A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Kefalonia vs. Ios for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kefalonia or Ios?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kefalonia and Ios. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kefalonia or Ios?

Kefalonia

With its dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, and endless sandy beaches, Kefalonia offers a quintessential Greek island experience away from the crowds. This stunning Ionian gem has something for everyone, from outdoor adventurers to history buffs to beach bums. Kefalonia provides excellent value compared to some of Greece's more popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos. Hotels are not as expensive, and budget-friendly options are common. Eating at casual tavernas or buying fresh produce from local markets can keep food costs very reasonable, too.

Ios

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece, and The Best Historical Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Ios or Kefalonia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kefalonia is €294, while the average daily cost in Ios is €115. 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 Kefalonia and Ios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kefalonia 120
    Ios 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kefalonia 240
    Ios 78
Compare Hotels in Kefalonia and Ios

Looking for a hotel in Kefalonia or Ios? 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.

Hotels in Kefalonia


Hotels in Ios


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: Kefalonia Hotel Prices and Ios Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kefalonia 53
    Ios 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:

  • 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $3,302

Is it cheaper to fly into Kefalonia or Ios?

Prices for flights to both Ios and Kefalonia 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 day
    Kefalonia 140
    Ios 57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ios

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ios.

  • Full Haros Family Cooking Experience: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kefalonia 33
    Ios 26

Tours and Activities in Ios

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:

  • 5 -6 Hour Full Heritage & Flavor Tour: $143
  • Culture & Taste Tour: $108
  • Half Day Private Tour on Ios Island: $298
  • History & Myth Tour: $107
  • Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $36
  • 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $79
  • Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kefalonia 22
    Ios 33

Sample the Local Flavors in Ios

Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl in Cyclades: $42
  • Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $42
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting (Guided Tour INCLUDED): $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kefalonia and Ios, we can see that Kefalonia is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Kefalonia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kefalonia than you might in Ios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kefalonia Expensive? and Is Ios Expensive?.