Is Rhodes Expensive? Full Cost Breakdown
Is Rhodes expensive compared to other Greek islands? Get the full 2026 price comparison for accommodation, restaurants, beaches and activities
⭐ 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:
Huge range from budget pensions to boutique hotels.
You pay extra for special views, historic buildings or “inside the walls” charm.
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 – Is Rhodes Expensive? (2026 Money Questions Answered)
⭐ Is Rhodes cheaper or more expensive than other Greek islands?
Rhodes sits very comfortably in the middle of the Greek island price range. It’s much cheaper than Mykonos and Santorini for hotels, cocktails and “view” restaurants, but it can be slightly more expensive than some tiny, low-key islands where tourism is still small. What you really get on Rhodes is value for money: a big island with beaches, history, nightlife and local villages all in one place, so you don’t need to pay for extra island-hopping to feel like you’ve “seen a lot”.
If you’re used to looking at Santorini or Mykonos prices and thinking “no chance”, Rhodes usually feels like a pleasant surprise. You can still splurge on sea-view suites and fancy dinners if you want to, but you’re not forced into high prices everywhere you go. For comparison across areas and islands, check Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts and Is Rhodes Expensive Compared to Other Greek Islands.
⭐ How much should I budget per day on Rhodes in 2026?
For most travellers, a comfortable daily budget on Rhodes (excluding flights) lands around €100–€130 per person in high season. That usually covers a nice 3–4* hotel, eating at tavernas, some drinks, local transport and a couple of paid activities during the week. Budget travellers who use buses, stay in simpler rooms and eat more in bakeries / local grill houses can often manage on €60–€90 per day.
On the other end, if you choose 4–5* hotels, private transfers, cocktails on the seafront and multiple paid excursions, a “treat yourself” trip can reach €200–€300+ per day. The key is that Rhodes lets you slide up and down that range depending on your choices. To see how this looks in a real itinerary, you can follow the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary and adjust each day to your budget.
⭐ Is eating out in Rhodes expensive?
It depends where you sit down. A simple, delicious meal in a local taverna (off the main seafront or away from the most famous squares) can easily stay around €12–€18 per person, including a main, shared starter and house wine or a soft drink. If you eat like locals do — bakeries for breakfast, casual grill houses for lunch, village tavernas for dinner — Rhodes is very kind to your wallet.
Prices go up when you choose waterfront restaurants in Lindos or Rhodes Town, sunset cocktails with views, or places that clearly target “Instagram crowds”. Those experiences can still be worth it, but mixing them with local favourites keeps your total spend balanced. For more ideas on stretching your food budget without sacrificing flavour, have a look at Rhodes on a Budget and Rhodes Old Town Guide 2026 – What to See, Eat & Explore.
⭐ Is alcohol expensive in Rhodes (beers, cocktails, wine)?
Local beer and house wine are usually good value: expect around €3–€4.50 for a beer in most tavernas and bars, and around €4–€6 for a glass of wine in non-touristy spots. Cocktails are where things climb: in beach clubs, rooftop bars and high-end venues, prices can easily jump to €10–€14+ per drink — still often cheaper than Mykonos, but noticeably more than a village bar.
If you like going out but don’t want to double your budget, choose more relaxed bars and tavernas away from the “premium view” locations most nights, and save the fancier cocktail bars for one or two special evenings. For nightlife ideas that don’t always break the bank, you can read Nightlife in Rhodes – Insider Picks for the Best Nights Out.
⭐ Are taxis in Rhodes expensive?
Taxis are fairly priced for short journeys, but they do add up if you use them many times a day. Trips like Rhodes Town → Faliraki or Ixia → Old Town are usually reasonable, while long south-coast routes to Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari or Gennadi can be more expensive simply because of the distance. That’s why many travellers combine buses for long coastal trips with taxis for short hops.
If you know you’ll rely on taxis, it’s worth checking real local prices in advance so there are no surprises. My full breakdown in Rhodes Taxi Prices — Full Guide with Prices 2025 (Local Tips & Real Costs) shows what to expect between all major resorts. For a wider look at buses vs taxis vs car rental, read Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes.
⭐ Is renting a car in Rhodes worth the money?
If you love exploring, then yes — renting a car for 1–3 days is usually worth the cost. A small car in 2026 typically starts from €30–€40 per day in shoulder season and can rise to €55–€80+ in high summer, depending on insurance and demand. Split between two or three people, that’s often cheaper than multiple long taxi rides and gives you maximum freedom to visit villages, west-coast castles and hidden beaches.
If you’re staying in well-connected areas like Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia or Pefkos, you don’t need a car every day — using buses most of the time and renting a car for a couple of “explore days” hits a good balance. For help choosing between car-free vs car holidays, check Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – Guide for Best Areas and Car Rental Rhodes – Local Tips.
⭐ Which areas of Rhodes are cheaper to stay in?
Generally, areas like Ixia, Ialyssos, parts of Faliraki, Afandou and some inland villages offer better value for accommodation than ultra-iconic spots like Lindos or boutique hotels inside Rhodes Old Town. You’ll often get more space, pools and half-board options for the same money if you stay just a bit away from the most famous postcard views.
If you’re trying to balance budget with good location, use Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts to compare each zone, and then cross-check with Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026 – Best Hotels by Area from Ixia to Gennadi for concrete suggestions that fit your price range.
⭐ Is Rhodes a good choice for a budget family holiday?
Yes — Rhodes is one of the best-value big islands for families. You can base yourselves in places like Faliraki, Kolymbia or Pefkos, where family hotels, kids’ pools, nearby supermarkets and casual tavernas help keep the daily spend under control. Many hotels offer half-board or all-inclusive packages that make costs predictable and remove the stress of “where do we eat tonight?” every single day.
On top of that, many of the best family activities — beaches, village walks, Old Town exploring, sunset viewpoints — are free or low-cost. You can then sprinkle in one or two higher-cost days, like Faliraki Waterpark or a boat trip, without blowing the full-week budget. For more family planning help, check Rhodes for Families and Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – Guide for Best Areas.
⭐ What’s the cheapest time of year to visit Rhodes?
The cheapest periods are April–May and October, when hotel prices drop, flights can be cheaper and the island is much quieter. The sea is cooler in April, but by May it’s already pleasant for many swimmers. In October the sea is usually still warm from the long summer, and daytime temperatures are comfortable rather than scorching.
If you want the sweet spot between good weather and reasonable prices, look at late May, early June, late September and early October. These months often give you excellent value across hotels, car rental and flights. For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, read Rhodes Weather – Complete Year-Round Guide (Best Time to Visit).
⭐ Are card payments widely accepted, or do I need lots of cash?
Card payments are widely accepted across Rhodes — especially in hotels, supermarkets, car rentals, petrol stations and most restaurants. However, having some cash is still useful for small tavernas, beach bars, local buses, kiosks and rural spots. ATMs are easy to find in all main resorts and in Rhodes Town, but may be more limited in small villages.
As a rule, plan to use your card for bigger payments (accommodation, car rental, main dinners) and cash for smaller everyday purchases. This makes it easier to track your spending and avoid constant ATM withdrawals. For transport-specific details like bus tickets and taxi payments, see Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes.
⭐ How can I keep my daily budget under control without feeling restricted?
Three big levers: where you stay, where you eat, and how you move around. Pick an area that’s walkable and close to what you want (beach or Old Town), eat like a local at least once a day (bakeries, simple tavernas, non-view spots), and use buses for big distances while saving taxis for short, strategic rides.
On top of that, choose 2–3 “paid days” (like a boat trip, waterpark or full excursion) and let the rest be free or low-cost: beaches, Old Town walks, village exploring, viewpoints and sunsets. If you want a full week already structured with this mindset, have a look at Rhodes on a Budget, Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece and the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary — they’re all written to keep your holiday fun and your wallet happy.
⭐ 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.
