How much the Camino costs
A real budget per day, per profile and per route. No inflated figures, no impossible promises.
What kind of pilgrim are you?
The cost varies enormously depending on where you sleep and how you eat. These are the three real profiles.
Backpacker
Municipal hostels, pilgrim menu and supermarket breakfast. The classic experience.
Balanced
Private hostels or the odd guesthouse night, meals out and the occasional treat.
Comfort
A private room every night, restaurants and backpack transfer between stages.
Where the money goes each day
Approximate 2026 prices on the Spanish routes. On the Portuguese stretch they're somewhat lower.
| Item | Backpacker | Balanced | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛏️ Accommodation | 8–12 € | 15–25 € | 50–80 € |
| 🥐 Breakfast | 2–3 € | 4–6 € | 8–12 € |
| 🥪 Lunch / snacks | 4–6 € | 8–12 € | 15–20 € |
| 🍽️ Dinner (pilgrim menu) | 10–12 € | 12–15 € | 20–30 € |
| 💧 Water and extras | 1–2 € | 3–5 € | 5–8 € |
| 🧺 Laundry | 1–2 € | 2–3 € | 3–5 € |
| DAILY TOTAL | €26–37 | €44–66 | €101–155 |
Excludes travel to and from the route, initial gear and unforeseen costs (pharmacy, backpack transfer, taxis).
What each full route costs
Approximate budget on the backpacker profile (€30/day), not counting travel to the starting point.
| Route (stages) | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Camino Francés (33) | ~990 € | ~2.000 € |
| Camino Francés · Sarria (5) | ~150 € | ~300 € |
| Camino Portugués · Porto (11) | ~330 € | ~660 € |
| Camino Inglés · Ferrol (6) | ~180 € | ~360 € |
| Camino Primitivo (14) | ~420 € | ~840 € |
| Camino del Norte (33) | ~1.100 € | ~2.300 € |
| Vía de la Plata (39) | ~1.170 € | ~2.400 € |
The Norte works out slightly pricier due to coastal high-season rates. The Vía de la Plata, with few hostels, forces guesthouses more often.
Tricks that actually work
Cook at the hostel
Many hostels have a kitchen. Cooking together works out at €4-5 a head instead of €12.
Favour municipal hostels
They're half the price of private ones and can't be booked: just arrive early.
Do supermarket breakfasts
Fruit, bread and flask coffee for €2 against €5-6 at the café.
Avoid July and August
Outside peak season there are more free beds and guesthouse prices drop noticeably.
Refill at the fountains
Two bottles a day for a month is €60 thrown away. There are drinking fountains all along the Camino.
Where to look for accommodation
Booking ahead in high season usually works out cheaper than improvising as you go.
🛏️ Hostels and albergues
The most affordable option, with a pilgrim atmosphere.
🏨 Guesthouses and hotels
For the nights when you really need to rest.
🛡️ Travel insurance
Covers medical surprises: far cheaper than badly treated tendinitis.
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Everything about the Camino budget
How much does the Camino de Santiago cost per day?
How much does the full Camino Francés cost?
How much does the Camino from Sarria cost?
How much does a hostel bed cost?
How much is the pilgrim menu?
Does the pilgrim credential cost money?
Can the Camino be done on very little money?
How much does sending the backpack between stages cost?
Which is the cheapest route?
Related guides
You know what it costs. When do you set off?
Choose your route, pack your bag, and when you reach Santiago, come celebrate with us at Bonsai Café.