Which place is cheaper, Crete or Paris?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Paris or Crete?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Paris or Crete? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Paris
Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.
Crete
Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.
Paris and Crete: Pros and Cons
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Popular at Christmas
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
Crete
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- 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
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Paris or Crete?
You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Crete. Paris is bigger than Crete, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Crete is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Crete is well known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.
The Eiffel Tower
How is Paris different from Crete?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Crete?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Theater?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Crete is not a theatre destination.
The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Crete is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Paris or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Paris
Crete
Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Crete.
For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Crete has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Nightlife?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Music?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Crete is not a live music destination.
In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Crete is not a live music destination.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Resorts?
Paris
Crete
Crete is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.
Paris is not a resort destination.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Paris
Crete
Crete is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.
Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Beaches?
Paris
Crete
Crete is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.
Paris is not a beach destination.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Hiking?
Paris
Crete
Crete is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.
Paris is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Crete?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Christmas?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Crete does not offer Christmas activities.
During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Crete does not offer Christmas activities.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Families?
Paris
Crete
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Crete.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Crete is one of the most popular family destinations. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Couples?
Paris
Crete
With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Crete make for a first-rate place to visit.
Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
For those traveling as a couple, Crete has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Students?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.
Is Paris or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Paris
Crete
Paris is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.
Is Paris or Crete a more walkable city?
Paris
Crete
Paris is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.
Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.
For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Crete or Paris?
How long in Paris or Crete?
Both Paris and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Crete. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Crete. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Crete 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 Paris.
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How many days in Paris or Crete? Ideal Length of StayParis 3-7Crete 5-7
One day in Paris or Crete?
Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
In Crete, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Paris or Crete?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Paris or Crete?
Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Crete is a fun place to experience. In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Paris or Crete?
Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
In Crete, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this breathtaking destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayParis €232Crete €102
The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, while the average daily cost in Crete is €102. 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 Paris and Crete in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personParis €151Crete €48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomParis €302Crete €96
Compare Hotels in Paris and Crete
Looking for a hotel in Paris or Crete? 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: Paris Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paris €21Crete €23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro€6.40
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Train from Airport€9.00
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Metro tickets€6.80
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Train€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus Transfer : Paris to the Palace of Versailles Round-Trip : $44
- Disneyland Private Transfer - Luxury Minivan Service: $183
- La Defense Private Transfer to Airport or Central Paris: $22
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer for 1 to 3 Persons in Paris: $195
- Private Transfer from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport: $83
- Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $266
- Airport Transfer Service Shuttle Disneyland Paris Taxi: $119
- Airport Transfer: Paris Airport CDG to Paris City by Business Car: $100
- Airport Transfer: Paris Airport CDG to Paris City by Luxury EQS: $142
- Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Business Car: $95
- Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Luxury EQS: $142
- Airport transfer from Paris to Disneyland Paris/Parc Asterix (8pax): $183
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:
- Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Ag.Nikolaos Elounda with Transfer: $251
- Private Guided Trek to Samaria Gorge with Transfer: $250
- Taxi Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno City : $239
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $222
- Knossos palace & the Archaeological museum of Heraklion (with Transfer): $217
- One-Way Private Taxi/Transfer Heraklion to/from Chania: $216
- Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Kalyves to Heraklion Airport: $214
- Private Airport Transfers from Chania Airport to Heraklio one way: $201
- Transfer from Chania airport to Paleochora up to 3 or vise versa: $198
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Heraklion: Santorini Day Trip with Boat Transfer & Oia Visit: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Crete?
Prices for flights to both Crete and Paris 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 dayParis €41Crete €34
Typical Food Prices in Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream€8.00
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Breakfast€7.00
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Breakfast for 2€30
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Dinner on River Cruise€86
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Dinner€57
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Cheese€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
- Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $43
- Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
- Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
- Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
- Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $57
- Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
- No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $68
- Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
- Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $70
- Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Crete.
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $59
- Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $75
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
- Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $95
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Heraklion: Cretan Cooking Lesson with Lunch in Arolithos: $117
- Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains: $117
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
- Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $130
- Private Interactive Cooking Class with Aggeliki : $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paris €77Crete €26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two€18
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Admission to Pantheon€5.00
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Catacombs (2)€23
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- Free Walking Tour of Montmartre: $2.13
- Montmartre Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $3.20
- Montmartre Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.25
- A Detailed Audio Tour of Iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica: $3.54
- Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $4.34
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.33
- Père-Lachaise Cemetery audio guide tour: $5.33
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Paris: $5.41
- Montmartre Audio Guided Private Tour: $5.41
- Private Self Guided Walking Tour in Montmartre Paris: $5.42
- Private Self-guided Audio Tour of the Eiffel Tower: $5.42
- Self Guided Latin Quarter Audio Tour in Paris: $5.42
Tours and Activities in Crete
Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Cretan Night Show Tour From Rethymnon: $53
- Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna: $130
- Seitan Limania - Marathi private Jeep tour with SUP & lunch: $173
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure: $87
- 6-Hours Safari Tour in Damnoni and Skinaria Beach, from Plakias: $37
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agia Pelagia: Quad Safari-Family Tour: $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- Agios Nikolaos: Private Sailing Cruise in Mirabello Bay: $2,131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayParis €24Crete €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $13
- Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
- Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $21
- Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
- Paris Bar Crawl: $24
- Paris Pub Crawl: $25
- Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $31
- Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $38
- Paris Nation wine tasting: $42
- Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $42
- Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $49
Sample the Local Flavors in Crete
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:
- Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $114
- Heraklion: Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Wine Tasting on Luxury Yacht Sunset Evening in Marina: $173
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $215
- Private-Knossos Palace and Wine tasting in Heraklion countryside: $218
- From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $228
- Heraklion: Private Knossos & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $245
- Ecobike Tour • All in One • Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting: $256
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Crete, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Crete.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Paris or Crete?
Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Crete, 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.
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.