A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minsk vs. Thessaloniki for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Minsk or Thessaloniki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Thessaloniki, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Thessaloniki?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Minsk and Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Thessaloniki $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Thessaloniki? 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 Minsk


Hotels in Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Thessaloniki $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $32
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44
  • Thessaloniki Airport - Sani Transfer: $81
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Thessaloniki $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Thessaloniki $28

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Thessaloniki $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207


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

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Thessaloniki?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Minsk and Thessaloniki, 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.


When is the best time to visit Minsk or Thessaloniki?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minsk or Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Minsk during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Minsk is cooler than Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Minsk. In the summer, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in July than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Thessaloniki. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Minsk is much colder than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minsk usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Thessaloniki. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

The weather in Minsk can be very cold. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

Both Thessaloniki and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Minsk is much colder than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minsk usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Minsk

Minsk Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)