Which place is cheaper, Ios or Skiathos?
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 Skiathos or Ios?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Skiathos and Ios can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Skiathos or Ios?
Skiathos
Nestled in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos is a small but captivating island that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. As part of the Sporades archipelago, this verdant paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all types of travelers. While Skiathos can be pricier than some other Greek islands due to its popularity, savvy travelers can still enjoy its charms without breaking the bank. To save money, eat at local restaurants, take public transportation, and find small, local hotels for accommodation.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece.
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Skiathos Prices
Greece PricesIos Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySkiathos €412Ios €115
The average daily cost (per person) in Skiathos is €412, 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 Skiathos and Ios in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSkiathos €215Ios €39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSkiathos €430Ios €78
Compare Hotels in Skiathos and Ios
Looking for a hotel in Skiathos 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.
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: Skiathos Hotel Prices and Ios Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Skiathos €115Ios €16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Skiathos
Also for Skiathos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skiathos Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $36
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 Skiathos or Ios?
Prices for flights to both Ios and Skiathos 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 daySkiathos €129Ios €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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Skiathos €45Ios €26
Tours and Activities in Skiathos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Skiathos.
- Sea and Sun day cruise from Skiathos: $53
- Skiathos Guided Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $57
- Mamma Mia Cruise From Skiathos Island: $59
- Daily Sailing Cruise from Skiathos to Skopelos Island: $143
- Skiathos Semiprivate Sailing Cruise : $151
- All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise-Skiathos & Nearby Islands with Lunch: $155
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Cruise & Lunch: $161
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySkiathos €23Ios €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 Skiathos and Ios, we can see that Skiathos 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 Skiathos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Skiathos 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 Skiathos Expensive? and Is Ios Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Skiathos or Ios?
Skiathos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Skiathos and Ios, 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.