Which place is cheaper, Santorini or Zakynthos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zakynthos or Santorini?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Santorini can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Santorini?
Zakynthos
Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece.
-
Zakynthos Prices
Greece PricesSantorini Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZakynthos €521Santorini €250
The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Santorini is €250. 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 Zakynthos and Santorini in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZakynthos €334Santorini €118
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZakynthos €668Santorini €236
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Santorini
Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Santorini? 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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Santorini Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zakynthos €84Santorini €35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:
- Private Lavrio Port Transfer to Athens City Center: $187
- Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $89
- Zakynthos Airport ZTH to Zakynthos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $82
- Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis Return Transfer: $66
- Private Airport Transfer Xirocastello - Return Journey: $65
- Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach Tour with Boat and Bus Transfer: $53
- Private Airport Transfer - Vassillikos One Way Transfer: $46
- Zakynthos to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer from Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) to Zakynthos Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Zakynthos Cruise Port to City Hotels: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $16
- Santorini Port ↔ Airport Private Transfer (Fast & Reliable): $17
- Prestige Transfers Tours Airport Port Hotel and Cruise Ship: $17
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $17
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $19
- Private Transfer from Santorini Airport (JTR) to Santorini Port: $21
- Private transfer Port/Airport or any destination in Santorini: $23
- Santorini Premium Private Transfer Service: $23
- Private Transfer Santorini: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $23
- Private Transfer from Port or Airport to Santorini: $23
- Santorini One Way Private transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Santorini?
Prices for flights to both Santorini and Zakynthos 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
-
Food Meals for one dayZakynthos €126Santorini €96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zakynthos.
- Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $129
- Taste the Culture of Greece: A Live Cooking Experience: $211
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $71
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise with Greek BBQ Dinner: $93
- Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class: $99
- Santorini Cooking Lesson with Chef and a Bottle of Wine: $105
- Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $128
- Santorini Flavors, a Cooking Class in a Dreamy Setting: $128
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $128
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $128
- Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $146
- Miss Anna Santorini Cooking Class: $152
- Small Group Cooking Lesson & Wine Tasting at Award-Winning Winery: $164
- Miss Anna Santorini BAKING Cooking Class: $175
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zakynthos €74Santorini €35
Tours and Activities in Zakynthos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zakynthos are as follows:
- 4 Hour Zakynthos Turtle Adventure Mizithres and Eros Cave: $41
- 7 Hour Shared 4x4 Off Road Experience in Zakynthos: $129
- Corelli's Kefalonia Island Tour from Zante: $68
- Cruise to turtle's island and caves with a glass bottom boat: $293
- Exclusive Shipwreck & Blue caves Tour : Up to 10 guests: $59
- From Alykes Alykanas Boat Tour to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves: $41
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Kefalonia From Zakynthos: $128
- Half Day Shipwreck Bay Guided Tour by Fast Boat: $126
- Half-day Tour around Zakynthos Island.: $69
- Kefalonia Full Day Cruise and Guided Tour from Zakynthos: $70
- Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $44
- Shipwreck and Blue Caves Bus and Boat Tour: $92
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Fira Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h00 and 16 audio reviews: $6.88
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $7.99
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $16
- Santorini Volcano Cruise with Free Time in Thirasia from Athinios: $30
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $35
- Fira to Oia Best Taxi-Style Tour!: $35
- Santorini Tour of Caldera with Glass bottom Boat: $37
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $37
- Small-Group Skip Cable Car Santorini Tour for First-Time Cruisers: $40
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $41
- Santorini Tour Of Caldera with Glass Bottom Boat: $43
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZakynthos €22Santorini €25
Sample the Local Flavors in Zakynthos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zakynthos:
- Wine Tasting with Panagiotis aka Chilly August: $167
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santorini Ftelos Brewery Guided Tour and Beer Tasting Experience: $41
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $64
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $72
- Santorini Wine Tasting Museum: $80
- Skip Sky Tram!! 5 Hour Hassle-Free Santorini Tour & Wine Tasting: $83
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini: $90
- Private Santorini Tour 3-4-5-6 hours-Wine Tasting Optional: $93
- 5 Hour Tour & Wine Tasting - Skip Sky Tram Direct Port Pickup: $97
- Santorini Private Wine Tour with Local Wineries & Tastings: $99
- Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $104
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $105
- Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $128
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Santorini, we can see that Zakynthos is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Zakynthos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zakynthos than you might in Santorini.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zakynthos Expensive? and Is Santorini Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Santorini?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Zakynthos. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Santorini, 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.