kos is not a live music destination.


Is Kos or Dublin Better for Resorts?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Dublin is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is terrific for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Dublin is not a beach destination.


Is Kos or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Dublin?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.


Is Kos or Dublin Better for Families?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly destination. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Couples?

Kos
Dublin

Both Kos and Dublin are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Dublin

Kos and Dublin are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Dublin is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.


Is Kos or Dublin Better for Students?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Kos is not popular with students.

Is Kos or Dublin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos
Dublin

Kos is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Kos or Dublin a more walkable city?

Kos
Dublin

Dublin is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.


For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Kos?

How long in Kos or Dublin?

In either Kos or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Kos. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dublin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Dublin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Kos or Dublin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Dublin 2-5

One day in Kos or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Dublin?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Dublin for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the laid-back city of Dublin, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With live music and food around the destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Kos or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-hard destination of Kos. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Dublin is €143. 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 Kos and Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Dublin 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Dublin 136
Compare Hotels in Kos and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Dublin? 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 Kos


Hotels in Dublin


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: Kos Hotel Prices and Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Dublin 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61
  • Arrival transfer from Kos Airport : $64
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $64
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $65
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • The Westin Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $169
  • The Shelbourne Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $169
  • The Croke Park Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $181
  • Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $624
  • Private Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $118
  • Private Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $109
  • Private Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Luxury Van: $118
  • Private Transfer from Dundalk to Belfast Airport (BFS): $180
  • Private Transfer from Dun Laoghaire Port to Dublin Airport (DUB): $46
  • Private Transfer from Dun Laoghaire Cruise Port to Dublin City: $46
  • Private Transfer from Dublin city to Dun Laoghaire Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Dublin airport to Dublin city center - One way Minivan: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin and Kos 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
    Kos 43
    Dublin 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

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


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

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

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $60
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $61
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $62
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $63
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Skip the Line: Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner Ticket: $94
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $97
  • Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Dublin 25

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.14
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.14
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $22
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $33
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

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


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    26
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    27
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    4.50
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    6.30

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • VIP Irish Food and Drinks Tour with Jamesons Cocktail Class : $105
  • (Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours (Walking Tour): $293
  • (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $142
  • 1 Hour Private Insta Photography Tour in Dublin: $76
  • 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $50
  • 2-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour From Dublin: $220
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
  • 3 Hour Tour Freemasons and Templars Secret Societies: $20
  • 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
  • 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,191
  • 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,473
  • 6 Hour Private Tour of Dublin: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Dublin 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Dublin Traditional Irish Pub Crawl: $15
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $20
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey and Cocktail Tastings: $33


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Dublin, 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.