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

Should you visit Kos or Liverpool?

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 Liverpool 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 ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Kos and Liverpool: 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
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Kos or Liverpool?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Liverpool are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Liverpool attracts visitors for its theatre productions, music, and shopping. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Kos different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Liverpool 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 Liverpool?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool 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!

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Kos
Liverpool

Liverpool is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Kos is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Kos is not a theatre destination.

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

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Liverpool

Both Kos and Liverpool have great vibes after the sun sets.

Kos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Liverpool know how to have a good time. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.


Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Music?

Kos
Liverpool

Liverpool is very popular for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Liverpool is known as a music capital around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Kos is not a live music destination.

Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Resorts?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Liverpool is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Liverpool is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Beaches?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Hiking?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Liverpool?

Kos
Liverpool

Liverpool 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 Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool Better for Families?

Kos
Liverpool

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very family-friendly destination. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool Better for Couples?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Liverpool is a good island for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.


Is Kos or Liverpool Better for Students?

Kos
Liverpool

Liverpool is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos
Liverpool

Kos is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool 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 Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Kos or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Kos
Liverpool

Kos and Liverpool are great when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable island.


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

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Kos?

How long in Kos or Liverpool?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Liverpool. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Liverpool. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Liverpool.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Liverpool. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Liverpool 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 Kos.


  • How many days in Kos or Liverpool? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Liverpool 2-3

One day in Kos or Liverpool?

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Kos. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With theater and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Liverpool, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Liverpool?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient destination of Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Liverpool for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the fun-filled port city of Liverpool, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Liverpool?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant island of Kos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

The destination of Liverpool offers live music and shopping. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


A week in Kos or Liverpool?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Liverpool, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Liverpool 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 Liverpool is €188. 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 Liverpool in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Liverpool 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Liverpool 178
Compare Hotels in Kos and Liverpool

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Liverpool? 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 Liverpool


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 Liverpool Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Liverpool 31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

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

  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $68
  • From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $64
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
  • Kos Private Transfer Services: $52
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos transfer services, Kos - Airport - Kos: $107
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

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


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    7.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Private Transfer from Warrington to Manchester Airport (MAN): $69
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Holyhead Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Liverpool?

Prices for flights to both Liverpool 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
    Liverpool 69

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
  • Kefalos Sunset Cruise from Kos with Dinner: $61
  • Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $86
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Liverpool 42

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: $3.21
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.02
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $21
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $32
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $32
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $286
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $303
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $252
  • Brews, Views, football & History Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Liverpool 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
  • From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

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

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Liverpool, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Kos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kos 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Kos.

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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Liverpool?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Liverpool, 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.