How much money do you need on a pilgrimage hike in Europe? These are the daily costs on the Camino de Santiago .
The daily cost on the Camino de Santiago are less than on an ordinary holiday, even less then a backpacking tour through Europe. Basically, the Spanish Caminos are cheap and the Caminos in France are more expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can make ends meet in Spain with 30 to 35 euros a day.
For a whole Camino Frances of more than 30 days, the costs add up to about 1000 euros, plus the flight. If you have 1500 euros, you should be fine. However, if you have to limit yourself more, you can do it with less. I once walked a Camino on 15 euros a day!
Cost breakdown:
Pilgrim hostel (albergue): 6 to 15 €. If you stay in a mix of private and public hostels you will average around €11-12 per night.
Single Room (hostel, cheap hotel): 25 to 50 €
Pilgrim menu (restaurant): 10 to 15 €. The pilgrim menu consists of 3 courses, including water and wine.
Breakfast (bar, café): 3 to 5 € (toast with jam, coffee and orange juice)
Coffee: 1.2 to 2 €
Beer/wine (bar): 1.5 to 2.5 €
Soft drink: 1.5 to 2 €
Sandwich (Bocadillo): 2.5 to 4 €
Money Saving Tips on the Camino de Santiago
Besides accommodation, your next biggest expense will be food and the “after-walk beer” in the bar. If you need to save money, you can buy groceries in the supermarket and eat out less. Many hostels have a basic kitchen you can use. Public and church hostels are cheaper than private ones. (See here my text on hostels that run on charity).
Daily Cost on the Camino de Santiago in France:
In France, the prices in supermarkets and bistros are comparable to Germany, i.e. a little more than in Spain. Many hostels offer half board with dinner and breakfast for around 35 to 40 euros. The bed is between 15 and 20 €. In France you should budget about 50 – 60 € per day.
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