Is Corsica expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Corsica is fairly expensive for a Mediterranean island, with prices close to the French Riviera in summer and well above mainland Italy or Greece. A mid-range day is about €195 per person in June or September, and much more in August. The car is the cost many visitors underestimate, because the island is almost impossible to tour without one.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €45 | €75 | €170 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €50 | €90 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €30 | €60 |
| Local transport | €25 | €40 | €60 |
| Per person, per day | €110 | €195 | €380 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Corsica day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a village bar | about €1.80-2.50 |
| Grilled fish on Ajaccio's old port | €22-30 |
| Corsican menu with veau aux olives | €25-35 |
| Bottle of Calvi wine in a restaurant | about €25-35 |
| Boat trip from Porto to Scandola and Girolata | about €50-65 |
| Maison Bonaparte ticket | around €7 |
| Rental car per day (shoulder season) | about €40-80, much more in August |
| Mid-range double in Ajaccio old town | €110-180 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation and transport take most of the budget. Rooms in Ajaccio, Porto or Calvi cost €100-190 in shoulder season and jump in July and August, while Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio are the priciest. A rental car and fuel are essential, and ferries from the mainland add a lot in summer. Eating out is French-priced, though village menus and market food are good value. Most of the scenery, beaches and hiking are free; boat trips are the main paid extras.
When it is cheaper
May, early June and late September to October can be 30-50% cheaper than August for rooms, cars and ferries (check current rates). Many hotels and boat trips close from November to March.
How to spend less
- Book the rental car months ahead for summer, and choose a small car for narrow roads.
- Travel in June or September for lower prices and warm sea.
- Stay in Corte or at well-run campsites, the cheapest beds on the island.
- Buy picnic food (figatellu, brocciu, chestnut bread) at the Ajaccio market.
- Take the Tramway de la Balagne between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse in summer instead of driving.
- Compare ferries from Marseille, Toulon, Nice, Livorno and Genoa; Italian ports are sometimes cheaper.
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Common questions
Is Corsica expensive?
Yes, fairly. Expect about €195 per person a day mid-range in June or September, more in August, plus ferries or flights.
How much does a rental car cost in Corsica?
About €40-80 a day in shoulder season, and much more in July and August. Book months ahead.
Is Corsica cheaper than the French Riviera?
Not much. Prices are similar in summer, but campsites and village restaurants offer good value.