Travel Budget for Kos Visit Kos on a Budget or Travel in Style

Kos, South Aegean, Greece

Kos is an ancient island known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Kos, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Kos?

You should plan to spend around $173 (€165) per day on your vacation in Kos. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $78 (€75) on meals
  • $38 (€37) on local transportation
  • $129 (€123) on hotels

A one week trip to Kos for two people costs, on average, $2,421 (€2,310). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $173
    165
  • One Week Per person
    $1,210
    1,155
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,421
    2,310
  • One Month Per person
    $5,187
    4,950
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,421
    2,310
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,842
    4,620
  • One Month For a couple
    $10,375
    9,900
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kos cost?

A one week trip to Kos usually costs around $1,210 (€1,155) for one person and $2,421 (€2,310) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Kos on average costs around $2,421 (€2,310) for one person and $4,842 (€4,620) 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 Kos will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Kos on average costs around $5,187 (€4,950) for one person and $10,375 (€9,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Kos expensive to visit?

Kos is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Although Kos can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $79 (€72) per day, mid-range travelers spend $180 (€165) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $361 (€331) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kos.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Kos is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Mainz or Kiel.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kos Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Kos?

The average Kos trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kos travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kos cost?

Kos on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$28
(26)
$65
(62)
$133
(126)
Local Transportation 1 $17
(16)
$38
(37)
$75
(71)
Food 2 $34
(32)
$78
(75)
$158
(151)
Entertainment 1 $15
(15)
$35
(33)
$65
(62)
Alcohol 2 $4-13
(4-13)
$10-31
(10-29)
$20-60
(19-57)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Kos without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $79 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Moreover, the island has a well-developed public transit system that allows budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxi or rideshares. Visitors to Kos often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Kos will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $180 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Kos. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Kos Aktis Art Hotel is a good kid-friendly option, and Gaia Garden is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Kos here.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $361. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the island will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Kos - Airport Private Transfer - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Kos

Hotel rates in Kos vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $63 to $118. Expect prices to range from $33 for budget hotels to $250 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Kos for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (€123). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (€62) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $65
    62
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $129
    123

Hotels in Kos

Looking for a hotel in Kos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Kos

The average hotel room price in Kos based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $63 in the low season and $118 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kos include:

  • Diamond Boutique Hotel starting at $77
  • Kos Aktis Art Hotel starting at $87
  • Horizon Beach Resort starting at $110
  • More Meni Residence starting at $118
  • Utopia Blu starting at $113
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kos

Kos 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.

Planning to spend a week in Kos? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.

Many enjoy the charm of walking through Kos, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Kos

Kos offers top-tier public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas. To save money and travel quickly, hop on public transit, though taxis and rideshares are readily available across town.

Visitors who like to stroll and explore will truly enjoy their time here. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $38 (€37) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kos. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kos is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $38
    37

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Kos transfer services, Kos - Airport - Kos for $105 details
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer for $59 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Kos
How much does it cost to go to Kos? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Kos
The price of renting a car in Kos 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 Kos

The cuisine in Kos is world-class, and you don't want to miss it. Make sure to take some time to eat at the local restaurants and taste some of the special dishes. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Kos can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kos is $78 (€75) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $78
    75

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kos is around $82 (€75) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $164. 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 Kos are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $24
  • Lunch: $12 to $33
  • Dinner: $24 to $57
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

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. Kos Town has many traditional tavernas offering these Greek favorites, as it is the hub of activity for dining on the island. For a quick bite, pita gyros are a popular fast food item all over Greece, and usually consist of roasted lamb or beef shaved on a pita with onion, tomato, tzatziki, and French fries.

Food in Kos

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.

Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Kos. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos for $115 details
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes for $95 details
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch for $89 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kos

Travelers flock to Kos because it is well-known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kos typically cost an average of $35 (€33) 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.
    $35
    33

Whether arriving in port or by plane, most visitors of the island flock to Kos Town to begin their Greek island experience. This harbor town's most prominent landmark is the 14th-century Neratzia Castle-ruins of a seaside fortress that offer panoramic views of the Kos harbor. The town is also rich with history surrounding the Greek physician Hippocrates. It is home to the Tree of Hippocrates, under which, according to legend, Hippocrates of Kos taught his pupils the art of medicine. Another important site to the physician, which can still be visited today, is the Asclepeion located about 5 kilometers from Kos Town. A healing temple sacred to the sacred to the Greek god of medicine Asclepius, this location was where Hippocrates would perform his work. In ancient times, patients would come here to receive both spiritual and physical healing.

In addition to these ruins of historical importance, the island is a treasure trove of sandy beaches. Kos is best known as a vacation destination and is well-developed to accommodate the tourists looking to enjoy some beach time. One of the most popular spots is a scenic cove called Paradise Beach, which features rentable chairs, water sports, and nearby resorts. This is just one of the many beaches of the Kefalos isthmus, which occupies the southwest part of the island. It is also near the island's ancient capital Astipalia, where there are still castle ruins.



Kos Island is a destination for exploring historical ruins and landmarks, and enjoying beachside fun and relaxation. Watersports like wind and kite surfing are common, as is snorkeling, which is best close to Kefalos, especially on Agios Stefanos beach. Sailing and yacht charters are also popular in the waters surrounding Kos. The marina of Kos is located at the old harbor and is known worldwide for its ability to service just about any kind of boat.

In addition to your typical sandy beaches, Kos also has access to coastal hot springs. Following the coast southeast from Kos Town and passing the cape of Agios Fokas, visitors will find Thermae. On this beach, after a steep descent, thermal waters are at a temperature of around 40-50°C (104-122°F) year-round.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Kos is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in KosDiscovering the underwater wonders through scuba diving is a major draw in Kos. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Beaches:
A great many tourists venture to Kos to enjoy its sandy beaches. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

A nice way to explore destinations in Kos 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:

  • Kos Premium Sunset Safari Tour for $102 details
  • Half Day Snorkelling Experience with a dive boat in Kos Greece for $54 details
  • Half day boat diving experience for beginners in Kos Greece for $97 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Kos

Visitors in Kos can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $20 (€19) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kos per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $20
    19

Nightlife in Kos

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Kos. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Guided Tour of Kos Town Asclepeion and Zia with Wine Tasting for $89 details
  • From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites for $62 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Kos

  • Prices often increase and the island becomes more congested during peak season in summer. For a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider traveling in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Embracing a slower travel style can save you money, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sights at a leisurely pace. If your schedule is jam-packed with activities, you can quickly rack up expenses. Slowing down not only enhances your experience but often reduces costs as well.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Visitors come to Kos primarily for the outstanding scuba diving. However, this can be quite costly, with limited opportunities to save money. Expect dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions to take up a significant part of your budget. Make sure to verify that your travel insurance covers all bases, including accidents and cancellations due to weather.
  • If you're traveling with young children, a private vehicle or taxi is probably the best choice. Skipping the complexities of public transit can make things easier, but it may come at a higher cost.
  • There aren't a lot of hostel options in Kos, so if you're thinking of saving money in a dorm, you might need to adjust your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental may be a better choice.
Traveling in Kos
Kos Kos, Greece

Kos is a Greek island and third largest island of the Dodecanese group, located near the Turkish coast in the southeast Aegean Sea. It is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches, which make it a popular tourist destination, as well as its ancient Greek and Roman landmarks.



Neighborhoods & Around

The main villages on Kos Island are Kos Town, Kardamena, Kefalos, Tingaki, Antimachia, Mastihari, Marmari, and Pyli, as well as a few smaller ones, including Zia, Zipari, Platani, Lagoudi, and Asfendiou. Since it is the main port, Kos Town is the busiest of the island villages. It is a center of tourism and the local population with white-washed building that house hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and other amenities. Almost all cafes and restaurants in Kos Town offer Wi-Fi access. Most of the island's Greek and Roman landmarks are also located in and around Kos Town, some of which include the 15th-century Neratzia Castle, ancient Agora ruins, and the 3rd-century Casa Romana. Beaches and vacation resorts are largely located at the opposite end of the island in Kefalos.

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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.