Is Greece Expensive? Our Guide To Your Budget For Traveling

Greece might strain your wallet a bit—or perhaps not at all. You’ve probably heard conflicting stories about the cost of Greek vacations, with some friends bragging about luxury resorts while others swear by their budget island-hopping adventures. The truth lies somewhere in between. Your Greek getaway can be as costly or economical as you make it, depending on your choices in accommodation, dining, transportation, and timing. Wondering exactly how to make Greece work for your specific budget? The answers await.

Key Points

• Greece’s overall cost is moderate with an average budget of €1,512 per person for a one-week trip.
• Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer 20-40% lower prices while maintaining pleasant weather and open attractions.
• Mainland Greece is 20-30% cheaper than popular islands, which experience 30-50% price surges during peak season.
• Affordable dining includes street gyros (€2.50-3.50), tavernas away from tourist areas (€8-15), and grocery shopping for longer stays.
• Many cultural sites offer free entry on specific days, while natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails cost little to nothing.

How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost? The Complete Breakdown

When planning your Greek adventure, understanding the costs involved helps you create a realistic budget.

A one-week trip to Greece costs approximately €1,512 for one person or €3,024 for two. Your daily expenses will vary based on your travel style: budget travelers spend about €45-70 per day, mid-range travelers €150-250, and luxury travelers over €250.

Accommodation ranges from €10 for dorm beds to €60+ for hotels.

Food costs remain reasonable with street gyros at €2.50-3.50 and traditional Greek meals between €8-12. Seeking out budget-friendly tips can help you enjoy authentic Greek cuisine without overspending.

Transportation includes €1-2 bus rides and €25-70 ferry trips between islands. Consider that traveling during shoulder season can significantly reduce your transportation and accommodation costs compared to peak summer months.

For activities, budget €10-20 for major historic sites, while food and wine tours range from €40 for half-day experiences to €125 for full-day excursions.

When to Visit: Best Times for Budget Travel in Greece

Choosing the right time to visit Greece can dramatically impact your travel budget and overall experience. For the most cost-effective trip, target the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October when you’ll enjoy milder weather, fewer crowds, and notably lower prices.

If you’re strictly budget-conscious, consider the off-season (November to March) when costs plummet, though some facilities may have limited hours or be closed entirely. Winter months offer authentic local experiences while maintaining the lowest prices for flights and accommodations. Following essential travel tips can help you navigate the Greek experience more efficiently regardless of when you visit.

May and October stand out as ideal “sweet spot” months, offering excellent value with most attractions open and pleasantly warm weather.

Your planned activities should influence timing too—island hopping works best May through October when ferries run regularly, while historical site exploration is more comfortable during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.

Accommodations in Greece for Every Budget

Finding the right place to stay in Greece can make or break both your budget and experience. Prices vary dramatically depending on location, with Athens generally more affordable than islands like Santorini or Mykonos.

Choosing wisely where to stay in Greece impacts both your wallet and travel satisfaction.

Your options include:

1. Budget hostels and guesthouses – Dorm beds run 15-25€ per night, while private hostel rooms cost 30-60€. Budget guesthouses start around 25€.
2. Mid-range accommodations – Expect to pay 40-80€ for hotels and guesthouses, with Airbnbs averaging around 45€ per night. The proliferation of short-term rentals has significantly reduced available long-term housing options throughout Greece.
3. Luxury options – High-end hotels and villas can cost hundreds of euros, especially on popular islands, and typically include private pools and exclusive amenities. Corfu offers some of the most stunning luxury villas with views that showcase why it’s considered a must-visit Greek gem.
4. Short-term rentals – Provide more privacy and flexibility than hotels, but remember to factor in the tourist tax (which varies by season).

Greek Food and Dining Costs: From Street Food to Fine Dining

Greek cuisine offers a range of dining options that can accommodate nearly any travel budget, despite the country’s steady food price increases of 2.59% annually over recent years. The latest data shows food inflation reached 2.20% in March 2025, continuing the moderate growth trend. You’ll find meals at inexpensive restaurants averaging €15, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €50.

To maximize your dining budget, eat traditional Greek dishes instead of international cuisine, opt for lunch specials rather than dinner, and explore street food alternatives. Tourist areas and islands typically charge premium prices, so venture a few blocks from major attractions for better value. When exploring Athens, consider grabbing affordable street food near historical sites to save money while experiencing the city’s rich heritage.

Seasonal eating is both economical and authentic – prices drop considerably for in-season produce. For extended stays, consider grocery shopping and preparing simple meals to stretch your food budget considerably.

Getting Around Greece: Transportation Costs and Options

Traveling through Greece requires careful planning to balance your transportation budget against convenience and time constraints. Public transit offers excellent value in major cities, with Athens metro tickets costing just €1.20-1.40 for 90-minute rides or €9 for a 5-day pass.

For exploring the country, consider these options:

1. KTEL intercity buses – The most extensive network with reasonable fares (€7 per 62 miles) and potential 20% savings through online booking.
2. TrainOSE railways – Limited but scenic routes like Athens-Thessaloniki (€46).
3. Island ferries – Essential for island hopping with varying prices (book early for best rates).
4. Taxis/ride-sharing – Convenient but pricier (€3.50 base fare, with airport transfers around €35-50).

In Athens, the tram network connects central areas to coastal neighborhoods and operates from 5:30 am to midnight with two main lines serving Syntagma, Faliro, Voula, and Piraeus. Athens is not only a transit hub but also a must-visit destination with its incredible historical sites and cultural attractions.

Exploring Greek Islands vs. Mainland: Budget Comparison

Once you’ve figured out how to navigate Greece’s transportation system, your next budget decision involves choosing between the iconic islands or the historic mainland. Your wallet will feel the difference.

The mainland offers notably lower costs across most categories. You’ll find accommodations 20-30% cheaper, with long-term stays averaging $1,633-$1,827 monthly versus islands at $2,043. Restaurant meals cost €10-15 on the mainland compared to €15-25+ on islands, while groceries are 10-20% pricier on islands due to transport costs. Cities like Thessaloniki provide more affordable options for both short-term travelers and long-term residents.

Consider timing—island prices surge 30-50% during peak season (June-August), while mainland prices remain steadier year-round. Islands like Ios offer stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but come with premium pricing during summer months. For the best value, try shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) or base yourself on the mainland with day trips to nearby islands.

Activities and Attractions: What to See Without Breaking the Bank

Exploring Greece’s cultural treasures doesn’t require emptying your wallet if you know where to look. The country offers numerous free or low-cost options that showcase its vibrant heritage and natural beauty without straining your budget.

Take advantage of these wallet-friendly opportunities:

1. Visit free museums like the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki or Olympic Museum, and plan your schedule around first Sundays (November-March) when many state museums waive entry fees. At the Hellenic Children’s Museum in Athens, children can enjoy free admission while engaging in interactive educational activities.
2. Explore natural attractions such as Aponisos Beach on Agistri or the mountain villages of Zagori with their hiking trails and stone architecture. If you’re considering the Ionian islands, Corfu offers budget adventures with affordable outdoor activities and stunning landscapes to explore.
3. Take self-guided walking tours through historic districts like Athens’ Plaka or Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls.
4. Experience local culture at traditional markets, evening promenades, or affordable ferry day trips to nearby islands.

Money-Saving Tips for Your Greek Adventure

While planning your Greek escape is exciting, stretching your euros to experience all this Mediterranean paradise offers can be challenging. Maximize your budget with these strategic moves:

Stretch every euro to unlock Greece’s treasures with savvy planning and local insights.

Travel off-season (October-March) to slash accommodation costs by 20-40% and avoid July-August when prices double.

Book ferries and lodging 4-6 months ahead, especially for popular destinations. Consider under-the-radar islands like Milos instead of pricey Mykonos.

For transportation, use KTEL buses on the mainland and negotiate group vehicle rentals on smaller islands. Consider exploring scenic village and coastal areas by renting a moped for approximately €15 per day, giving you freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Greek islands known for their stunning beaches and excellent snorkeling spots that often cost nothing to enjoy.

Eat like locals at tavernas away from waterfronts (€8-15 per meal) and embrace street food options for just €2.50-5. Purchase combo tickets for archaeological sites and carry a refillable water bottle to avoid unnecessary expenses.

The Sum Up

You’re just moments away from your perfect Greek getaway, and it won’t cost a fortune. Will you sip coffee in a hidden Athens café or swim in turquoise waters off a lesser-known island? The choice is yours. Greece rewards smart travelers with its accessible treasures. Plan thoughtfully, travel in shoulder seasons, and embrace local experiences. Your dream Mediterranean adventure awaits—and your wallet will thank you for it.