11 Cheap Islands to Travel To That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious

Dreaming of an island getaway… but your budget says “no island for you!” These cheap islands to travel to prove you can have the beaches, the blue water, and the laid-back tropical vibes without spending a fortune. From budget-friendly island destinations to affordable vacation ideas that still feel dreamy, this list is full of cheap travel inspiration for your next getaway. If you’ve been craving a tropical vacation on a budget, these inexpensive islands might be your sign to finally book the trip.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Best Cheap Islands to Travel To On a Budget

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya…

I would love to go to Jamaica, and it happens to be #7 on the list below of the best islands to travel to if you’re on a budget…but not all the tropical islands in that Beach Boys song are.

Read on for 11 of the cheap islands to travel to when you’re craving beach time badly, but don’t want to spend a fortune.

1. Bali, Indonesia

There is a reason why hippies and yoga instructors move here – yes, partly because it’s gorgeous, but it also is an affordable island.

Bali is one of the best “luxury for less” destinations. You can stay in a private room or guesthouse, eat local meals, and explore waterfalls and beaches for very little.

💸 Estimated cost: about $35–$60/day for budget travel
✨ Why it’s cheap: food and transport are incredibly affordable, especially if you eat local
💡 Savings vs typical vacation: easily $100–$200/day cheaper than many North American trips

2. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket feels like a classic tropical getaway, but it can be done on a budget if you skip luxury resorts. Street food, markets, and free beaches help keep costs down.

(I just learned how to correctly pronounce this last night, and let me tell you, it’s not how I thought.)

💸 Estimated cost: about $57/day budget or $136 average
✨ Why it’s cheap: you can mix cheap eats with free activities like beaches and viewpoints
💡 Savings: potentially $1,000+ per week compared to resort-style trips

3. Dominican Republic

One of the most affordable Caribbean islands if you avoid all-inclusive resorts. Local food spots and public beaches make a huge difference.

💸 Estimated cost: around $40–$65/day budget
✨ Why it’s cheap: local transport and meals are very low-cost
💡 Savings: often 50% cheaper than other Caribbean islands

4. Puerto Rico

A great option for a Caribbean vibe without international travel complications (for U.S. travelers). You can keep costs down by focusing on free nature spots.

💸 Estimated cost: roughly $80–$150/day budget-style (DIY travel)
✨ Why it’s cheaper: no passport costs + lots of free beaches, hikes, waterfalls
💡 Savings: flights and logistics alone can save $100–$300+

5. Cheap Island to Travel to in the Mediterranean: Crete, Greece

Crete gives you the Greece experience, without the Santorini prices. It’s beaches, history, and amazing food at more reasonable costs.

💸 Estimated cost: about $70–$120/day if you plan carefully
✨ Why it’s cheaper: bigger island = more budget accommodations and local food
💡 Savings: often 30–50% cheaper than popular Greek hotspots (huge savings!)

6. Cozumel, Mexico

Clear water, snorkeling, and a relaxed vibe…but typically cheaper than other tropical destinations.

💸 Estimated cost: around $60–$120/day
✨ Why it’s cheap: affordable food and short travel distance from North America
💡 Savings: lower flights can save $200–$500 alone

7. Jamaica

Jamaica doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need to skip the resorts and go local. When I visited Cuba many years ago, I traveled super cheap this way. Plus I got to have a much more authentic experience, as we mainly met locals, not other tourists!

💸 Estimated cost: about $70–$140/day budget travel
✨ Why it’s cheaper: guesthouses and local food are much more affordable
💡 Savings: can cut costs in half compared to resort stays

8. Sardinia, Italy

It looks like the Maldives… but you don’t have to spend like it. If you go outside peak season, prices drop a lot.

The cheapest time to visit Sardinia is during the off-season from November to March, when prices for flights and accommodations are at their lowest, though the weather is cooler and some places may be closed.

If you still want good weather with fewer crowds and lower costs, the best time to go is during the shoulder seasons: April to early June or late September to October.

Summer (especially July and August) is the most expensive time, with higher prices and heavy crowds, so it’s best to avoid it at that time if you want a cheaper island to travel to.

💸 Estimated cost: about $80–$150/day
✨ Why it’s cheaper: off-season deals + local markets instead of restaurants
💡 Savings: visiting off-season can save $500–$1,000+ on a trip

9. Hvar, Croatia

Known for luxury vibes, but there is a cheaper way to do it…

By avoiding a certain time of year, you can have massive savings on this beautiful island to travel to.

💸 Estimated cost: around $70–$130/day
✨ Why it’s cheaper: affordable apartments and local bakeries/food spots
💡 Savings: avoiding peak summer can cut costs by 30–40%

10. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

A quieter, cheaper alternative to Cancun with the same beautiful water.

💸 Estimated cost: about $50–$100/day
✨ Why it’s cheap: small island = fewer expensive tourist traps
💡 Savings: often hundreds less than staying in Cancun resorts

11. Azores, Portugal

A hidden gem that feels like a mix of Hawaii and Europe, but way more affordable.

💸 Estimated cost: about $60–$120/day
✨ Why it’s cheaper: less touristy = lower prices overall
💡 Savings: often much cheaper flights + accommodations than mainland Europe hotspots

How Much Money Can You Save on These Cheap Islands To Travel To

A typical “expensive” island vacation can easily cost $200–$400 per day…eek!

With these cheaper island destinations to travel to…
You’re often looking at $40–$120 per day.

That’s a potential savings of:

$80–$300 per day
$600–$2,000+ per trip

Pretty awesome for a gorgeous tropical vacay! Have you visited any of these cheap islands to travel to? How did you save money?

You might also want to read: 10 Summer Vacation Outfits That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Travel Pics