Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Thessaloniki?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Thessaloniki can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Thessaloniki?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Thessaloniki $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Thessaloniki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Thessaloniki $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Thessaloniki
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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.
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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Thessaloniki $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
- Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
- Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
- Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
- Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Thessaloniki?
Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki and Pamukkale 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
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Food Meals for one dayPamukkale $69Thessaloniki $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Thessaloniki $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $120
- All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
- Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $277
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
- Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103
Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
- Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
- Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
- Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
- Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
- City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
- Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
- Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
- Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
- Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
- Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Thessaloniki $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 comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Thessaloniki, we can see that Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Thessaloniki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Thessaloniki?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Pamukkale or Thessaloniki in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Thessaloniki. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Thessaloniki. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.
Pamukkale is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Thessaloniki in the Winter?
Both Thessaloniki and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Pamukkale is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Thessaloniki in the Spring?
Both Thessaloniki and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Thessaloniki. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Thessaloniki | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.