Greece is mid-priced for Europe, but the range between islands is enormous. Mykonos and Naxos are in the same country and the same sea, and one costs roughly double the other.
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Daily costs
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €35–60 | €90–180 | €350–900 |
| Food | €25–40 | €50–80 | €120–250 |
| Transport | €8–15 | €20–40 | €60–150 |
| Activities | €10–25 | €30–60 | €100–250 |
| Per day | €78–140 | €190–360 | €630–1,550 |
The island gap
| Island | Mid-range hotel / night, August |
|---|---|
| Naxos / Paros | €90–150 |
| Athens | €90–160 |
| Crete | €100–170 |
| Santorini | €200–400 |
| Mykonos | €250–500 |
The same hotel standard costs roughly three times more on Mykonos than on Naxos. Splitting your nights — a few on a famous island, more on a quiet one — is the single biggest saving available.
Ten-day total, per person
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily × 10 | €1,090 | €2,750 | €10,900 |
| Ferries / domestic flights | €120 | €220 | €600 |
| Total | ~€1,210 | ~€2,970 | ~€11,500 |
Excludes international flights.
Where money disappears
- Caldera-view rooms. In Santorini the view can double the price of an otherwise identical room.
- Restaurants on the main square. Walk three streets back and the same meal costs a third less.
- August. Peak season prices are roughly double May or October.
- Last-minute ferries. They sell out in summer and you end up flying at short notice.
Where it’s genuinely cheap
- Food away from the tourist strips. A proper taverna meal with wine is €15–25.
- Beaches. Free, and among the best in Europe.
- Archaeological sites. Combination tickets in Athens are excellent value.
- Naxos, Paros, Crete — half the price of the famous islands for the same sea.
Route planning: 10 days in Greece. Island choice: which Greek islands to visit.
Compare accommodation in Greece
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Frequently asked questions
Is Greece expensive?
Mid-priced for Europe, but the range between islands is enormous. Mid-range travel runs roughly €190–360 a day.
What does a 10-day trip cost?
About €1,210 budget, €2,970 mid-range or €11,500 luxury per person, excluding international flights.
Which Greek islands are cheapest?
Naxos, Paros and Crete. Roughly half the price of Santorini or Mykonos for the same sea and better food.
How can I save money in Greece?
Travel in May or October, split nights between one famous island and one quiet one, and eat two streets back from the main square.
About the author
Born and raised in the Middle East, I’ve spent most of my adult life travelling — more than 40 countries so far. I write these guides the way I’d explain them to a friend: real prices, honest opinions, and a straight answer when the cheaper option is the better one. I don’t sell tours or own hotels, which is why I can tell you what the operators won’t.
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