Saaremaa is a quiet island known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Saaremaa and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Saaremaa?
You should plan to spend around $144 (€128) per day on your vacation in Saaremaa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $71 (€63) on meals
- $53 (€47) on local transportation
- $80 (€71) on hotels
A one week trip to Saaremaa for two people costs, on average, $2,013 (€1,792). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,006
€896
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,013
€1,792
-
One Month
Per person
$4,314
€3,840
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,013
€1,792
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,026
€3,584
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,627
€7,680
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Saaremaa cost?
A one week trip to Saaremaa usually costs around $1,006 (€896) for one person and $2,013 (€1,792) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Saaremaa on average costs around $2,013 (€1,792) for one person and $4,026 (€3,584) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Saaremaa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Saaremaa on average costs around $4,314 (€3,840) for one person and $8,627 (€7,680) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Saaremaa expensive to visit?
Saaremaa is a small yet inviting island that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Saaremaa can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $61 (€53) per day, mid-range travelers spend $145 (€128) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $318 (€279) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Saaremaa.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Saaremaa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Volterra or Nantes.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Saaremaa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Saaremaa?
The average Saaremaa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Saaremaa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Saaremaa cost?
Saaremaa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(€15)
|
$40
(€36)
|
$85
(€76)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$23
(€21)
|
$53
(€47)
|
$103
(€92)
|
|
Food2
|
$29
(€26)
|
$71
(€63)
|
$166
(€147)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
(€9.06)
|
$23
(€21)
|
$44
(€40)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-8
(€3-8)
|
$6-19
(€6-17)
|
$12-37
(€11-33)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Saaremaa, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $61 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Saaremaa, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A significant number of visitors to Saaremaa will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $145 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $318. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the island means you'll need a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Saaremaa
Prices for hotels in Saaremaa vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $. With options ranging from $ to $, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Saaremaa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $80 (€71). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $40 (€36) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
In Saaremaa, the hotel options can be more limited due to its smaller size, so it's best to stay flexible with your plans.
Transportation Budget in Saaremaa
Unfortunately, Saaremaa does not provide a solid public transit network. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.
Unfortunately, getting around the island on foot can be quite challenging. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $53 (€47) per person, per day, on local transportation in Saaremaa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Saaremaa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$53
€47
You can easily reach the town of Kuressaare by bus from Tallinn, but once you're on the island there is very limited public transportation. You really need access to your own car if you're hoping to explore the whole island. There are a couple of small places you can rent cars from. All cars are manual so it is important you be comfortable driving a manual car.
Because the island is relatively flat with almost no traffic, it's also a great place for biking. You can rent bicycles in Kurassaare for a reasonable price.
When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.
How much does it cost to go to Saaremaa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Saaremaa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Saaremaa, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Saaremaa
You'll find that the food in Saaremaa is wonderful. Be sure to spend time enjoying all the local flavors. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Saaremaa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Saaremaa is $71 (€63) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$71
€63
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Saaremaa is around $72 (€63) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $168. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Saaremaa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $50
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Most food options are found in the town of Kuressaare. If you're planning to explore the island for the day, it's best to pack a picnic meal, as your dining options will be very limited.
There's an outdoor market in the center of Saaremaa that is a great place to try some homemade specialties, especially the homemade smoked salmon. If you rent a room in someone's home, it will likely be equipped with a kitchen and you can pick up some local seafood at the market and prepare a meal that is delicious and affordable. There are also a handful of restaurants around town that serve up some great meals. Popular options include Restaurant Everest, Cafe Kessu, Diner Rehekook and Trahter Veski.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Food and meal prices in Saaremaa, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Saaremaa
It's easy to see why people visit Saaremaa, given its food, romance, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Saaremaa typically cost an average of $23 (€21) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
€21
Many of the sights on Saaremaa are found in the town of Kuressaare, but if you want to experience the real atmosphere for the island, you need to get into the countryside. There you will find windmills, old churches, agriculture, and a rural atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Within the town of Kuressaare the main sights include the Kuressaare Castle and the Saaremaa Museum. Both are well worth a visit. Around the island of Saaremaa it is worth visiting several of the churches. Popular ones are Kihelkonna Church, Kaarma Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Karja Church and Jamaja Church. Also go by the Angla Windmills, Loode Oak Forest, Asva Fortified Settlement, Bear Lake, the Kaali meteorite craters, Panga cliff, Pidula manor and Puhatu springs.
There are several villages and national parks worth exploring on Saaremaa. Koguva Village on Muhu Island is the country's best preserved village. Vilsandi national park, along the western coast of the island is a popular destination if you are interested in birding. It's an international bird sanctuary with over 250 recorded bird species.
A popular festival is the Saaremaa Opera Days, which is held during the month of July.
Nightlife Budget in Saaremaa
The nightlife options in Saaremaa are virtually non-existent. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (€11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Saaremaa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
€11
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 28, 2025
Traveling in Saaremaa
Saaremaa, Estonia
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.
Kuressaare is the area's capital, and the main town on the island of Saaremaa. The town itself has a recorded history back to 1381. Today it's a pleasant small town with a lovely market, some interesting restaurants, and a small beach. It's a great base for exploring the island of Saaremaa. The town also a nice castle with a moat, and a quaint residential area.
Most people travel to Saaremaa during the peak summer months when the weather is at its warmest. If you're going to be visiting town during this time it is best to make reservations in advance. Earlier or later in the season when the weather is not as pleasant, you will find the crowds less and the prices generally lower. Unfortunately, many places will be closed so you may struggle to find accommodation or restaurants to eat at. Many local residents have rooms available for rent and if the tourist crowds are not high you can easily negotiate a very cheap price. Most rooms come with a sauna, making for a very relaxing vacation. Many also have their own kitchen so you can head to the market and pick up some fresh seafood and then prepare your own meals.
Neighborhoods & Around
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia, measuring 2,673 square kilometers. The island's capital and main town is Kuressaare, which has about 15,000 residents. In total there are about 31,000 residents on the entire island. Although interesting landscapes, parks, and countryside are spread throughout the island, most visitors choose to stay in the town of Kuressaare, as this is where you will find most of the hotels and lodging options, restaurants, and transportation options.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.