Ios is a beautiful island known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. 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. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Ios that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Ios?
You should plan to spend around $119 (€115) per day on your vacation in Ios. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $59 (€57) on meals
- $17 (€16) on local transportation
- $81 (€78) on hotels
A one week trip to Ios for two people costs, on average, $1,661 (€1,610). 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
$830
€805
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,661
€1,610
-
One Month
Per person
$3,559
€3,450
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,661
€1,610
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,322
€3,220
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,118
€6,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ios cost?
A one week trip to Ios usually costs around $830 (€805) for one person and $1,661 (€1,610) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ios on average costs around $1,661 (€1,610) for one person and $3,322 (€3,220) 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 Ios will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ios on average costs around $3,559 (€3,450) for one person and $7,118 (€6,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ios expensive to visit?
Ios is a terrific island that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Ios to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $49 (€47) per day, mid-range travelers spend $121 (€115) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $288 (€274) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ios.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Ios is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ios Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ios?
The average Ios trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ios travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ios cost?
Ios on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(€15)
|
$40
(€39)
|
$108
(€105)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(€6.26)
|
$17
(€16)
|
$43
(€41)
|
|
Food 2
|
$24
(€24)
|
$59
(€57)
|
$130
(€126)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(€12)
|
$27
(€26)
|
$52
(€51)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-22
(€7-22)
|
$17-50
(€16-49)
|
$30-91
(€29-88)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Ios. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $49 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Ios has plenty of hostels, including Francesco's. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited. The island features reliable public transit, making it possible for budget travelers to avoid expensive taxis or rideshare options. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Ios, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Ios to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $121 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Ios. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Lofos Village is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Brother's Hotel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Ios here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $288 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the island will demand a higher price range.
Accommodation Budget in Ios
The price of hotels in Ios can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $65, while peak summer season averages can reach $121. Prices range from $39 to $237, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ios for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $81 (€78). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $40 (€39) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ios? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ios include:
- Levantes Ios Boutique Hotel starting at $97
- Ios Palace Hotel & Spa starting at $109
- Relux Ios starting at $134
- Dionysos Seaside Resort Ios starting at $131
- Lofos Village starting at $77
Ios has a great public transit that lets you stay outside the island to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
This island provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Ios
With an efficient public transit system, Ios is easy to navigate. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti. Public transportation is the best way to get around on a budget, but taxis and rideshares are always around if needed.
Ios is fairly walkable in some areas, which can make it easier to see some sights. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (€16) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ios. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ios is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
€16
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands for $2,321 details
How much does it cost to go to Ios? 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 Ios 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.
Food Budget in Ios
Food in Ios is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ios can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ios is $59 (€57) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$59
€57
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ios is around $60 (€57) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $133. 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 Ios are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Like most Greek islands, Ios has access to some of the freshest seafood available. Many of the local restaurants and tavernas will be serving fish fresh right from the boat. In addition to seafood, restaurants of the Greek islands serve up Greek-Mediterranean fare full of herb-rubbed meats, fresh vegetables, tzatziki, fresh baked breads, and olive oil. Local beers, wines, and spirits are also common. Ouzo and raki are two popular hard liquors, while retsina is a unique wine that resembles pine in flavor. In addition to the traditional tavernas offering these Greek favorites, Ios is unique in that there are a wide variety of restaurants that cater to international interests as well. Asian, Mexican, Thai, Italian-the restaurants of Ios have something for every taste. The hub of activity for dining is in the main city of Hora, where most visitors spend their time.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Ios. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Full Haros Family Cooking Experience for $68 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ios
It's clear why Ios attracts visitors, considering its nightlife, beaches, budget-friendly accommodations, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ios typically cost an average of $27 (€26) 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.
$27
€26
The center of activity on the island is main village of Ios, or Hora. It is very scenic with its small alleys and white-washed houses, and locals chatting the day away in outdoor cafes. During day up until the early evening Hora is a peaceful, quiet place with plenty of clothing and jewelry shops to explore as well as restaurants and cafes to indulge in. At night, this is the main party zone of the island.
Ios is probably best known for its beaches, where most visitors spend their days. The island boasts roughly 75 kilometers of white sand beaches and Mediterranean coastline. While Milopotas is the most easily accessible and certainly a beautiful place to spend the day, there are a number of stunning secluded beaches for those willing to make the trip. Some of these include Tzamaria Beach, Valmas (good for snorkeling), Paralia Magganari, Paralia Pikri Nero, Loretzaina, Paralia Agia Theodoti, and many others.
Other, off the beaten path attractions of Ios include the Tomb of Homer on the north end of the island, the archeological site of Skarkou just a few kilometers outside of Ios, and the archaeological Museum of Ios, which features items from the prehistoric settlement, including preserved pottery, tools, and utensils made of metal, stone, and bone.
Many visitors come to Ios to go beachside by day and party by night. The beaches and extensive coastline offer great opportunities for watersports like snorkeling and diving, swimming, wind surfing, water skiing, and riding inflatable tubes behind speed boats.
The rugged landscape of Ios also makes the island a great venue for hiking. Visitors can opt to hike to the excavations at the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos, where they can witness ruins of the early Cycladic period. There are also a number of mountain peaks to climb, such as Profiti Ilias or Pyrgos, which will offer amazing views of the island and sea.
Beaches:
Many visitors come to Ios to relax at the beach. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ios is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored for $32 details
- Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery for $105 details
- 5 -6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours for $126 details
Nightlife Budget in Ios
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Ios has to offer. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $34 (€33) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ios per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$34
€33
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ios. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub Crawl in Cyclades for $37 details
- Ios Ultimate Bar Crawl for $37 details
- Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades for $37 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 3, 2024
Traveling in Ios
Ios, Greece
Ios is an island in the south of Greece, located in the Cyclades group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peaceful beach getaway by day, and a lively party scene by night. While its main town is the hub for nightlife, it is also a charming place during the day, typical of a traditional Greek village with shops and cafes against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters.
Neighborhoods & Around
The island of Ios has three major villages: Yialos (or Ormos), Ios (also Chora or Hora), and Milopotas. When arriving by ferry, visitors first set foot in Yialos where the port is located. While you can take a car or taxi up a long winding route to get up the hill to the main town of Ios, the most direct route is to take a long stair just before you get to the Kritikakis Village apartments. Chora or Hora, officially called Ios, is the capital town and largest settlement on the island. It contains many of the island’s tourism facilities, which include hotels and apartments as well as restaurants and tavernas. For the most part, the town has some small roads for cars with many paths only accessible by foot. There is a taxi station here, as well as at the ferry port, Yialos. Milopotas is not very far from the main town Ios, just a few kilometers down the road. Located on the coast, it is home to one of the most popular and beautiful beaches on the island.
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.