Is Kos expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Kos is one of the more affordable Greek islands, cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini and similar to Rhodes. A budget day is about €75 per person, mid-range about €155 and comfort about €390. Rooms in July and August and car or scooter hire take most of the money; tavernas and sights are fair value.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €30 | €65 | €200 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €40 | €80 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €30 | €70 |
| Local transport | €10 | €20 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €75 | €155 | €390 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Kos day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Asklepion ticket | about €8-10 |
| Bike rental in Kos Town, per day | roughly €5-10 |
| Gyros pita | about €3.50-4.50 |
| Taverna dinner with house wine | about €18-30 per person |
| Day boat to Nisyros | roughly €30-45 |
| Coffee (freddo espresso) | about €3-4 |
| Budget room, Kos Town | €50-90 |
| Mid-range double, Kos Town | €90-170 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost, rising sharply in July and August, plus Greece's climate resilience tax per room per night. Transport is the second: buses cover the main beaches and villages, but a car or scooter makes the south coast, Zia and the hot springs much easier. Boat trips to Nisyros and nearby islands are the biggest one-off spend, while food in tavernas and bakeries stays reasonable.
When it is cheaper
May, June and late September to October are noticeably cheaper than mid-summer, often by roughly 25-40% for rooms. From November to April many hotels close, but the few that stay open are inexpensive.
How to spend less
- Rent a bike in Kos Town; the flat town has many bike lanes.
- Use the KTEL buses to reach Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena and Kefalos cheaply.
- Eat gyros and souvlaki for lunch and save the taverna meal for dinner.
- Book boat trips directly at the harbour rather than through hotel desks.
- Drink the house wine (by the half-litre) rather than bottled wine.
- Visit the free Ancient Agora and the Tree of Hippocrates in town.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Kos cost?
About €75 per person on a budget, €155 mid-range and €390 for comfort, including a shared room.
Is Kos cheaper than other Greek islands?
Generally yes; it is cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini and similar to Rhodes.
Is there a tourist tax in Kos?
Yes, Greece charges a climate resilience tax per room per night, higher in summer.