Budget Island Vacation Calculator
How much would a beach vacation cost?
Find the most affordable island destinations based on your budget and travel style
Want to soak up sun on a beach without draining your bank account? You’re not alone. In 2025, airfare and hotel prices are still high in most popular spots-but there are real islands where you can swim in turquoise water, eat fresh seafood, and sleep steps from the sand for under $50 a night. No luxury resorts. No hidden fees. Just pure, simple beach life.
Philippines: Boracay’s little-known cousin
Most people think of Boracay when they hear "Philippines beach." But Boracay is packed, pricey, and tourist-heavy. Skip it. Head to Palawan instead, especially the island of El Nido or the quieter Coron. Both are part of the same archipelago but cost a fraction.
A basic beach bungalow with a fan and private bathroom? $15 a night. A plate of grilled fish, rice, and coconut water at a roadside stall? $2. A local boat tour to hidden lagoons and snorkeling spots? $10 for the whole day. Flights from major Asian hubs like Manila or Singapore start around $80 round-trip if booked early.
There’s no wifi on some beaches. No ATMs. No chain hotels. That’s the point. You’re not here for convenience. You’re here to wake up to birds, not alarms.
Portugal’s Azores: Europe’s secret budget island
Think Europe means expensive? Not here. The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, are part of Portugal but feel like another world. You get hot springs, black sand beaches, and whale watching-all without the crowds of the Mediterranean.
A private room in a guesthouse on São Miguel? $35 a night. A full breakfast with local cheese, bread, and orange juice? $5. A rental car for a week? $120 total. Public buses run between towns for under $3 per ride.
Flights from Toronto or New York often land in Lisbon first, then connect to Ponta Delgada. Round-trip deals under $600 pop up in late fall and early winter. December and January are quiet, cool, and cheap. You won’t get the postcard-perfect summer beach-but you’ll get the island to yourself.
Indonesia: Lombok beats Bali
Bali is beautiful. Bali is also $100-a-night resorts, $12 smoothie bowls, and traffic jams at sunset. If you want the same culture, same beaches, same food-but without the price tag-go to Lombok.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Bali, Lombok has white-sand beaches like Sire and Tanjung Aan. A simple villa with a pool? $25 a night. A plate of nasi goreng with fried egg? $1.50. A private driver for a full day to waterfalls and mountain villages? $15.
There’s no cruise ship dock here. No luxury spa chains. Just locals selling fresh papaya from bamboo carts and fishermen hauling in tuna before sunrise. The island is still developing, which means prices stay low. And the water? Clear enough to see parrotfish swimming under your feet.
Georgia: Black Sea beaches you’ve never heard of
Georgia isn’t just about wine and mountains. Its Black Sea coast has quiet beaches that feel like the Mediterranean in the 1980s. The town of Batumi has a boardwalk and nightlife, but head 30 minutes south to Sarpi or Ureki.
A two-bedroom apartment right on the beach? $20 a night in September. A fresh trout dinner with local wine? $6. A bus from Tbilisi to Batumi? $10. Flights from Toronto to Tbilisi start at $850 round-trip-but that’s still cheaper than flying to Cancún or the Canary Islands.
The beaches aren’t sandy like the Caribbean. They’re pebbly. But the water is warm, clean, and uncrowded. Locals swim here year-round. You’ll see grandmas in swimsuits diving off rocks. That’s the vibe: real, relaxed, and ridiculously affordable.
Albania: Europe’s next beach hotspot (that’s still cheap)
Albania’s Albanian Riviera is starting to get noticed. But it’s not overrun yet. The islands off the coast-like Sazan and Ksamil’s nearby islets-are mostly uninhabited. You can rent a small boat for $20 and spend the day on a private beach with no one else around.
A simple stone guesthouse in Ksamil? $25 a night. A plate of grilled octopus with lemon? $4. A local taxi from Saranda to the beach? $5. Flights to Tirana from major U.S. cities are often under $700 round-trip in winter.
Albania uses the euro, so no currency exchange headaches. The food is fresh, the people are friendly, and the water is so clear you can see your toes at 10 feet deep. It’s not Fiji. But for $1,000 total, you can get a full week of beach, sun, and silence.
Why these islands work (and why others don’t)
Not all islands are created equal when it comes to cost. Here’s what makes the cheap ones different:
- No cruise ships → No inflated prices for food or tours.
- No all-inclusive resorts → You eat where locals eat, and that’s where the deals are.
- Local transportation → Buses, ferries, and motorbikes keep costs down.
- Off-season travel → December to March is cheapest. You’ll miss peak sun, but you’ll save 60%.
- No major international chains → No Starbucks, no Hilton, no Disney. That’s not a downside-it’s the whole point.
Islands like the Maldives, Seychelles, or French Polynesia? They’re stunning. But they’re built for high-end tourists. Their entire economy runs on luxury. That’s why you can’t find a $30 room there.
The islands listed above? They’re still building their tourism industry. They need visitors. So they keep prices low to attract you.
What to pack (and what to skip)
You don’t need much. Here’s the real list:
- Quick-dry towel (lightweight, packs small)
- Reusable water bottle (many places have filtered water stations)
- Basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, painkillers)
- Light rain jacket (for sudden tropical showers)
- Flip-flops and one pair of sandals
- Power bank (some places have spotty electricity)
Leave behind: fancy sunscreen (local brands work fine), multiple swimsuits, designer sunglasses, and anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. You’re not going to a photo shoot. You’re going to breathe.
How to book without getting scammed
Don’t use big booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com for these places. They often list overpriced or fake listings. Instead:
- Search Facebook groups like "Budget Travelers in the Philippines" or "Albania Beach Rentals"
- Look for posts from locals with real photos of rooms and prices
- Message directly. Pay via PayPal or bank transfer (avoid cash on arrival)
- Ask for a video tour if you’re unsure
- Book 3-6 weeks ahead for the best deals
Many owners don’t even have websites. They post on WhatsApp or Telegram. That’s how you know it’s real.
Final tip: Go where no one else is going
The cheapest islands aren’t the ones with the most Instagram posts. They’re the ones that don’t even have a hashtag.
Want to save money? Go somewhere the travel influencers haven’t found yet. Somewhere the tour buses don’t reach. Somewhere the price tag hasn’t been marked up by demand.
That’s how you get a real beach vacation-for less than the cost of a weekend in Toronto.
What is the cheapest island to visit in 2025?
The cheapest island to visit in 2025 is likely one of the lesser-known spots in the Philippines (like Coron), Indonesia (Lombok), or Albania (Ksamil islands). These places offer basic accommodations under $25 a night, meals for under $5, and local transport for pennies. They’re not luxury destinations-they’re real, working communities that welcome budget travelers.
Is it safe to travel to these budget islands?
Yes, absolutely. Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Georgia, and Albania are safe for solo travelers, couples, and families. Petty theft is rare in these quiet beach areas. Most locals are used to tourists, even if they’re low-budget. Just avoid flashing expensive gear, stick to well-traveled paths, and use common sense. No different than any small town anywhere in the world.
Can I get by without speaking the local language?
You can. English is widely spoken in tourist areas of the Philippines, Albania, and Georgia. In Indonesia, you’ll find more English speakers in Lombok’s beach towns than in Bali’s tourist zones. Basic phrases like "thank you" and "how much?" go a long way. Most people you’ll deal with-boat drivers, homestay owners, street vendors-have learned enough English to help travelers. Translation apps work fine for menus or signs.
Are there ATMs on these islands?
Some, but not always. Larger towns like Coron or Ksamil have ATMs. Smaller villages and remote beaches do not. Bring enough cash for your stay. U.S. dollars or euros are accepted in many places, especially in Albania and Georgia. In Indonesia and the Philippines, local currency is best. Withdraw cash before heading to remote areas-don’t rely on finding an ATM when you need it.
When is the best time to visit for the lowest prices?
The best time is during the low season: December to March for tropical islands like the Philippines and Indonesia. For Georgia and Albania, it’s November to April. You’ll get the lowest rates, fewer crowds, and better deals on flights. The weather might be a little cooler or rainy, but you’ll still get plenty of sun-and you’ll save up to 70% compared to summer prices.