Is Rhodes Expensive? Full Cost Breakdown

⭐ Is Rhodes Expensive? Traveller Costs Compared With Greece’s Top Islands (2026)

Hey traveller! I’m Looneytravels — your Local Rhodes Expert who wants your holiday here to be smooth, memorable and totally stress-free.

If you ever want to go beyond prices and get the full feel of the island, you can always wander through the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or follow the ready-made routes inside the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary whenever it’s convenient for you.

⭐ Is Rhodes Expensive in 2026? Quick Answer From a Local

Let’s start with the thing you actually want to know, before we get into all the breakdowns and comparisons.

You might be wondering something very simple: is Rhodes expensive compared with places like Crete, Corfu or Santorini, or is it closer to the middle of the Greek-island price range?

The honest answer:
Rhodes sits in the middle of the Greek-island cost spectrum.

• It’s cheaper than famous luxury or party islands like Santorini or Mykonos, especially for accommodation and eating out. Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

• It’s similar or slightly higher than some less-touristy islands where tourism is smaller

• It has huge range: you can do it on a backpacker budget, a comfortable mid-range holiday, or a full “treat yourself” trip.

On Rhodes, real-world examples for 2025–2026 look roughly like this for most visitors:

• Budget hotel or simple room: from around €30–€40 per night if you book early or stay slightly away from peak-hotspot

• Mid-range hotel: around €80–€130 per night in summer, depending on location and

• Dinner at a taverna for two (with house wine, nothing crazy): roughly €30–€40

• Coffee: often €3–€4 in popular areas, a bit less in local neighbourhoods

Numbers change a little each season, but they give you the right ballpark for 2026 planning.

⭐ How Rhodes Fits Into the Greek Island Family

Before we compare prices directly, it helps to understand what kind of island Rhodes is.

According to Lonely Planet, Rhodes is one of the big names in the Dodecanese, known for its medieval Old Town, golden beaches and mix of lively resorts and quieter villages.

VisitGreece describes Rhodes as the fourth-largest Greek island and one of the country’s most popular destinations, blending medieval heritage, natural landscapes and modern resort life.

That combination matters for your wallet because:

• Bigger islands like Rhodes and Crete usually mean more competition: lots of hotels, apartments, car rentals and tavernas. That often keeps prices more reasonable than on small, ultra-famous islands

• “Mixed” islands (both local life and strong tourism) give you choice: you can eat in a harbour restaurant or in a village taverna where locals go — and the price difference can be huge.

• Transport infrastructure is better: more buses, more rental options, more flexibility.

In other words, Rhodes is neither a tiny secret island nor a super-luxury bubble. It’s a big, flexible island where you can slide your budget up or down by the choices you make.

⭐ Typical Daily Budgets on Rhodes

To give you a realistic picture, let’s break things down by travel style. These ranges assume high season (June–September) and include accommodation, food, local transport and a couple of drinks/activities per day.

These are based on a mix of traveller-spending data for Rhodes, which suggest around €75 per day for budget travellers, about €170 per day for mid-range and around €325 per day for luxury stays, depending on personal choices.

⭐Budget Traveller (Approx. €60–€90 per day)

This is for you if you like to keep things simple:

• Simple room / budget hotel / basic apartment: €30–€45

• Food (bakery breakfast, gyros/souvlaki, casual taverna): €15–€25

• Buses or walking, occasional taxi: €5–€10

• A couple of coffees or beers: €5–€10

• Some low-cost activities or entrance fees: €5–€10

You’ll stay in simpler rooms, avoid the waterfront “seen and be seen” restaurants and probably choose Rhodes Town, Ialysos or Faliraki outskirts for good-value accommodation, plus local buses to explore.

⭐Comfortable Mid-Range (Approx. €110–€170 per day)

This is the “most common” style I see among visitors:

• Nice 3–4* hotel or solid apartment: €70–€120

• Meals out at tavernas and cafés most of the time: €30–€40

• Mix of buses and taxis / occasional car rental day: €10–€20

• Drinks, ice creams, extras: €10–€20

• Some paid activities (boat trip, entry tickets): €10–€20

At this level, you’re comfortable, eating well, doing a few day trips — but you’re still keeping an eye on prices, choosing local places over “Instagram-only” spots.

⭐Relaxed / Treat-Yourself Style (Approx. €200–€300+ per day)

Here we’re talking:

• 4–5* hotels or premium apartments: €150–€250+

• Eating and drinking wherever you feel like, including waterfront spots: €50–€80

• Taxis or rental car most days: €20–€30

• Extra paid activities: €20–€40+

This is still often cheaper than similar comfort on Santorini or Mykonos, where mid-range daily costs frequently hit much higher numbers, especially for accommodation and drinks. Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

So, for a mid-range traveller, the honest answer to “is Rhodes expensive” is that it sits in the comfortable-middle bracket: not a bargain-basement island, but very fair for what you get.

⭐ Is Rhodes Expensive Compared With Greece’s Most Popular Islands?

Now let’s put Rhodes next to some of the other islands you might be considering: Crete, Corfu, Kos, Santorini and Mykonos.

I’ll keep it simple: broad price ranges and what usually pushes your costs up or down.

⭐Rhodes vs Crete

• Accommodation: Very similar. Both islands have a wide spread of budget and mid-range choices. In many cases, a like-for-like hotel room will cost about the same on Rhodes and Crete.

• Food: Both islands can be very affordable if you choose tavernas off the main tourist drag.

• Transport: Both have good bus networks and lots of car rental options.

Verdict: Roughly equal, with small differences depending on resort and time of year.

⭐Rhodes vs Corfu

• Accommodation: Average mid-range hotel prices tend to be similar, but Corfu’s most famous coastal hotspots can sometimes push higher in peak August.

• Food & Drinks: Comparable — both islands have busy resort strips and quieter villages.

• Activities: Boat trips and hired loungers tend to be in the same general price ballpark.

Verdict: Very similar overall, with high-season spikes in the most famous corners of both islands.

⭐Rhodes vs Kos & Other Dodecanese

• Kos: Often a touch cheaper than Rhodes for like-for-like stays, especially on very simple package deals, although it varies by year and by resort.

• Smaller Dodecanese islands (e.g. Symi, Tilos, Halki):

  • Accommodation can be similar or slightly more for charming small properties.

  • Eating out can be great value, but choice is limited.

Verdict: Rhodes usually costs a bit more than the very cheapest Dodecanese stays, but gives you many more choices and facilities.

⭐Rhodes vs Santorini

This is where things separate.

Sources looking at average daily budgets across Greece agree that Santorini sits firmly in the “expensive” bracket, particularly for hotels, restaurant meals with views, and drinks.

• Accommodation: A “nice but not crazy” room on Santorini can easily cost what many people would pay for a very nice stay on Rhodes.

• Food & Drinks: Any place with a caldera view pushes prices way up. Rhodes seafront restaurants can be pricey, but you’ll find more mid-range waterfront options.

• Activities: Boat trips and tours are often pricier in Santorini.

Verdict: Rhodes is generally much better value than Santorini for almost everything.

⭐Rhodes vs Mykonos

Mykonos is a different beast altogether:

• Often one of the most expensive islands in Greece for accommodation, dining out and nightlife.

• Beach clubs and party spots can easily blow up the daily budget.

Verdict: Compared to Mykonos, Rhodes feels very affordable for most travellers, especially if you’re not chasing luxury nightlife.

⭐ What Makes Your Costs Go Up (or Down) on Rhodes

Regardless of which island you choose, a few key decisions control your spending. On Rhodes, these are especially powerful because the island is big and varied.

⭐1. When You Come

• High season (late June to early September):

  • Accommodation is at its peak price.

  • Sea, weather and atmosphere are at their best, but crowds are bigger.

• Shoulder seasons (May, early June, late September, October):

  • Often better value for flights and hotels.

  • The sea is warm in late September/early October, and the sun isn’t as harsh.

Across Greece, mid-range travellers are often advised to expect around €100–€130 per day in high season for a comfortable style, while shoulder seasons can bring that down.

Rhodes fits neatly into that pattern.

⭐2. Where You Stay on the Island

On Rhodes, price differences between areas can be big:

• Rhodes Town & Old Town:

  • Huge range from budget pensions to boutique hotels.

  • You pay extra for special views, historic buildings or “inside the walls” charm.

• Lindos:

  • Extremely beautiful and very popular.

  • Rooms with acropolis/sea views, or stylish suites, can be pricey in peak season.

• Big resort areas (Faliraki, Ixia, Ialysos, Kolymbia):

  • Many package hotels.

  • Often good value for families and couples who like pools and half-board options.

• Smaller villages / inland stays:

  • Often quieter and better value.

  • You might need a car.

Choosing a non-famous-but-nice area can immediately knock a chunk off your accommodation costs, without sacrificing comfort.

⭐3. How You Eat

In Greece generally, it’s very possible to spend modestly on food and still eat really well. Recommended averages for Greece are around €20–€30 per day for budget food and €30–€50 for mid-range.

Rhodes follows this pattern exactly:

• Cheaper:

  • Bakeries for breakfast.

  • Gyros, souvlaki, simple pitta wraps.

  • House wine, not cocktails.

• Mid-range:

  • Family-run tavernas in backstreets or villages.

  • Fresh fish away from the main promenades.

• Higher-end:

  • Waterfront restaurants in Rhodes Town, Lindos and some resort promenades.

  • Cocktail bars with views.

Eat where locals eat, and prices soften immediately.

⭐4. Transport Choices

Rhodes has:

• A solid bus network, especially between Rhodes Town, Lindos, the airport and major resorts.VisitGreece

• Many car and scooter rentals, which can be great value if you share the cost.

• Taxis that are fairly priced for short hops, but add up if you use them constantly.

Your daily transport budget can be as low as a few euros if you rely on buses and walking, or €20–€30+ if you like taxis and flexible car rentals. Read more about: transportation in Rhodes

⭐ Where Rhodes Gives You the Most Value

Here’s why many travellers feel Rhodes gives solid value for money, even if it’s not the absolute cheapest island on the map.

⭐A Lot of Island for Your Money

Rhodes combines:

• A UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town (one of Europe’s best-preserved).

• Beach life ranging from calm family bays to windsurfer spots.

• Inland villages, hikes and local wineries.

So a week here can include culture, beaches, food, nightlife and quiet corners without island-hopping. Fewer transfers = less money burned on ferries and logistics.

⭐Flexibility of Budget

Because the island is large and varied, you can:

• Spend less by staying in simple accommodation, using buses and eating in local tavernas.

• Spend more by going for sea-view suites, private transfers and fine dining.

• Mix both: simple hotel, but occasional treats in special locations.

That flexibility is the real strength: Rhodes bends to your budget quite nicely.

⭐ Pros & Cons of Rhodes From a Budget Point of View

✔ Pros
Plenty of mid-range and affordable places to stay if you book smart
Lots of local-style tavernas where you can eat well without overspending
Big island with enough to do that you don’t need expensive extra trips

❌ Cons
Peak summer can push prices up, especially in Lindos and the Old Town
Waterfront restaurants and “Instagram spots” can be noticeably pricier
Taxis and organized excursions add up if you rely on them every day

⭐ How I Answer Guests Who Ask ‘Is Rhodes Expensive?’

I get this question all the time from people planning their first visit.

Usually, I tell them something like this:

• If you’ve looked at Santorini or Mykonos prices and felt your soul leave your body, Rhodes will probably feel relievingly reasonable.

• If you’re comparing it to smaller, less-famous islands, you might pay a bit more here — but you get more infrastructure, choice and variety in return.

• If you’re coming from Northern Europe or the UK, a typical daily budget of €100–€130 for a comfortable holiday is pretty normal, and many visitors spend less by mixing in cheaper meals and free activities.

I also remind them that the biggest savings often come from:

• Choosing shoulder season.

• Picking the right area to stay.

• Eating like a local at least once a day.

• Planning a couple of bus-based days instead of full car-rental weeks.

If you’d like to see how that looks as a full week around the island, the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary is built with flexible budget ideas baked in — you can upgrade or simplify each day as you wish.

⭐ Real-World Example Budgets (1 Week on Rhodes)

Let’s put it all together so you can feel the difference in your wallet.

These are example totals for one week for one person, not including flights, based on 2025–2026 pricing ranges.

1. Budget Style (1 Week ≈ €420–€630)

• Simple room or budget hotel: €210–€280 (around €30–€40 per night).

• Food & drinks: €140–€210 (around €20–€30 per day).

• Transport: €35–€60 (buses, with maybe a couple of taxis)

• Activities: €35–€80 (a museum or two and one boat trip or day tour)

This suits solo travellers, budget-conscious couples and anyone happy to keep things simple.

2. Comfortable Mid-Range (1 Week ≈ €770–€1,200)

• Good 3–4* hotel or apartment: €490–€770 (around €70–€110 per night)

• Food & drinks: €245–€350 (€35–€50 per day, including tavernas and a few drinks)

• Transport: €70–€120 (mix of buses, taxis, maybe 2–3 days car rental)

• Activities: €70–€140 (a couple of boat trips, some entrances, maybe a guided tour)

This is where most couples and families naturally land.

3. Treat-Yourself / Special Trip (1 Week ≈ €1,500–€2,500+)

• 4–5* hotel or special boutique stay: €1,050–€1,750 (around €150–€250 per night or more)

• Food & drinks: €350–€560 (waterfront dining, cocktails, high-end options)

• Transport: €140–€210 (taxis or private transfers, plus some car rental)

• Activities: €140–€280+ (private tours, boat trips, experiences)

Compared with the costs of similar comfort on Santorini or Mykonos, these totals often work out significantly lower, especially on the accommodation side.

⭐ External View: How Big Travel Brands See Greek Island Costs

To give you a wider frame:

• Travel budget sites and guides for Greece usually place budget daily spending around €40–€60, and mid-range around €100–€130, which is exactly where Rhodes lands for most people.

• Many organized Greek-island journeys and cruises priced by big brands like National Geographic show multi-day trips that clearly sit far above typical DIY budgets on big islands like Rhodes — which tells you that doing it yourself on a place like this is usually far more cost-effective.

In one of their itineraries, National Geographic highlights premium small-ship and land journeys around Greece and the islands, with per-person prices that reflect the high-end side of Greek travel, not the everyday taverna-and-hotel experience most Rhodes visitors choose.

When you compare those package costs to a self-planned week on Rhodes, it becomes clear that you can enjoy a rich island experience at much lower daily spending.

⭐ Quick Local Tips to Keep Your Rhodes Budget Happy

Here are some simple habits that save you money without shrinking your experience:

• Stay walking-distance from a bus stop. Buses are cheap and connect most key spots, taxis then become an occasional treat, not a daily cost.

• Eat your main meal at lunch in village tavernas. Portions are big, prices fair, and you can have a lighter dinner later.

• Skip “view tax” sometimes. Have one special waterfront dinner, then enjoy most meals in side streets.

• Buy water in supermarkets. Hotel minibar bottles add up fast.

• Choose 1–2 paid excursions, not 6. The island itself is already an open-air attraction.

These little adjustments can easily reduce your total cost by hundreds of euros over a week, especially for families.

⭐ FAQ: Money Questions Travellers Ask About Rhodes

Is Rhodes good value compared with other Greek islands?

Yes. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but for what you get — historical sites, beaches, food, nightlife and easy transport — it’s very good value, especially compared with ultra-famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

How much should I budget per day on Rhodes?

For a comfortable holiday in 2026, many visitors are fine with around €100–€130 per person per day, not including flights. Budget travellers can go lower; those choosing luxury hotels and cocktails every night will pay more.

Is eating out on Rhodes expensive?

It depends where you eat. Local tavernas and bakeries can be very affordable, especially away from the busiest seafronts. Waterfront or ultra-touristy spots are noticeably pricier, but you can simply mix one “special” meal with several more local ones.

Are activities and attractions pricey on Rhodes?

Many of the best experiences — wandering the Old Town, enjoying beaches, exploring villages — are either free or low-cost. Boat trips, organized excursions and water sports raise the budget, but you don’t need them every day.

Is it cheaper to stay in one place or move around the island?

Staying in one base usually saves money on transfers and short hotel stays. Plan day trips out of your base and use buses or a few car-rental days to explore.

⭐ Last Thoughts

Money questions can easily cloud the excitement of planning a Greek-island holiday, but I hope this guide has shown you that Rhodes gives you a lot of island for your euros. With smart choices about when you come, where you stay and how you eat, you can shape the trip around your own budget without missing the heart of the island.

By the time you leave, the question “is Rhodes expensive” usually transforms into “when are we coming back?”

If you’d ever like a deeper look at the island — from specific routes, hidden bays and village stops to ready-made daily plans you can follow or tweak — you can always explore the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary whenever it suits you.

⭐ More Guides to Make Your Rhodes Trip Smoother

If you want your holiday to feel relaxed and easy from the moment you land, you might enjoy some of my other simple guides. Each one gives you clear, local advice so you can avoid confusion and plan your days with confidence.

Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – Guide for Best Areas
Perfect if you’re not renting a car and want the easiest, walkable places to stay.

Where to Stay in Rhodes: Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts
A full breakdown of every area on the island — great for choosing the right base.

Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes
Explains buses, taxis, transfers and driving in the easiest way possible.

Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area from Ixia to Gennadi
A friendly list of the best hotels, based on real local knowledge and experience.

Rhodes Taxi Prices — Full Guide with Prices 2025 (Local Tips & Real Costs)
Updated taxi costs for all major routes, plus honest tips to avoid overpaying.

Feel free to explore any of these whenever it suits you — they’re written to make your trip smoother, calmer and stress-free.

I’ll be here, keeping an eye on the tavernas, beaches and prices for you.