Is Paros expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Paros is mid-priced for the Cyclades: cheaper than Mykonos and Santorini, a little dearer than Naxos, and expensive in Naoussa in August. A budget traveller needs about €71 a day, mid-range about €165 and comfort about €380 per person. Rooms, scooter or car hire and eating out in Naoussa take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €80 | €200 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €40 | €80 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €25 | €60 |
| Local transport | €6 | €20 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €71 | €165 | €380 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Paros day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Freddo cappuccino | €3.50–4.50 |
| Gyros pita | €3.50–4.50 |
| Grilled fish or octopus in a Naoussa taverna | €15–25 |
| Glass of local wine | €5–7 |
| KTEL bus ride | a few euros (about €2–3) |
| Ferry to Antiparos from Pounta | a few euros per person |
| Scooter hire, per day in high season | about €25–40 |
| Mid-range double in Naoussa | €110–220 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms take the largest share, from Parikia at €60–100 a double to Naoussa at €110–220 and boutique hotels with pools at €250–500, plus the per-room climate resilience fee. Naoussa's harbour bars and restaurants are among the island's priciest. Transport is moderate: buses cost a few euros, while scooters and cars help for beaches. Boat trips to Antiparos's Despotiko and the coves are an optional extra.
When it is cheaper
May, June and late September to October are noticeably cheaper than mid-July to August, often by a quarter to a third for rooms; around 15 August prices peak.
How to spend less
- Stay in Parikia, the port, for the cheapest rooms, restaurants and bus connections.
- Use KTEL buses to Naoussa, Lefkes and the east coast instead of taxis.
- Eat in Parikia and in inland villages such as Lefkes and Marpissa rather than on Naoussa's harbour.
- Take the cheap ferry from Pounta to Antiparos instead of a full-day cruise.
- Order house wine by the carafe.
- Avoid the week around 15 August, when the island fills with pilgrims and prices peak.
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Common questions
Is Paros expensive?
Moderately: about €71 a day on a budget and €165 mid-range, cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini but pricey in Naoussa in August.
Is Naoussa or Parikia cheaper?
Parikia, the port, is usually cheaper for rooms and food; Naoussa is prettier and trendier, with higher prices.
Do I need a car in Paros?
Not necessarily. KTEL buses link the main villages and beaches; a scooter or car helps for remote coves.