Planning a holiday to the Greek Islands or anywhere else in the Mediterranean can be tricky when it comes to estimating how much you’ll pay. Prices can differ depending on when you book, what month of year it is and even the size of your cruise ship.
One of the most economical ways to enjoy Greece is by renting a home through Airbnb or VRBO instead of booking a hotel room. This way, you’ll save money on accommodation and meals alike.
Which country is cheaper?
If you’re seeking a cheaper way of living or simply want to experience what Europe has to offer, there are plenty of affordable countries to choose from. However, there are both benefits and drawbacks to living in one of these destinations.
Bulgaria was named the cheapest country to live in according to InterNations’ Expat Insider Cost of Living Survey. Not only does it boast a vibrant nightlife, breathtaking mountains and golden beaches – but its reasonable cost of living also allows you to stay here for an extended period without worrying about money worries.
Thailand is an especially budget-friendly destination for backpackers. Public transport is cheap and getting around the country is a breeze.
Myanmar was higher on my list than I anticipated, but its poor infrastructure makes it harder to find decent accommodation and flight tickets tend to be pricier.
Colombia remains one of the most affordable South American countries, but it’s worth exploring other options before making a final decision.
Restaurant Prices
Greece offers an abundance of food and drink choices that rival the beauty of the country itself. To save money, try dining out less often at local establishments and check the menus for hidden gems – don’t be afraid to ask! The best restaurants tend to be located a few blocks away from major tourist hubs, with meals starting around $10-$15 per person depending on location and what you’re having. Similarly, you may discover interesting drinks by asking your taxi driver for recommendations or exploring local streets during off-peak tourist periods. Finally, avoid crowds if possible in order to keep your credit card from getting charged excessively during peak tourist times.
House prices
Greece is a popular destination to purchase property, whether for holiday or investment purposes. Though the real estate market has been affected by the economic crisis, signs of recovery are beginning to appear.
Housing prices in Athens, Greece’s capital city, have been steadily rising since 2021. Particularly, apartment prices in Ambelokipi, Paleo Faliro and Amarusion have gone up 8-10% annually since 2021.
The rise in property values in Athens is having an impact on rental rates as well. According to Global Property Guide research, gross rental yields across central Athens range from 2.80% to 6.32%.
Crete, Corfu and the Cyclades islands are popular holiday and investment options due to their world-class beaches, seaside tavernas and relaxed vibes.
Non-Greek pensioners have been a major factor driving interest for Greek property, particularly Crete, Corfu and the Cyclades. Additionally, the government has introduced a special tax break for digital nomads and self-employed individuals which has resulted in increased inquiries from American, Canadian and British retirees. This presents investors with an excellent opportunity which likely means price increases on these islands.
Food prices
Greece may be known as one of Europe’s more pricey destinations, but it’s actually quite affordable. If you stick to local tavernas and cafes, you can enjoy all your food without breaking your budget.
At a Greek restaurant, meals typically cost 15-50 Euros with drinks included. This price includes your glass of wine or beer, starters and main dish.
Another way to save money on meals is to shop at laiki markets, which offer fresh locally grown produce at a fraction of the cost of supermarkets. These markets are similar to farmer’s markets in the U.S.
As a general rule, breakfast isn’t included at most hotels or resorts and if you don’t bring your own you can expect to pay around $5 per person for coffee and pastry at a cafe. Alternatively, takeaway coffee from bakeries and shops should cost less than $4 if you have access to a car.
Transport prices
For budget travelers, there are a range of transportation options to choose from including taxis, buses and trains. Prices vary based on distance and time of day but tend to be much cheaper than what you would find in other countries; an one-way bus fare from Athens to Sparta costs around $20 while taking the train there costs less than what a cup of coffee would set you back. Grab and Uber also make getting from the airport to accommodation very easy thanks to their services; typically speaking the busiest times are off peak – summer months tend to be packed with tourists while low season offers beach bums more affordability options.
Taxi prices
If you’re searching for an easy and budget-friendly way to get around Greece, taxis are your go-to. They’re easy to locate and can be booked ahead of time using popular taxi apps.
Taxis can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi ranks (piatsas). When available for hire, a sign will illuminate on top of the vehicle to indicate its availability.
Taxi companies in Greece provide a wide range of options to choose from, with some offering fixed prices while others allowing you to negotiate the cost before booking your journey.
When booking a taxi, it’s essential to check the driver’s license. Unreliable drivers may attempt to take advantage of you quickly.
City taxis in Greece typically accept credit and debit card payments through POS machines located inside the car. Nevertheless, it’s wise to have some cash on hand just in case.
Taxi fares in Greece are set by law and calculated based on travel time, distance, and any surcharges. They’re subject to different fees depending on when you take them; at night, costs almost double.
Petrol prices
Gas prices in Greece have been a frustrating obstacle for motorists for some time. Aside from some black market deals, prices remain stubbornly high and it can be hard to find an affordable gallon at the pump. On the plus side, those lucky few can expect to pay around one-tenth of what they would elsewhere in the world. So how do you get the best deal on gas? With so many variables such as quality of fuel, weather conditions and availability – finding an answer may prove challenging!
Accomodation prices
Greece offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from traditional hotels to resorts and vrbos. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, prices can be high during peak summer months – in popular tourist areas like Mykonos or Santorini you could expect to pay over $1,000 per night for luxury hotel rooms.
If you want to save money on a trip to Greece, try visiting during low or shoulder seasons or booking accommodation through an online booking site. Home rentals may also be cheaper than hotels and can often be found for less than half the price. Another travel hacking option is using hotel points as currency; smaller family-run establishments tend to offer better discounts than larger hotels do. Lastly, remember to budget for travel insurance and combine tickets if visiting any historical sites; these will help lower your overall vacation cost!
