Why is Mykonos so expensive? Prices, budget and how to save
Why prices are so high in Mykonos, a table of sample summer prices, and simple ways to cut the cost.
- Mykonos is expensive due to high demand in a short summer, luxury hotels, imported food and few taxis.
- Estimated daily budget per person: about €95–455 excluding flights, based on a 2024 guide.
- Ways to save: shoulder season, staying outside Chora, the bus and gyros.
On a tight budget, travel in May, June or September and take the bus. For a quiet holiday, consider another Cycladic island.
Why is Mykonos so expensive?
Mykonos is one of the most expensive islands in Greece, for several clear reasons:
- Huge demand in a short summer: most visitors come in July and August, and prices are set for the peak.
- Luxury hotels: the island has some of Greece's best and priciest hotels, which pulls all prices up.
- More expensive food: everything arrives by ship, and restaurants in Chora (the main town) charge far more than on the mainland.
- Few taxis: the island has a very small number of licensed taxis, which are regulated and carry surcharges. They're hard to find at busy times.
- Beach clubs: paid sunbeds, sometimes with a minimum spend.
How much does Mykonos cost? Sample prices
These prices come from a cost guide by The World Was Here First (updated December 2024, based on July and August visits). Prices change, so treat them as estimates.
| Item | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Hostel bed | €60–70 per person per night |
| Guesthouse | from about €150 a night, with breakfast |
| Boutique hotel | about €170 a night |
| 5-star hotel | €300–700 a night |
| Beach sunbed and parasol | €20–50 per person |
| Gyros wrap | about €4 |
| Main course in a Chora restaurant | €20–40 |
| Cocktail at a bar | about €15, sometimes over €30 |
| Bus | about €2 a ride, cash |
| Scooter / small car | from about €30 a day |
| Delos tour | about €60 |
Daily budget per person, excluding flights: roughly €95–455, depending heavily on where you stay and how you go out.
How to save money in Mykonos
- Travel in shoulder season: May, June and September are cheaper and less crowded.
- Stay outside Chora: villages such as Ano Mera or the south-coast beaches are cheaper, with buses into town.
- Take the bus, not a taxi: bus lines link Chora with the main beaches.
- Eat gyros and pastries: a filo pie or gyros costs a few euros. A meal overlooking the windmills costs much more.
- Use the free part of the beach: every beach has a free section. You don't have to rent a sunbed.
- Check the menu before ordering: some places overcharge, especially for fish sold by weight.
A full breakdown of food prices is in our Mykonos restaurant prices guide.
Is Mykonos worth the money?
It depends on what you want. For nightlife, beach clubs and atmosphere, few islands compare. For a quieter, cheaper Cycladic holiday, consider Paros or Naxos. Compare in Santorini, Mykonos or Paros.
More on the island: Mykonos guide, Mykonos off season, flights to Mykonos and Shabbat and kosher food in Mykonos.
FAQ
Why is Mykonos more expensive than other islands? Because of high summer demand, many luxury hotels, food shipped in by sea, few taxis and beach clubs.
How much money do I need per day in Mykonos? A 2024 estimate puts it at roughly €95–455 per person per day excluding flights, depending on accommodation and nightlife.
When is Mykonos cheaper? In shoulder season, May, June and September, and off season, when many businesses close.
How much is a sunbed in Mykonos? About €20–50 per person, and some beach clubs have a minimum spend.
