Is Ios expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Ios is mid-priced for the Cyclades: cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos, with budget options such as camping on Mylopotas, but August prices rise sharply. A budget day is about €71 per person, mid-range about €170 and comfort about €375; rooms, sunbeds, drinks and vehicle rental are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €75 | €180 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €90 |
| Sights & tickets | €5 | €30 | €60 |
| Local transport | €6 | €20 | €45 |
| Per person, per day | €71 | €170 | €375 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Ios day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Gyros pitta in Chora | around €4 |
| Bus between the port, Chora and Mylopotas | about €2 |
| Bus to Manganari | around €3–4 each way |
| Taverna main course in Chora | about €12–18 |
| Pair of sunbeds with umbrella on Mylopotas, high season | around €20–40 |
| Round-the-island boat trip with lunch | around €40–70 |
| Small rental car in summer | around €40–70 a day |
| Fresh local fish by weight | roughly €50–80 per kg |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost, especially in August, and Chora rooms with sea views cost more than camping or rooms on Mylopotas. Drinks in the Chora bars, sunbeds and a day of car or quad rental come next. Sights are cheap: the museum costs a few euros, and Homer's Tomb and the beaches are free. Ferries from Piraeus are a significant extra. Greece also adds a per-room, per-night climate resilience fee, higher from April to October.
When it is cheaper
June and September are noticeably cheaper than July and August; August is the most expensive month. From November to April most hotels and tavernas close.
How to spend less
- Stay at a Mylopotas campsite or bungalow, with the bus to Chora every 15–30 minutes in summer.
- Lie on the free sand rather than renting sunbeds; the north and south ends of Mylopotas are quieter.
- Take the bus or beach boat to Manganari instead of renting a car for the whole stay.
- Rent a car or quad for one day only, for Homer's Tomb and the east coast.
- Eat gyros and bakery food at lunch and save tavernas for dinner.
- Take conventional ferries rather than fast boats where the timetable allows.
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Common questions
Is Ios expensive?
It is mid-priced for the Cyclades and cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos, but August is expensive.
How much does a day on Ios cost?
About €71 per person on a budget, €170 mid-range and €375 in comfort.
Is Ios cheaper than Santorini?
Yes, especially for rooms and food.