Quick answer: It depends where you go. Mainland Greece and the lesser-known islands are good value (mid-range ~€100–150 / £85–130 a day), but Santorini and Mykonos in July–August are genuinely expensive. Travel in the shoulder season and skip the two famous islands to save a lot.
Greece can be a bargain or a blowout depending on which island you pick and when you go. Here is an honest 2026 cost breakdown and the simple choices that keep a Greek trip affordable.
What things cost in Greece Expensive
| Item | Typical price | Budget tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | €15–25 | Athens & larger islands |
| Mid-range hotel | €60–120 | Santorini/Mykonos €150–400 in summer |
| Taverna meal | €12–20 | Gyros from just €3–4 |
| Coffee / beer | €3 / €4 | Cafés away from the main square |
| Ferry between islands | €30–60 per leg | Book early; slow ferries are cheaper |
| Car hire (per day) | €35–60 | Split between travellers |
| Daily budget (mid-range) | €100–150 | £85–130 per person |
How to visit Greece Expensive on a budget
- Skip Santorini & Mykonos (or visit briefly) — choose Naxos, Paros, Milos or the mainland.
- Travel in May–June or September–October — warm, far cheaper than peak summer.
- Eat at tavernas and gyros joints rather than tourist-strip restaurants.
- Use slow ferries and book island hops early for the best fares.
- Self-cater breakfast from bakeries and supermarkets.
Where Greece gets expensive
The big costs are the famous Cyclades — Santorini and Mykonos — in July and August, when hotels can run €200–400 a night and sunset restaurants charge a premium. Ferries between islands also add up fast on a multi-island trip. Choose quieter islands and shoulder-season dates and Greece becomes very affordable.
FAQ
Is Greece cheaper than Italy or Spain?
Greece is broadly similar to Spain and usually a little cheaper than Italy — apart from Santorini and Mykonos in peak summer, which are among the priciest spots in the Mediterranean.
How much does a week in Greece cost?
A mid-range week costs roughly €700–1,050 (£600–900) per person excluding flights, more if you base yourself on Santorini or Mykonos in summer.
What is the cheapest way to visit the Greek islands?
Travel in the shoulder season, choose lesser-known islands (Naxos, Paros, Milos), use slow ferries booked in advance, and stay in guesthouses or studios with kitchenettes.
You Might Also Love
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.