After multiple trips to Greece, here’s the actual cost of 1 week from the US. Real receipts, not influencer fantasy budgets.
The TL;DR cost breakdown
| Tier | Total (excluding flights) | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $900 | Hostels/guesthouses, local food, public transit |
| Mid-range | $1,800 | Boutique hotels, mix of food, some excursions |
| Luxury | $4,500 | High-end hotels, fine dining, private guides |
Cost breakdown by category
Flights from US
$550-1,200 from East Coast to Athens (ATH). Direct flights from JFK/EWR on United, Delta, American.
Accommodation (7 nights)
**Budget:** $40-80/night Athens hotel + island guesthouse: $280-560
**Mid-range:** $100-200/night boutique hotels: $700-1,400
**Luxury:** $400-1,500+/night cliffside Santorini suites: $2,800-10,500+
Food (7 days)
**Budget:** Souvlaki $3-5, gyros $4-6: $50-100/week
**Mid-range:** Tavernas $15-30/meal: $200-400/week
**Luxury:** Michelin restaurants $80-200/meal: $500-1,400/week
Transportation
**Athens metro:** $1.50 per ride or $4.50 day pass
**Ferry between islands:** $30-90 per route
**Domestic flights:** $50-150
**Taxi from airport Athens:** $40 fixed rate
Activities + entrance fees
Acropolis combo ticket: $35
Delphi day trip: $80-150
Santorini wine tour: $80-150
Catamaran sunset cruise: $80-200
Meteora day trip: $100-200
How to lower the total cost
- Use a travel credit card – sign-up bonus points cover flights or 5-7 hotel nights. See best travel credit cards.
- Book direct – direct booking often saves 10-15% vs Booking.com plus better cancellation flexibility.
- Eat where locals eat – 5 minutes off tourist plazas means 30-50% cheaper food.
- Travel shoulder season – 30-50% lower hotel rates in Greece.
- Get an eSIM – Airalo or Holafly are 50-70% cheaper than airport SIM cards.
Related guides
- Best Travel Credit Cards for International Travel
- Travel Insurance That Actually Pays Out
- Cheap Flight Tools That Actually Work
- USA Traveler’s Hub – All 80+ Guides
FAQs
How much does a week in Greece cost?
Budget travelers: $900 for one week excluding flights. Mid-range: $1,800. Luxury: $4,500+. Add $400-1,500 for round-trip flights from the US depending on destination and timing.
Is Greece expensive for Americans?
It depends on the dollar’s strength and your travel style. Budget travelers can manage $50-130/day in Greece, mid-range travelers $150-280/day, luxury travelers $400+/day excluding flights.
What’s the cheapest week to visit Greece?
Off-season months typically have 30-50% lower hotel rates and 40-60% lower flight prices. Specific months vary by destination.
How much should I budget for food in Greece?
Budget eaters: $15-30/day at local restaurants and street food. Mid-range: $40-70/day with mix of casual and nicer restaurants. Luxury: $100-300+/day at fine dining.
Should I use credit card points to lower Greece costs?
Yes – a single credit card sign-up bonus (60,000-100,000 points) can cover all flights or 5-10 hotel nights via point transfers. See how to maximize credit card points.