Which place is cheaper, Lesbos or Santorini?
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 Santorini or Lesbos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Lesbos, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Santorini or Lesbos?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
Lesbos
Lesbos, the third-largest Greek island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture. Visiting Lesbos doesn't have to break the bank. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as €25-40 per night in the off-season and €40-60 during peak months. For affordable meals, seek out local tavernas away from tourist hotspots. The villages of Petra and Molyvos offer authentic dining experiences at reasonable prices, and many tavernas provide daily specials ("mezedes") that are both delicious and economical.
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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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesLesbos Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Lesbos €276
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Lesbos is €276. 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 Santorini and Lesbos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Lesbos €117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Lesbos €234
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Lesbos
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Lesbos? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Lesbos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Lesbos €61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
- Santorini Private Airport Transfer : $29
- Santorini Private Roundtrip Transfer from/to Airport,Port & Hotel: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Lesbos?
Prices for flights to both Lesbos and Santorini 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 daySantorini €96Lesbos €119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Lesbos €37
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Magical Santorini Highlights Private Tour: $120
- Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $121
- Santorini Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar & Sunset Views: $155
- Santorini Classic Highlights and Sightseeing Private Tour: $177
- Santorini's Story. Insta and TikTok Experience. Private tour : $203
- Santorini Unlocked: Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver: $203
- Private Oia and Ammoudi Sunset Experience: $203
- Private Santorini Sunset Picnic Experience: $203
- Santorini Private Tour for Wine Enthusiasts: $215
- Santorini Shopping Therapy: Style & Tradition Tour: $215
- Private Experience in Santorini with Guide in Spanish: $269
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Lesbos €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
- Private Wine Tasting-Wine Museum- Snacks: 2, 3 or 4 Wineries: $194
- Private Wine Tour in Santorini - Greece: $203
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Lesbos, we can see that Lesbos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Lesbos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Lesbos?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Lesbos. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Lesbos, 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.