Cost of Living in Athens
How much does it cost to visit Athens? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Alev Takil / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
EUR 60
per day
Weekly: EUR 420
Monthly: EUR 1800
Examples
- 🏨Bed in a dorm at Athens Backpackers HostelEUR 25
- 🍽️Souvlaki from Kostas SouvlakiEUR 5
- 🍽️Spanakopita from a local bakeryEUR 3
- 🚌3-day tourist ticket for public transportEUR 9
- 🎟️Explore the Acropolis Museum (consider booking tickets online in advance)EUR 10
- 🎟️Wander through the historic Plaka districtEUR 0
- 🎟️Visit the Ancient Agora of AthensEUR 10
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
EUR 150
per day
Weekly: EUR 1050
Monthly: EUR 4500
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at The Stanley HotelEUR 80
- 🍽️Moussaka at ScholarhioEUR 15
- 🍽️Greek salad and grilled octopus at LithosEUR 25
- 🚌Taxi from airport to hotel and backEUR 40
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Acropolis and ParthenonEUR 30
- 🎟️Visit the National Archaeological MuseumEUR 12
- 🎟️Evening stroll and dinner in PsiriEUR 18
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
EUR 350
per day
Weekly: EUR 2450
Monthly: EUR 10500
Examples
- 🏨Suite at Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection HotelEUR 250
- 🍽️Michelin-starred tasting menu at SpondiEUR 120
- 🍽️Champagne and small plates at The Clumsies (award-winning bar)EUR 50
- 🚌Private car service for the dayEUR 80
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Acropolis with an archaeologistEUR 150
- 🎟️Attend a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (seasonal)EUR 70
- 🎟️Sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar with Acropolis viewsEUR 30
Cost by Category
accommodation
€30-€80 (hostel/budget hotel) / €80-€200 (mid-range) / €200+ (luxury)
food
€20-€40 (street food/tavernas) / €40-€80 (restaurants) / €80+ (fine dining)
Transport
€5-€10 (public transport/walk) / €20-€40 (occasional taxi/rideshare)
activities
€15-€30 (museums/sites) / €30+ (tours/experiences)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaka | Mid-range | at center | first-timers, couples |
| Koukaki | Mid-range | near center | foodies, culture |
| Psiri | Budget | near center | nightlife, foodies |
| Kolonaki | Luxury | more expensive than center | luxury, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Athens
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Athens Costs
How much does it cost to visit Athens?
Budget travellers can visit Athens for around EUR 60/day (EUR 420/week). Mid-range travellers should budget EUR 150/day, while luxury travel costs around EUR 350/day.
Is Athens expensive?
Athens is moderately priced. At EUR 60/day for budget travellers, it offers good value compared to major Western capitals.
How much should I budget per day in Athens?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Athens, budget EUR 150/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Athens?
Budget travellers in Athens can get by on EUR 60/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.