Which place is cheaper, Heraklion or Samos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Samos or Heraklion?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Samos and Heraklion can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Samos or Heraklion?
Samos
Samos, an enchanting Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant culture. Known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich heritage, Samos offers an array of experiences for travelers. Whether you are traveling on a budget, exploring historic sites, engaging in various activities, enjoying local cuisine, or figuring out transportation, Samos promises an unforgettable journey. Traveling to Samos on a budget is quite feasible, as the island offers various affordable options without compromising on the experience. Accommodations range from budget hotels and guesthouses to camping sites, ensuring there is something for everyone. The villages of Vathy, Pythagoreio, and Kokkari offer a variety of economical lodgings, with many family-run establishments providing a personal touch at reasonable prices.
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.
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Samos Prices
Greece PricesHeraklion Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySamos €290Heraklion €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Samos is €290, while the average daily cost in Heraklion is €195. 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 Samos and Heraklion in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSamos €126Heraklion €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSamos €252Heraklion €162
Compare Hotels in Samos and Heraklion
Looking for a hotel in Samos or Heraklion? 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.
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: Samos Hotel Prices and Heraklion Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Samos €56Heraklion €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $6,742
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $251
- Luxury Yacht Escape from Ierapetra with Transfer & Meals Included: $209
- Transfer Heraklion Airport or Port to Ammoudara Agios Nikolaos : $191
- Private Transfer - Heraklion Cruise Port to Chania Airport (CHQ): $179
- Airports/ports Transfers from /to Rethymno (one way): $167
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $164
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIOS NIKOLAOS area up to 7 : $155
- Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to / from Rethymno: $152
- Heraklion Int Airport (HER): Transfer to Heraklion hotels: $150
- Transfer Heraklion Airport or Port to Ammoudara Agios Nikolaos up to 4 customers: $148
Is it cheaper to fly into Samos or Heraklion?
Prices for flights to both Heraklion and Samos 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
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Food Meals for one daySamos €129Heraklion €90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Crete: Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $34
- Troy Dinner-Show: $36
- Crete : Cooking Lessons In Lasithi Plateau: $45
- Hersonissos: Spectacular Dinner Show Ticket: $47
- Cretan Village Feast, Live Music, Dancers & Local Dinner: $54
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $76
- Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $78
- Dia Island Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $80
- Cretan Cooking Class at Archanes Village with transfer & Lunch: $82
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $99
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $104
- Jeep Tour Psiloritis the Mountain of Gods & Cooking Lesson: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Samos €30Heraklion €38
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $118
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $110
- E-Ticket to Heraklion Archaeological Museum with Audio Guide: $26
- Knossos Palace Heraklion City Tour: $42
- e-bike tour in Crete with guide and stroryteller Soulouksina: $167
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $90
- 2 days Local Life Experience at Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion: $106
- 4 Hour Fishing and Swimming Boat Experience in Schisma Eloundas: $149
- 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch: $105
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $93
- Aquaplus Admission Ticket: $36
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $118
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySamos €18Heraklion €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Organic Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour: $40
- Cretan Wine Tasting Experience: $41
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
- Walking city tour & Wine tasting: $100
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $104
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings: $149
- Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting: $179
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $197
- Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $221
- Olive oil and Wine Tour with Lunch: $235
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $237
- Guided Tour Palace of Knossos & Archanes Wine Tasting Tour: $416
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Samos and Heraklion, we can see that Samos is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Samos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Samos than you might in Heraklion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Samos Expensive? and Is Heraklion Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Samos or Heraklion?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Samos. When comparing the sizes of Samos and Heraklion, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.