With some of the most stunning beaches in Europe (if not the world), it’s easy to see why you might be wondering… is Greece expensive?
You might wondering “why is Greece so expensive?” And while this Euro-summer favorite certainly CAN be pricey if you’re seeking out luxury, I found out first hand that it can also be a destination for broke backpackers too! Because while Santorini and Mykonos may be expensive and overly-Instagrammable these days, this is a country with 6,000 islands. Not to mention it’s got something for all you city and mountain lovers out there too!
But as with all trips to “popular” places, a bit of research will go a long way in keeping costs low. Now that’s where I come in! After taking a super budget friendly (and unforgettable) trip to Greece, I’ve got a whole lot of tips and tricks to pass along to ya.’
So without further ado… let’s get into everything you need to know about expenses in this Mediterranean jewel.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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So, How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost on Average?
Your Greece vacation cost depends on many different factors. You’ll need to consider total accommodation costs, flights, local transport, food prices, food tours, activities, alcohol, and a few other expenses. Fortunately, this post will break down the rough amount for each category.
Photo: @hannahlnashh
All Greece travel costs in this post are estimates and are subject to change. Prices are listed in US Dollars (USD).
Greece uses the Euro (EUR). Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.
To keep things simple, I’ve summarized the general costs for a budget trip to Greece. Take a look at the table below:
2 Weeks in Greece Travel Costs
| Expenses | Estimated Daily Cost | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Average Airfare | N/A | $120 – $1730 |
| Accommodation | $15-$45 | $210-$630 |
| Transportation | $0 – $50 | $0-$700 |
| Food | $11-$55 | $154-$770 |
| Drink | $0-$20 | $0-$280 |
| Attractions | $0-$34 | $0-$476 |
| Total (excluding airfare) | $26-$204 | $364-$2856 |
ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $120 – $1730 USD for a roundtrip ticket.
Flight prices change, sometimes dramatically, depending on the time of year. October tends to be the cheapest month to fly to Greece. You can expect to pay a lot more during the high season (usually the summer months).
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is the country’s busiest airport. If you’re visiting one of the Greek islands, it may be cheaper to fly to Athens, and then get a cheap flight with a regional budget airline, or even take the ferry.
So, how much does it cost to go to Greece? Find a quick breakdown below:
- New York to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 345 – 500 USD
- London to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 91 -167 GBP
- Sydney to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 962 – 2553 AUD
- Vancouver to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 1159 -1995 CAD
While these are the averages, there are some sneaky ways to save money on airfare. For instance, you can avoid travel agents’ fees by booking your own flights with comparison sites such as Skyscanner.
If you need to travel via another city, buy two separate flights as it may be cheaper (eg. if you’re traveling via London, book one flight to London and another to Athens). Remember to book ahead as airfare tends to get pricier the closer it gets to the departure date.
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ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $15-$45 USD per night
Accommodation costs in Greece are pretty affordable. However, prices get steeper as you venture away from the mainland and head for popular Greek islands like Mykonos, especially during high season when tourism is booming. There are amazing locations you will want to see, so it’s not that easy to decide where to stay in Greece.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
So, how much should you expect to pay for your accommodation in Greece? The cost will depend on where you are – staying in Athens will be cheaper than Mykonos – and what your standard are. Shared dorms in hostels, budget hotels and homestays will be far cheaper than villas. If you prefer to live more independently and with a bit more privacy, then you’re best off with an Airbnb.
- Hostels: These are undoubtedly the best way to keep your accommodation expenses low. There are an incredible amount of amazing hostels all over Greece. The average cost is around $15 USD per night, however, this can get even cheaper. Hostels are a perfect option for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded people. Lots of hostels run a variety of social activities, so you’ll be sure to find a lot of friends
- Airbnbs: There are many amazing Airbnbs available in Greece, which are especially fitting for solo travelers or couples that want a bit more privacy. The prices vary, but you can easily find an Airbnb for an average price of $50 USD per night.
- Hotels: Hotels are certainly the most luxurious, and therefore the most expensive, accommodation in Greece. The nightly rate usually starts at $45 but can skyrocket up to hundreds in places like Santorini and Mykonos which can be quite expensive.
Francesco’s
You may feel like you got the wrong address when you arrive at this hostel because it looks quite fancy. The budget-friendly price and excellent staff make this hostel a favorite.
Athens Backpackers
With a prime location in the heart of the historical center and spacious, clean rooms, Athens Backpackers has it all.
Converted Cave in Crete
This unique studio apartment was built around an ancient cave outside the charming town of Chania. The views of the countryside and the sea are unbeatable.
Central Athenian Apartment with Views
This place is in the heart of Athens’ historical center and offers a view of the Acropolis from the balcony. It’s been renovated and in a very quiet neighborhood.
Studio in the Heart of Mykonos
This rare find accommodates four guests in a bright studio. The location, right beside the iconic windmills, is the real gem!
Minoa Athens Hotel
With an affordable rate, a three-star rating and a location in the historic heart of Athens, this hotel is the real deal. Make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Castellum Suites
This lively four-star hotel in Rhodes Old Town offers lots of comfort. It’s also in a great location, near the old Palace of the Grand Master, and a peaceful garden.
Orestias Kastorias
The friendly staff and impeccable cleanliness of this two-star hotel in Thessaloniki (Greece’s second main city) make it a popular option. It also offers air conditioning.
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View on Osprey View on REIESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0 – $50 USD per day
Getting around Greece is generally affordable.
You won’t need any money for transport when walking around the city center. When it comes to long-distance travel, from city to city, you can expect pretty low prices as well. If you want to have a look at the Greek islands, taking the ferry is always going to be much cheaper than choosing the airplane.
Although it doesn’t enjoy the reputation for efficiency that its fellow European countries do, Greece still offers a comprehensive public transport network. This includes bus, train, ferry, and planes.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- By train: Trains aren’t as popular as buses when it comes to getting around Greece, and they’re not the cheapest option either. The train line between Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as the one between Athens and Patra, remains in use and quite popular. This means that there are plenty of places you can take some day trips from Athens too as well, which is a great way to see a lot on a budget. Expect to pay $50 USD or more for the ride between Athens and Thessaloniki.
- By bus: How expensive is Greece to travel by bus? It’s actually very affordable. It’s around $7.70 USD for 62 miles. That works out to $31 USD from Athens to Thessaloniki. Within cities like Athens, tickets cost $1.55 USD. You can often save about 20% of the price if you book your ticket online. The bus network is run by KTEL, which has regional offices with their own websites. Although you’ll find the timetable online, you won’t always have the option to purchase online tickets.
- In cities: You’ll find trains, local buses and taxis in all of Greece’s big cities. Uber and the local app, Taxibeat, are also popular.
- By flight: Domestic flights are obviously going to hit your budget the hardest. Try to avoid them if you can!
- By car: Renting a car is worth it if you’d like to travel outside of the cities without having to rely on public transport. So, is Greece expensive when you travel by car? It can be, though I found renting a car in Crete to be pretty affordable. Luckily, there are some ways of saving. Your car insurance from home may cover car rental abroad so find out ahead. Some credit cards offer insurance if you book or pay using that card. By returning the car to the same place you picked it up at, you’ll get a small discount. Want to save some cash and explore Greece by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.
- By ferry: Think of the ferries as an airplane. There are numerous companies, offering different rates, ship models and routes. Just like on an airplane, you can also book different luxury classes. These range from the typical economy (which is also the most affordable one) to deluxe and first-class (they offer a bit more comfort and service). There are over 250 destinations. You can know more about the ferry schedule, book tickets, and find prices for each route online.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $11-$55 USD per day
How expensive is Greece when it comes to food cost? Well, that depends on where and what you’re eating. Greek food is generally affordable, but if you’re eating out regularly, your expenses will shoot through the roof.
Greece is a culinary heaven! Its mild Mediterranean climate means it has an abundance of healthy, tasty products like olives and goat’s cheese. Make sure that you try the country’s top specialties:
- Greek Salad – This stable Greek food dish is much tastier in its homeland where chefs add an abundance of fresh veggies to the salad. Expect to pay $6.60 to $9.90 per dish at a restaurant.
- Baklava – Go into any Greek pastry shop and you’ll find plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. Baklava remains a classic and costs around $3.70 USD per slice.
- Seafood – With its maritime location, it’s no surprise that Greeks love their seafood. The prices range depending on the fish. Top of the range is red-mullet, which can easily cost $27.50 USD for two people, while squid will cost less than half of that.
To make your food budget go further, follow these tips:
- Cook your own meals – You’ll save a ton of money by only going out to restaurants every now and then. Make use of your hostel or Airbnb kitchen instead. You could also check out the street food, which is just as tasty as it is good for your wallet!
- Only drink during happy hour – This will save you around 50% of the price of alcohol. Just find out what time happy hour is.
- Book accommodation with free breakfast – Many hostels and hotels offer free breakfasts. This could save you around $4.40 USD per day!
Where to Eat Cheaply in Greece
If you’re eating in high-end restaurants twice daily, then you will burst the bank. In order to travel in Greece cheap, go to the budget haunts that offer good-quality, traditional food.
- Souvlaki (skewered pork or chicken wrapped in pita bread) – This is a traditional Greek fast food that costs as little as $1.65 USD! Keep in mind that Souvlaki always comes in form of a wrap! If it’s spread out on a plate, it’s not the traditional dish so check the menu beforehand.
- Tiropita or spanakopita (cheese or spinach pie) – Another delicious Greek meal, these pies are generally under $2.20 USD.
If you decide to cook on your own, you still need to get fresh and tasty products. These are my top two:
- AB – This supermarket chain has about one hundred stores of varying sizes in Athens. It’s good for convenience since it has a few stores in the touristy area, and is very affordable.
- Varvakeios Market – This bustling market offers the best local produce, and an awesome, authentic atmosphere. Look forward to fresh seafood, goat’s cheese and plump olives from the countryside.
Alcohol and partying can be significant contributors to your total expenses. The government levies a considerable tax on alcohol, especially beer. The most expensive alcohol is cocktails, which normally start around $8.80 USD per drink. Nevertheless, drinking in Greece is an experience. It doesn’t have to be in pricey clubs, but you should try some of the local drinks!
- Ouzo – Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that remains very popular in Greece. It’s served by the glass which actual costs around $6.60 USD. However, this drink is best enjoyed with meze, various side dishes.
- Greek wine – Many regions in Greece produce wine, although the best tend to come from the mainland. Typical prices vary depending on the region. You can expect to pay $4.40 USD per liter in a quiet area like Thessaly, and $11 USD per liter in places like Santorini.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to save money on alcohol and partying. Happy hour is popular in Athens, and you can save around 50% on the cost of drinks. Partying at less trendy bars will also work out a bit cheaper. Try the area around Gazi, where bars such as Spirtokouto offer plenty of drinks specials.
ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0-$34 USD per day
As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Greece truly has something for everyone. The landscape is full of rocky mountains that provide world-class hiking and adventure activities, as well as stunning beaches to relax on.
Not to forget, Greece is also famous for its history and culture. The Ancient Greeks left plenty of architectural masterpieces, while contemporary artists are ensuring that Greece becomes an international art destination.
You can find amazing hotspots all over the country. The Acropolis in Athens is the most famous attraction to visit. The city is filled with numerous historical sites and must-see places. You should also make time for the monasteries of Meteora, magical Delphi and the beautiful beaches of Santorini.
Check out my list of Santorini hostels if you’re thinking of heading there.
Most of Greece’s historical attractions have entrance fees that can add up. However, if you stick to exploring the countryside and lounging on the beach, you’ll barely pay a dollar!
Save money with these tips:
- Visit archaeological sites across Greece on free days. These include the first Sunday of the month from November to March, as well as the last weekend of September and the 5th of June.
- Book a free tour of Athens with a local via This is My Athens. No donations are expected either.
- The Athens City Pass provides free skip-the-line entry into the major sites, as well as the use of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. A two-day pass is $68.20 USD.
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Final Tips for Saving Money on Your Greece Trip
You could always do with more ways to keep your Greece costs low. Here are a few more budget travel tips:
- Visit remote Greek islands: Stay on Milos, Tinos, and Lesbos, rather than famous Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos. You’ll get the same beaches, slow pace and Greek hospitality. In fact, it will be better due to the fewer crowds!
- Try Couchsurfing: This is a great way to save money on accommodation. You can sign up for free on the website and start looking for hosts with similar interests to you. Naturally, it’s amazing for making friends with the locals.
- Book overnight ferries: These are cheaper than daytime ferries and save you money on accommodation. Just remember to bring a pillow and to dress warmly. Blue Star Ferries is one of the companies offering overnight trips.
- Pay in cash: Every time you use your card, your bank probably charges you conversion fees, as well as foreign transaction fees. Greece remains a largely cash-based economy so locals will appreciate the cash and may even be willing to negotiate a discount.
- Have a water bottle: Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
- Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Greece as a digital nomad.
- Become a volunteer: Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Greece.
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When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Greece?
The cheapest months to visit Greece are in the spring and fall – AKA the shoulder seasons. So you’re looking at April – May and September – October.
October – April is surely going to be cheap too – BUT the major downside is it’s COLD AF during that time so you’ll be missing out on the best Greece has to offer. As a broke backpacker, I love a good deal, but not when it means dealing with terrible weather…
FAQs About Greece’s Expenses
A few things people usually ask me about how much Greece really costs…
So is Greece Expensive, in Fact?
You might be thinking “why is Greece so expensive?” Well, Greece may sound luxurious, but it can very well be an affordable destination if you know what you’re doing. It’s actually one of the cheaper destinations in Europe.
What I think an average daily budget for Greece should be:
With my amazing tips, you can comfortably travel Greece on a budget of $35 to $50 USD per day.
Make sure you are fully prepared for your trip (this can save a lot of money too). Find out what you need to pack for your vacation to Greece, and book the trip!
This is a truly incredible country, and I promise you: there’s so much more to it than $1000 night stays in Mykonos!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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