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Is Thessaloniki expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Thessaloniki is one of the best-value cities in Southern Europe: cheaper than Athens for eating out and noticeably cheaper than the Greek islands, with a big student population keeping food and drinks affordable. A budget traveller needs about €56 a day, mid-range about €126 and comfort about €270 per person. Rooms and evening meals with drinks take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €35 | €60 | €140 |
| Food & drink | €18 | €35 | €70 |
| Sights & tickets | €10 | €25 | €40 |
| Local transport | €3 | €6 | €20 |
| Per person, per day | €66 | €126 | €270 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Thessaloniki day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Bougatsa with cream or cheese | €3–4.50 |
| Koulouri (sesame ring) | €0.60–1 |
| Freddo espresso | €2.50–3.50 |
| Gyros or souvlaki pita | €3.50–5 |
| Small carafe of tsipouro with meze plates | about €3–6 plus €5–12 a plate |
| City bus or metro ticket | around €1–2 |
| Trigona Panoramatos pastry | €1.80–3 each |
| Mid-range double near Aristotelous or Ladadika | €90–150 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, from around Egnatia and Kamara at €60–90 a double to seafront hotels at €110–180, plus Greece's per-room climate resilience fee. Food is the city's pleasure and good value: tsipouro and meze evenings, mussels and grills add up only if you order a lot. Museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture are moderately priced, and public transport is cheap.
When it is cheaper
Rooms are usually cheapest from January to March and in July–August, when many locals leave for Halkidiki; September (the International Fair) and October–November festivals push prices up.
How to spend less
- Have bougatsa or koulouri for breakfast instead of a café brunch.
- Eat at tsipouradika in the Kapani and Modiano markets and in Ano Poli, where meze is cheaper than on the seafront.
- Take bus 01X/01N from the airport instead of a taxi.
- Use the metro and buses, at around €1–2 a ride.
- Visit the free Byzantine churches (Agios Dimitrios, Hagia Sophia) rather than paying for several museums in a day.
- Stay around Egnatia or Kamara for lower rates, within walking distance of everything.
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Common questions
Is Thessaloniki expensive?
No, it is one of the best-value cities in Southern Europe: about €56 a day on a budget and €126 mid-range.
Is Thessaloniki cheaper than Athens?
Generally yes, especially for food and drinks, thanks to its large student population.
How much is a bougatsa in Thessaloniki?
About €3–4.50 a portion, with cream or cheese, dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon.