Which place is cheaper, Samos or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Santorini or Samos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Samos, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Santorini or Samos?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
Samos
Samos, an enchanting Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant culture. Known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich heritage, Samos offers an array of experiences for travelers. Whether you are traveling on a budget, exploring historic sites, engaging in various activities, enjoying local cuisine, or figuring out transportation, Samos promises an unforgettable journey. Traveling to Samos on a budget is quite feasible, as the island offers various affordable options without compromising on the experience. Accommodations range from budget hotels and guesthouses to camping sites, ensuring there is something for everyone. The villages of Vathy, Pythagoreio, and Kokkari offer a variety of economical lodgings, with many family-run establishments providing a personal touch at reasonable prices.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens.
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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesSamos Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Samos €290
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Samos is €290. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Samos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Samos €126
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Samos €252
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Samos
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Samos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices and Samos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Samos €56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,211
- Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $178
- Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $178
- Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $139
- Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $136
- Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $128
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
- Santorini Private Ride Transfer Services: $83
- Roundtrip Transfer To Oia: $59
- Private luxury transfer: $46
- Airport, Port, and Hotels Private Transfer: $42
- Santorini Airport and Ferry Ports Shared Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Samos
Also for Samos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Day Trip to Patmos Island (and bus transfer): $135
- Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch (and bus transfer): $62
- Nightingale Valley Manolates Hiking with Bus Transfer: $58
- Half-Day Kasonisi Boat Trip (and bus transfer): $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Samos?
Prices for flights to both Samos and Santorini change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySantorini €96Samos €129
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $77
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $77
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $77
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $94
- Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $107
- Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $141
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $142
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner, BBQ, and Drinks: $149
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $158
- Sunset Cruise with Greek Dinner and Transfer: $178
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Samos €30
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- 5-h My Santorini Private Tailor Made Tour: $208
- 6-h Best of Santorini Sightseeing Guided Tour: $166
- Accessible Santorini Private Tour: $678
- Archaeological Bus Tour To Akrotiri Excavations & Red Beach: $58
- Best of Santorini Full-Day Private Guided Tour: $711
- Cruise Traveller's Shore Excursion: $261
- Discover Santorini with a 5 Hour Private Deluxe Tour: $237
- Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri & Winery Tour: $225
- Exclusive Catamaran Sailing Adventure, BBQ & drinks on board: $1,543
- Explore Santorini's Waters: Kayak Rental Adventure: $24
- Explore the Best of Santorini in a Day: Private Guided Tour: $297
- Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $122
Tours and Activities in Samos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Samos.
- Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch to Samiopoula: $83
- Full-Day Guided Island Bus Tour: $83
- Full-Day Island Bus Tour ( starting from east Samos ): $65
- Full-Day Island Bus Tour (Starting from West Samos): $65
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour: $392
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Samos €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $57
- Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting option: $81
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $83
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $111
- Wine Tasting and Cave Settlement Tour: $148
- Wine tasting in 3 Wineries and a Greek Meal group: $178
- Guided Tour to 3 Wineries with Wine Tastings: $178
- Tour of Wineries with Wine Tasting & Food: $178
- Wine Tasting Tour with Snacks: $190
- Three Wineries and One Brewery Tour with Tastings: $190
- Guided Wine Tour with Pickup and Snacks: $196
- Guided Wineries Private Tour with Wine Tastings: $196
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Samos, we can see that Samos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Samos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Samos?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Samos. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Samos, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.