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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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.

Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. 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 Thessaloniki and Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Thessaloniki


Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz


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 and Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

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 Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51

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.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23

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 Thessaloniki and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)