How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost? Complete 2026 Budget Guide
By Panos Bampalis
"How much does a trip to Greece cost?" It's the first question everyone asks when planning their Greece adventure—and the answer ranges wildly from $1,400 to $5,000+ per person depending on your travel style, time of year, and which islands you visit.
Here's what makes Greece budget confusing: Two travelers can have completely different experiences and costs while visiting the same places. One couple spends $3,000 for a week in Santorini staying in cave hotels and dining at caldera restaurants. Another couple spends $1,200 visiting the same island, staying in Kamari (no caldera view), eating gyros, and taking buses. Both had great trips—just different priorities and budgets.
This complete guide breaks down exactly what Greece costs in 2026 with real numbers, no fluff. You'll discover daily budgets by travel style, complete trip costs for different durations, what makes Greece expensive (or cheap), and specific strategies to optimize your budget without sacrificing experience.
What You'll Learn:
- Daily budgets by travel style (€40-€600/day)
- Complete trip costs for 5, 7, 10, and 14 days
- Cost by number of travelers (solo, couples, families)
- Island cost comparisons (Santorini vs. Naxos = 50% difference)
- Budget optimization (30+ money-saving strategies)
- Month-by-month pricing (when to save 40%)
- What's expensive vs. cheap in Greece
Quick Answer Summary:
Duration
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
5 Days
$800-1,200
$1,400-2,000
$2,800-4,500
7 Days
$1,100-1,700
$2,000-2,800
$4,000-6,500
10 Days
$1,600-2,400
$2,800-4,000
$5,600-9,000
14 Days
$2,200-3,400
$4,000-5,600
$8,000-12,500
Note: All prices exclude international flights (add $400-1,200)
Let's break down every cost category so you can budget accurately.
Daily Budget Breakdown by Travel Style
Budget Traveler (€40-70 / $45-75 per day) (H2)
Who This Is For:
- Backpackers and young travelers
- People prioritizing experiences over comfort
- Those willing to compromise on accommodation/food
- Travelers spending 14+ days (need to stretch budget)
Daily Cost Breakdown:
Accommodation: €15-30/night
- Hostel dorm beds: €15-25
- Budget hotel (no view): €30-40
- Shared Airbnb room: €20-30
- Camping (rare in Greece): €10-15
Food: €12-25/day
- Breakfast: Bakery pastries + coffee (€3-5)
- Lunch: Gyros or souvlaki (€3-5)
- Snacks: Supermarket items (€2-3)
- Dinner: Cheap taverna or more gyros (€7-12)
- Drinks: House wine, beers from supermarket (€2-5)
Transportation: €5-15/day
- Local buses: €1.80-2.50 per ride
- Ferries: Deck class (€20-40 between islands)
- Walking (free!)
- Occasional taxi: €5-10
Activities: €5-10/day
- Free beaches (most are free!)
- Free sunset watching
- Churches/monasteries: Free-€2
- Self-guided hiking: Free
- Archaeological sites: Skip most, see 1-2 major ones (€12-20)
Total Daily: €40-70 ($45-75)
What Budget Travel Looks Like:
- Stay in hostels or budget hotels away from prime areas
- Eat gyros/souvlaki for most meals
- Take buses, not taxis
- Free activities (beaches, hiking, sunset watching)
- Buy wine/snacks from supermarkets
- Visit 1-2 major archaeological sites max
- Skip expensive boat tours
Example Budget Week (7 Days):
- Accommodation: €175 (€25/night)
- Food: €133 (€19/day)
- Transport: €70 (€10/day including one ferry)
- Activities: €49 (€7/day)
- Total: €427 ($460) for 7 days
Value/Mid-Range Traveler (€80-150 / $90-165 per day) (H2)
Who This Is For:
- Most first-time visitors to Greece
- Couples wanting comfort without luxury
- Families seeking nice but not extravagant stays
- People who want good food but not fine dining
- The "sweet spot" for Greece travel
Daily Cost Breakdown:
Accommodation: €50-100/night
- 3-star hotel: €60-90
- Nice Airbnb apartment: €70-120
- Budget boutique hotel: €80-100
- Caldera view on budget islands: €90-150
Food: €25-45/day
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or café (€8-12)
- Lunch: Taverna meal (€12-18)
- Snacks: Coffee, ice cream (€3-5)
- Dinner: Nice taverna (€15-25)
- Drinks: Wine at dinner, afternoon drinks (€8-15)
Transportation: €15-30/day
- ATV/car rental: €25-35/day (essential for islands)
- Ferry cabin class: €35-60 between islands
- Occasional taxis: €10-20
- Airport transfers: €25-40
Activities: €15-30/day
- Archaeological sites: €12-20 each (combo ticket €30)
- Boat tour/sailing: €50-90 (once per trip)
- Wine tasting: €15-25
- Museum entries: €5-12
- Beach sunbeds: €8-15/day
Total Daily: €80-150 ($90-165)
What Mid-Range Travel Looks Like:
- Stay in nice 3-star hotels or good Airbnbs
- Mix of tavernas and occasional upscale restaurant
- Rent ATV or small car on islands
- Do 1-2 tours (sunset sailing, wine tasting)
- Visit major archaeological sites
- Occasional taxi rides
- Comfortable but not luxurious
Example Mid-Range Week (7 Days):
- Accommodation: €595 (€85/night)
- Food: €245 (€35/day)
- Transport: €161 (€23/day including ferry + car rental)
- Activities: €154 (€22/day)
- Total: €1,155 ($1,260) for 7 days
Comfort/Upper Mid-Range (€150-300 / $165-330 per day) (H2)
Who This Is For:
- Travelers wanting upgraded experience
- Honeymooners (not ultra-luxury)
- People celebrating special occasions
- Those who want memorable dining + nice hotels
Daily Cost Breakdown:
Accommodation: €120-220/night
- 4-star hotel with pool: €150-200
- Boutique hotel: €140-220
- Caldera view in Santorini: €200-350
- Nice villa: €180-280
Food: €45-70/day
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet (€12-18)
- Lunch: Quality taverna or light meal (€15-25)
- Afternoon: Café, cocktail (€8-15)
- Dinner: Upscale taverna/restaurant (€30-45)
- Wine: Good local wines (€15-25)
Transportation: €25-50/day
- Car rental (not ATV): €40-60/day
- Ferry cabin with lounge: €50-80
- Private transfers: €50-80
- Taxis liberally: €15-30
Activities: €30-60/day
- Guided tours: €80-150
- Premium boat tours: €120-180
- Private wine tasting: €50-80
- Spa treatments: €80-150
- All archaeological sites: €30 combo ticket
Total Daily: €150-300 ($165-330)
What Upper Mid-Range Travel Looks Like:
- Boutique hotels, caldera views
- Excellent restaurants, some fine dining
- Private tours or small group experiences
- Comfortable car rentals
- All major sites + activities
- Rooftop bars, nice cocktails
- Occasional splurges
Example Upper Mid-Range Week (7 Days):
- Accommodation: €1,400 (€200/night)
- Food: €399 (€57/day)
- Transport: €259 (€37/day)
- Activities: €315 (€45/day)
- Total: €2,373 ($2,600) for 7 days
Luxury Traveler (€300-600+ / $330-660+ per day) (H2)
Who This Is For:
- High-end honeymooners
- Milestone celebrations
- People who want the best Greece offers
- Travelers prioritizing comfort and exclusivity
Daily Cost Breakdown:
Accommodation: €250-600+/night
- 5-star resort: €350-500
- Cave hotel with private pool (Santorini): €400-800
- Luxury villa: €500-1,000+
- Iconic hotels (Grace, Katikies): €600-1,200
Food: €80-150+/day
- Breakfast: Hotel (included) or upscale (€20-35)
- Lunch: Quality restaurant with view (€40-60)
- Afternoon: Champagne, cocktails (€20-40)
- Dinner: Fine dining (€80-150)
- Premium wine: €40-100/bottle
Transportation: €50-150+/day
- Luxury car rental: €80-150/day
- Private yacht charter: €200-500/day
- Helicopter transfers: €200-400
- Private drivers: €100-200/day
- Business class ferries: €80-120
Activities: €100-300+/day
- Private sailing charter: €300-600
- Private tours: €200-400
- Helicopter tour: €300-500
- Private wine experiences: €150-300
- Spa days: €150-300
Total Daily: €300-600+ ($330-660+)
What Luxury Travel Looks Like:
- Iconic hotels with private pools
- Michelin-starred or top-rated restaurants
- Private tours, never group
- Helicopter transfers between islands
- Private yacht charters
- Infinity pool with caldera view
- Champagne at sunset
- Absolutely zero compromises
Example Luxury Week (7 Days):
- Accommodation: €3,500 (€500/night)
- Food: €770 (€110/day)
- Transport: €700 (€100/day)
- Activities: €1,400 (€200/day)
- Total: €6,370 ($7,000) for 7 days
Complete Trip Cost by Duration
5-Day Greece Trip Cost (H2)
Typical Route: Athens (2 days) + 1 island (3 days)
Budget Traveler:
- Daily cost: €50 × 5 days = €250
- Domestic flight/ferry: €60
- Total: €310 ($340)
- With international flights: $740-1,140
Mid-Range Traveler:
- Daily cost: €115 × 5 days = €575
- Domestic flight/ferry: €80
- Total: €655 ($720)
- With international flights: $1,120-1,520
Luxury Traveler:
- Daily cost: €450 × 5 days = €2,250
- Private transfers: €300
- Total: €2,550 ($2,800)
- With international flights: $3,200-4,000
Reality Check: 5 days is SHORT for Greece. You'll spend 1-2 days traveling, leaving only 3-4 days to actually experience things. Better to do 7+ days.
7-Day Greece Trip Cost (H2)
Typical Route: Athens (2-3 days) + 1-2 islands (4-5 days)
Budget Traveler:
- Daily cost: €50 × 7 days = €350
- Ferries (2): €80
- Total: €430 ($470)
- With international flights: $870-1,270
Mid-Range Traveler:
- Daily cost: €115 × 7 days = €805
- Ferries + car rental: €180
- Total: €985 ($1,080)
- With international flights: $1,480-1,880
Comfort Traveler:
- Daily cost: €225 × 7 days = €1,575
- Flights + transfers: €300
- Total: €1,875 ($2,060)
- With international flights: $2,460-2,860
Luxury Traveler:
- Daily cost: €450 × 7 days = €3,150
- Helicopter transfers: €600
- Total: €3,750 ($4,100)
- With international flights: $4,500-5,300
Sweet Spot: 7 days is minimum for good Greece experience. Athens + 1-2 islands comfortably.
10-Day Greece Trip Cost (H2)
Typical Route: Athens (3 days) + 2-3 islands (7 days)
Budget Traveler:
- Daily cost: €50 × 10 days = €500
- Ferries (3): €120
- Total: €620 ($680)
- With international flights: $1,080-1,480
Mid-Range Traveler:
- Daily cost: €115 × 10 days = €1,150
- Ferries + car rentals: €280
- Total: €1,430 ($1,570)
- With international flights: $1,970-2,370
Comfort Traveler:
- Daily cost: €225 × 10 days = €2,250
- Flights + transfers: €450
- Total: €2,700 ($2,970)
- With international flights: $3,370-3,770
Luxury Traveler:
- Daily cost: €450 × 10 days = €4,500
- Private yacht/helicopters: €1,200
- Total: €5,700 ($6,270)
- With international flights: $6,670-7,470
Ideal Duration: 10 days is perfect for first-time Greece visitors. Enough time to see Athens + 2 islands without rushing.
14-Day Greece Trip Cost (H2)
Typical Route: Athens (3 days) + 3-4 islands (11 days) OR Athens + Crete road trip
Budget Traveler:
- Daily cost: €50 × 14 days = €700
- Ferries (4): €160
- Total: €860 ($950)
- With international flights: $1,350-1,750
Mid-Range Traveler:
- Daily cost: €115 × 14 days = €1,610
- Ferries + car rentals: €380
- Total: €1,990 ($2,190)
- With international flights: $2,590-2,990
Comfort Traveler:
- Daily cost: €225 × 14 days = €3,150
- Flights + transfers: €550
- Total: €3,700 ($4,070)
- With international flights: $4,470-4,870
Luxury Traveler:
- Daily cost: €450 × 14 days = €6,300
- Private experiences: €1,800
- Total: €8,100 ($8,910)
- With international flights: $9,310-10,110
Best For: Travelers wanting comprehensive Greece experience, island hopping, or Crete road trip.
Cost by Number of Travelers
Solo Traveler Cost (H2)
Solo Travel Premium: +20-40% per person
Solo travelers face a "single supplement" because accommodation/rental cars cost the same whether 1 or 2 people.
Budget Solo (€60-90/day):
- Pay full price for hostel dorm: €20-30
- OR pay full hotel: €40-60 (vs €20-30 per person for couple)
- Eating alone = full meal prices (no sharing)
- 7-Day Total: €600-800 ($660-880)
Mid-Range Solo (€120-180/day):
- Pay full hotel: €80-120
- Pay full car rental: €30-40 (vs €15-20 per person)
- 7-Day Total: €1,200-1,600 ($1,320-1,760)
Money-Saving Solo Tips:
- Stay in hostels (social + cheap)
- Join group tours (split costs)
- Use buses instead of rental car
- Eat at places with smaller portions
- Consider Couchsurfing/home stays
Couple/Two Travelers Cost (H2)
Best Value Per Person
Couples get the best per-person pricing by splitting accommodation and transportation.
Budget Couple (€50-70/day per person):
- Split hotel: €40-60 total (€20-30 each)
- Split car rental: €30 total (€15 each)
- Share meals: Order 2-3 dishes, split (save 20%)
- 7-Day Total per person: €430-580 ($470-640)
- Total for 2: €860-1,160 ($950-1,280)
Mid-Range Couple (€100-140/day per person):
- Split nice hotel: €100-140 total (€50-70 each)
- Split car rental: €35 total (€17.50 each)
- Share appetizers/desserts
- 7-Day Total per person: €850-1,150 ($935-1,265)
- Total for 2: €1,700-2,300 ($1,870-2,530)
Why Couples Save:
- Split all accommodation (biggest expense)
- Split rental cars/taxis
- Share dishes at restaurants
- Share bottles of wine
- Split tour costs (sometimes)
Family of 4 Cost (H2)
Family Travel Considerations:
Families face unique costs but can save with strategies.
Budget Family (€60-100/day per person):
- Family room/apartment: €80-120 (€20-30 per person)
- Kids eat cheaper: €8-15/meal vs adult €15-25
- Many sites: Kids under 18 free!
- 7-Day Total for family of 4: €1,960-3,080 ($2,160-3,390)
Mid-Range Family (€100-150/day per person):
- 2-bedroom apartment/villa: €140-200 (€35-50 per person)
- Family meals: €60-100 total
- Kid-friendly activities often cheaper
- 7-Day Total for family of 4: €3,080-4,620 ($3,390-5,080)
Family Money-Saving Tips:
- Rent apartments with kitchens (cook breakfast/snacks)
- Free beaches instead of paid beach clubs
- Many archaeological sites: Kids under 18 FREE
- Supermarket picnics for lunch
- Stay in Naxos/Paros (cheaper, family-friendly)
- Avoid Santorini/Mykonos (too expensive for families)
What Makes Greece Expensive (or Cheap)
Expensive Factors (H2)
1. Island Choice (50-80% Price Difference!)
Most Expensive Islands:
- Santorini: Accommodation 80% higher than average
- Budget hotel: €80-120 vs €40-60 elsewhere
- Mid-range hotel: €150-250 vs €80-120
- Dinner: €25-45 vs €15-25
- Mykonos: Even pricier than Santorini
- Beach club day: €80-150 (sunbed + drinks)
- Dinner: €40-80 vs €20-35
- Cocktails: €18-25 vs €8-12
Most Affordable Islands:
- Naxos: 40-50% cheaper than Santorini
- Paros: Similar to Naxos
- Crete: Huge island with budget options
- Milos: Mid-range pricing
Cost Example - Same 3-Day Trip:
- Santorini: €600/person
- Naxos: €300/person
- Savings: €300 (50%!)
2. Season (40% Price Swing)
Peak Season (July-August):
- Hotels: 50-80% more expensive
- Ferries: 20-30% more expensive
- Restaurants: Prices surge
- Tours book out = forced to pay premium
Shoulder Season (May-June, Sept-Oct):
- Hotels: 30-40% cheaper
- Better availability
- Same weather (June/Sept especially)
Off-Season (Nov-March):
- Hotels: 60% cheaper
- But many places closed
- Weather not ideal for beach
Cost Example - Same Santorini Hotel:
- August: €280/night
- June: €180/night
- November: €110/night
3. Dining Choices
Expensive:
- Caldera restaurants: €40-80/person
- Hotel restaurants: €35-60/person
- Tourist traps near cruise ship ports: €30-50/person
Affordable:
- Local tavernas: €15-25/person
- Souvlaki/gyros: €3-5
- Supermarket meals: €8-15
Cost Example - 7-Day Food:
- All restaurant dining: €350-550
- Mix restaurants + street food: €175-245
- Cook some meals: €120-180
4. Transportation Choices
Expensive:
- Domestic flights: €80-150 each
- Private transfers: €50-100 each
- Helicopter: €200-400 each
Affordable:
- Ferries: €35-60 between islands
- Buses: €1.80-2.50 per ride
- Walking: Free!
Cheap Factors (H2)
What's Actually Affordable in Greece:
1. Food (If You Choose Wisely)
- Gyros/souvlaki: €3-5 (filling meal!)
- Bakery breakfast: €3-6
- Supermarket wine: €5-8 (good quality)
- Local tavernas: €15-25/person
- Fresh produce at markets: Cheap
2. Archaeological Sites
- €30 combo ticket = 7 major sites (amazing value!)
- Many sites: €5-12 each
- Students under 26: FREE
- EU citizens over 65: FREE
3. Beaches
- Most beaches: FREE entry
- Sunbeds: Optional (€8-15 if you want)
- Crystal water: FREE!
4. Natural Beauty
- Hiking: Free
- Sunset watching: Free
- Mountain villages: Free to explore
- Photography ops: Free
5. Off-Season Accommodation
- November-March: 60% off
- Still warm enough in Oct/early Nov
Cost Comparison: Budget vs Luxury Same Trip
7-Day Athens + Santorini Trip (H2)
Route: Athens (3 days) → Santorini (4 days)
Budget Version: €670 total
Athens (3 days):
- Hostel: €75 (€25/night)
- Food: €60 (€20/day - gyros, bakery)
- Transport: €20 (metro passes)
- Acropolis + museum: €25
- Athens total: €180
Santorini (4 days):
- Budget hotel in Kamari: €180 (€45/night, no caldera)
- Food: €80 (€20/day - cheap tavernas)
- Bus passes: €20
- Wine tasting: €15
- Beaches: Free
- Santorini total: €295
Transport Athens→Santorini:
- Ferry: €45 (deck class)
- Ferry return: €150 (total to Athens, fly)
Grand Total: €670 ($740)
What Budget Traveler Gets:
- Sees everything expensive traveler sees
- Same Acropolis, same sunset, same beaches
- Just with hostel dorm and gyros
- No caldera view hotel
- Takes buses, not taxis
- Still an AMAZING trip!
Luxury Version: €4,850 total
Athens (3 days):
- 5-star hotel: €900 (€300/night)
- Food: €300 (€100/day - fine dining)
- Private driver: €150
- Private Acropolis tour: €150
- Rooftop bars: €100
- Athens total: €1,600
Santorini (4 days):
- Cave hotel with private pool: €1,600 (€400/night)
- Fine dining: €440 (€110/day)
- Private transfer: €100
- Private sunset sailing: €350
- Private wine tour: €180
- Spa treatment: €180
- Santorini total: €2,850
Transport Athens→Santorini:
- Domestic flight: €150 each way = €300
- Private transfers: €100
Grand Total: €4,850 ($5,335)
What Luxury Traveler Gets:
- Same sights as budget traveler
- But with private pool, caldera view
- Michelin-level dining
- Private tours (no crowds)
- Helicopter option available
- Champagne sunsets
- Absolute comfort
The Difference: €4,180 ($4,595)
Both travelers see the Acropolis, watch Oia sunset, swim in Aegean. The €4,000 difference is in how they experience it.
Month-by-Month Cost Guide
Peak Season (July-August) - Most Expensive (H2)
Price Level: 100% (baseline)
Accommodation:
- Santorini caldera hotel: €250-400/night
- Mid-range Athens hotel: €90-140/night
- Budget hostel: €30-40/night
Flights:
- International to Athens: $900-1,500
- Domestic flights: €100-180
Crowds: Extreme
Weather: Very hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F)
Verdict: Avoid unless you must travel these months
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October) - Best Value (H2)
Price Level: 60-70% of peak
Accommodation:
- Santorini caldera hotel: €150-280/night (40% savings!)
- Mid-range Athens hotel: €60-100/night
- Budget hostel: €20-30/night
Flights:
- International: $600-1,000
- Domestic: €60-120
Crowds: Manageable
Weather: Perfect (22-28°C / 72-82°F)
Verdict: BEST TIME for value + experience
Savings vs. Peak:
- Accommodation: 30-40% cheaper
- Flights: 20-30% cheaper
- Overall trip: Save €400-800 on week-long trip!
Off-Season (November-March) - Cheapest (H2)
Price Level: 40% of peak (60% savings!)
Accommodation:
- Hotels: 50-60% off peak prices
- Many great deals
BUT:
- Many hotels/restaurants closed (islands)
- Limited ferry schedules
- Cold for beach (10-16°C / 50-60°F)
- Rainy days common
Best For:
- Athens only trips
- Cultural focus (not beach)
- Extreme budget travelers
- October/early November (still pleasant)
Verdict: Great savings but limited experience
Budget Optimization Strategies
30+ Ways to Save Money in Greece (H2)
Accommodation Savings:
- Stay in Budget Islands - Naxos vs. Santorini = 50% savings
- Book 2-3 months ahead - Save 20-30%
- Stay inland - No caldera view = 40% cheaper
- Apartments with kitchens - Cook breakfast/snacks
- Hostels in Athens - €20-30 vs €80+ hotel
- Shoulder season - 30-40% cheaper
- Stay longer in one place - Weekly rates available
Food Savings:
- Lunch over dinner - Same food, 25% cheaper
- Gyros/souvlaki - €3-5 fills you up
- Supermarket breakfast - €5 vs €15 hotel
- Supermarket wine - €6 vs €30 restaurant
- Share dishes - Greek portions are HUGE
- Eat where locals eat - 30% cheaper
- Picnic lunches - Beach with supermarket food
- Free hotel breakfast - If included, load up
- Water from tap - Safe to drink, free
Transportation Savings:
- Ferries over flights - €40 vs €100
- Slow ferries - €30 vs €50 fast (but 2x longer)
- Buses over taxis - €2 vs €15
- Walk everywhere possible - Athens very walkable
- ATV over car - €25/day vs €40/day
- Book ferries direct - Skip booking fees
Activity Savings:
- €30 combo ticket - 7 sites vs €84 separate
- Free beaches - Skip beach club sunbeds
- Self-guided hiking - Free vs €50-80 tour
- Sunset from hills - Free vs €15 drinks
- Free walking tours - Tip-based
- Visit on free days - First Sunday some months
- Student discount - Under 26 = many free entries
- Group tours over private - 60% cheaper
Smart Planning:
- Visit 1-2 islands max - Minimize transport costs
- Avoid July-August - 40% cheaper in June/Sept
- Travel Tuesday-Thursday - Flights 20% cheaper
- Book direct with hotels - Skip booking fees
- Use local SIM card - €10 vs €50 roaming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a trip to Greece cost for one week?
A: Budget: $1,100-1,700 | Mid-range: $2,000-2,800 | Luxury: $4,000-6,500 per person, excluding international flights. Add $400-1,200 for flights from US.
Q: How much is a trip to Greece for 2 people?
A: 7 days budget: $1,900-3,000 | Mid-range: $3,500-5,000 | Luxury: $7,000-11,000 for couple. Couples save 20-30% per person by splitting accommodation and transportation.
Q: Is Greece expensive compared to other European countries?
A: No! Greece is 20-30% cheaper than Western Europe (France, Italy, UK). Comparable to Spain/Portugal. More expensive than Eastern Europe but better value than Scandinavia.
Q: What's the cheapest way to visit Greece?
A: Visit in May or October (shoulder season), stay in Naxos or Paros (not Santorini), eat gyros and supermarket food, take buses/ferries, stay in hostels, focus on free activities. Budget: €50-70/day possible.
Q: How much does a 10-day trip to Greece cost?
A: Budget: $1,600-2,400 | Mid-range: $2,800-4,000 | Luxury: $5,600-9,000 per person (excluding international flights).
Q: Is Santorini or Mykonos more expensive?
A: Mykonos is slightly more expensive (5-10% higher). Both are the two priciest islands. Budget alternatives: Naxos, Paros, Milos (40-50% cheaper).
Q: How much spending money do I need per day in Greece?
A: Budget: €40-70/day | Mid-range: €100-150/day | Luxury: €300-600/day. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Q: What's included in typical Greece trip costs?
A: Accommodation, food, local transportation (buses/ferries/taxis), activities, and archaeological site entries. NOT included: International flights, travel insurance, souvenirs, tips.
Q: Can you do Greece on $2,000 for a week?
A: Yes! That's $285/day, which fits comfortably in mid-range budget. Stay in nice 3-star hotels (€80-120/night), eat well at tavernas, rent car, do tours. Excellent Greece experience possible.
Q: How much does it cost to island hop in Greece?
A: Ferries between islands: €35-60 each (fast ferry). Example: Athens → Naxos → Santorini → Athens = €120-180 total in ferry costs. Add accommodation/food for each island (€80-150/day per person).
Real Budget Examples
Example 1: Budget Solo Traveler - 10 Days (H2)
Route: Athens (3 days) → Naxos (4 days) → Athens (3 days)
Accommodation (9 nights):
- Athens hostel: €25/night × 6 nights = €150
- Naxos budget hotel: €40/night × 3 nights = €120
- Total: €270
Food (10 days):
- Breakfast: Bakery (€4/day) = €40
- Lunch: Gyros (€4/day) = €40
- Dinner: Cheap taverna (€12/day) = €120
- Total: €200
Transportation:
- Athens metro/buses: €20
- Ferry Athens-Naxos: €35
- Ferry Naxos-Athens: €35
- Naxos buses: €20
- Total: €110
Activities:
- Acropolis + museum: €25
- Free beaches, hiking: €0
- Ancient Agora: €8
- Total: €33
GRAND TOTAL: €613 ($675)
Add international flights: $1,075-1,475 all-in
Example 2: Mid-Range Couple - 7 Days (H2)
Route: Athens (2 days) → Santorini (3 days) → Athens (2 days)
Accommodation (6 nights):
- Athens nice hotel: €90/night × 4 nights = €360
- Santorini caldera view: €180/night × 2 nights = €360
- Total: €720 (€360 per person)
Food (7 days for 2):
- Daily budget: €70 combined
- Total: €490 (€245 per person)
Transportation:
- Athens metro: €20
- Flights Athens-Santorini: €200 (€100 each)
- ATV rental Santorini: €75 (3 days)
- Taxis: €60
- Total: €355 (€177.50 per person)
Activities:
- Acropolis tickets: €40 (€20 each)
- Sunset sailing Santorini: €180 (€90 each)
- Wine tasting: €40 (€20 each)
- Archaeological sites: €30
- Total: €290 (€145 per person)
TOTAL PER PERSON: €927.50 ($1,020) TOTAL FOR COUPLE: €1,855 ($2,040)
Add international flights: $2,840-3,640 all-in for couple
Example 3: Luxury Couple - 10 Days (H2)
Route: Athens (3 days) → Santorini (4 days) → Mykonos (3 days)
Accommodation (9 nights for 2):
- Athens 5-star: €350/night × 3 nights = €1,050
- Santorini cave hotel private pool: €600/night × 4 nights = €2,400
- Mykonos luxury hotel: €450/night × 2 nights = €900
- Total: €4,350 (€2,175 per person)
Food (10 days for 2):
- Fine dining average: €200/day for couple
- Total: €2,000 (€1,000 per person)
Transportation:
- Private Athens transfers: €200
- Helicopter Athens-Santorini: €800
- Private driver Santorini: €300
- Helicopter Santorini-Mykonos: €600
- Private driver Mykonos: €250
- Total: €2,150 (€1,075 per person)
Activities:
- Private Acropolis tour: €300
- Private sunset catamaran: €800
- Private wine tour: €400
- Beach clubs: €600
- Spa treatments: €500
- Total: €2,600 (€1,300 per person)
TOTAL PER PERSON: €5,550 ($6,105) TOTAL FOR COUPLE: €11,100 ($12,210)
Add international flights: $13,010-14,210 all-in for couple
Final Cost Planning Checklist
Before You Book (H2)
1. Decide Your Budget Level
- Budget (€50-70/day)
- Mid-range (€100-150/day)
- Comfort (€150-300/day)
- Luxury (€300-600+/day)
2. Choose Duration
- 5 days (minimum, rushed)
- 7 days (good for first-timers)
- 10 days (ideal balance)
- 14+ days (comprehensive)
3. Select Your Islands
- Budget islands: Naxos, Paros, Crete
- Mid-range: Mix of above + Santorini
- Don't visit too many (2-3 max)
4. Pick Your Season
- Peak (July-Aug): Most expensive
- Shoulder (May-June, Sept-Oct): Best value
- Off-season (Nov-March): Cheapest but limited
5. Book in Advance
- Flights: 2-3 months ahead
- Hotels: 1-3 months ahead
- Ferries: 2-4 weeks ahead
- Tours: 1-2 weeks ahead
6. Calculate Total Budget
- Daily costs × number of days
- Add international flights
- Add ferries/domestic flights
- Add 15-20% buffer for unexpected costs
- Add travel insurance (€40-80)
Your Greece Budget Breakdown
Use this calculator to estimate YOUR trip cost:
Daily Budget Selection:
- Budget: €50-70/day
- Mid-Range: €100-150/day
- Comfort: €150-300/day
- Luxury: €300-600/day
Multiply by number of days:
- 5 days: × 5
- 7 days: × 7
- 10 days: × 10
- 14 days: × 14
Add Transportation:
- Budget ferries: €60-120
- Mid-range (mix ferries/flights): €180-300
- Luxury (flights/private): €600-1,200
Add International Flights:
- US to Athens: $400-1,200
- Europe to Athens: €80-300
Your Total Trip Cost = Daily × Days + Transport + Flights
Example:
- Mid-range traveler (€125/day)
- 10 days (€125 × 10 = €1,250)
- Ferry transport (€200)
- Flights from US ($800)
- Total: €1,450 + $800 = $2,400 per person
Conclusion: What Does Greece Actually Cost?
Greece costs as much or as little as you want it to. A budget backpacker can experience the Acropolis, watch Oia sunsets, and swim in the Aegean for $1,400 per week. A luxury traveler can have the same experiences plus private pools, Michelin dining, and helicopter transfers for $7,000 per week. Both have incredible trips—just different styles.
The Truth About Greece Costs:
✅ Greece is affordable compared to Western Europe
✅ Island choice matters most (Santorini vs. Naxos = 50% difference)
✅ Season timing saves 40% (shoulder vs. peak)
✅ Budget travel is totally possible (€50-70/day)
✅ Mid-range offers best value (€100-150/day = excellent experience)
✅ Luxury is available but unnecessary for great trip
Your Perfect Budget:
- First-timer, 10 days: Budget $2,500-3,500 per person (mid-range)
- Honeymooner, 7 days: Budget $3,500-5,000 per person (comfort/luxury)
- Budget traveler, 14 days: Budget $1,800-2,800 per person
- Family of 4, 10 days: Budget $6,000-10,000 total
Ready to start planning? Use our free AI Greece trip planner to create a customized itinerary with exact costs for your dates, style, and budget.
Related Articles
- How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Complete Guide
- 10-Day Greece Itinerary: Athens + Islands
- Where to Go in Greece for First Time
CALCULATE YOUR EXACT GREECE TRIP COST
Get personalized budget for YOUR trip:
✅ Your travel dates (accurate seasonal pricing)
✅ Your style (budget/mid/luxury)
✅ Your group size (solo/couple/family)
✅ Your destinations (islands you want)
✅ Day-by-day cost breakdown