When people ask me , “Camille, how much does the Camino de Santiago cost?” , I know the question often hides much more than a simple figure. They’re trying to figure out if they can undertake it, if it’s realistic on a tight budget, or if this pilgrimage is reserved for those with several hundred euros to spare. And since I’ve personally walked several sections in France and Spain, sometimes alone, sometimes with others, I can tell you frankly: yes, you can do the Camino without robbing a bank, but it depends also on your needs : comfort, proper meals and so on. It’s not free either of course.
In this paper, I’m going to be completely straightforward about the cost of the Camino de Santiago , sharing my own experiences. I started with the Arles route, less crowded but a bit more expensive in terms of accommodation. Then a few years later I went on the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo . Finally, in 2023, I set off on the Via Podiensis . Each time, I kept a little record of my expenses, noted the best deals (and the pitfalls), and compared what it did cost me depending on the country, the season, and my travel needs at the time.
You’ll see that the budget for the Camino de Santiago depends mainly on your choices: staying in hostels or camping, eating in restaurants or picnicking, walking for 10 days or 5 weeks… It’s a very flexible trip. But to give you a clearer picture, I’ve summarized everything here, item by item, with realistic price ranges, examples, and my advice on how to adapt to your own profile.
Okay, let’s go ! I’ll give you all the details just below.
Sommaire
My experience on the Camino de Santiago and what it did cost me
I haven’t walked the Camino de Santiago just once. I went several times, with different needs, budgets, and ways of traveling. The very first time was with my mother, on the Arles route . A slightly wilder, less frequented itinerary, but also a bit more complex in terms of accommodation—and therefore a bit more expensive. A few years later, I took the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo in Spain. Two magnificient routes, where I experienced a different feeling, and also, a very different budget. There, municipal hostels are plentiful, prices are generally lower, and you can easily organize yourself day by day without robbing any bank.
In 2023, I set off again on my own, this time on the Via Podiensis (the Puy-en-Velay route). A legendary route in France, very well-marked, but also very popular, with accommodations that can quickly inflate the bill depending on the location. Between these different experiences, I have learned to identify the necessary expenses, avoid certain pitfalls, and manage my budget without sacrificing too much comfort.
In short, I’m not going to sell you a universal truth, because every journey is unique. But in this paper, I’m going to help you get a clear idea of the budget to plan for the Camino de Santiago, whether you’re going for a week or two months, whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago in France or Spain, with minimal or average comfort.
What budget do you need to walk the Camino de Santiago? Three profiles, three outcomes
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after several sections of the Camino de Santiago, and that is certainly true for other routes as well, it is that the budget can vary considerably depending on your travel style. And there’s no right or wrong way to do the Camino: everyone adapts it according to their needs, their health, their schedule… and their budget.
To give you a better idea, here are three typical profiles and the average budgets I’ve observed — with a few anecdotes.
roots ” profile : minimalist and resourceful
I met a couple in their thirties who were walking the Camino on a budget of €5 per day maximum for two people . Yes, €5. They slept exclusively in donation-based hostels or in bivouacs, cooked with a small camping stove, and bought their groceries daily. They avoided cafes, managed their supplies carefully, and moved forward at a leisurely pace. A true example of frugality… and a lesson in letting go!
👉 Estimated budget: between €150 and €250 per month , depending on the weather, the route chosen and unforeseen circumstances.
The “organized comfort” profile: all-inclusive and zero stress
On the other hand, I met people who had booked an all-inclusive trip through specialized agencies. Luggage transfer, nights booked in hotels or guesthouses, half-board every evening, assistance in case of any problems… Obviously, it comes at a price, and it’s a different experience. But for some, it’s what made their journey possible and enjoyable, especially for those with more fragile health or limited time dedicated to planning.
👉 Estimated budget: €80 to €120 per day, so certainly over €2500 for 3 to 4 weeks .
The “in-between” profile: reasonable comfort and freedom
This is the profile with which I identify the most. I sleep in hostels or guesthouses, sometimes with half-board when it’s convenient, otherwise I buy my own food and have picnics. I manage my own backpack, book some accommodations in advance when things get tight, but I maintain flexibility. And above all, I treat myself from time to time: a nice restaurant, an ice cream, a museum, a break in a single room… because that’s what the Camino is all about.
👉 Estimated budget: €25 to €40 per day in France, a little less in Spain.
Budget for the Camino de Santiago in France vs. in Spain: the real differences
I’ve walked in both France and Spain: the Arles route (Via Tolosana ) and the Via Podiensis on the French side, then the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo on the Spanish side. And believe me, the difference in budget between the two countries is very real. Not that one is “expensive” and the other “cheap,” but let’s just say that the infrastructure, the customs, and even the mindset regarding the reception of pilgrims are not the same.
Accommodation: prices that can change everything
👉 In France, pilgrim accommodations are often privately run: bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, or small hotels. A night’s stay generally costs between €17 and €35, with an average of around €25. Some establishments offer half-board, which can easily bring the price up to €35–€45 per night, meals included. On some very rural or less touristic sections (such as between Lodève and Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare on the Arles route), options are sometimes limited, so prices rise quickly. And in the off-season, accommodation may be closed, forcing pilgrims to walk further or book a more expensive room.
👉 In Spain, it’s a different world. Municipal or parish hostels (often simple but functional) offer beds for €6 to €10 a night. You’ll also find private hostels for around €12–€15, sometimes with more comfort. And then there are the famous donativos, pay-what-you-want accommodations where you leave what you can or want. Clearly, after a month of walking, the savings are significant: during my 30 days on the Camino del Norte, I rarely spent more than €15 per night.
Meals: eat well, but not at the same price
In France, a pilgrim’s meal in a hostel generally costs between €12 and €18. If you add breakfast at around €5, you quickly exceed €20–€25 per day just for food. Some places allow you to cook on-site, but you need to plan ahead (shopping, access to a kitchen, etc.). And on the Via Podiensis , “pilgrim packages” are a bit more common, but not always cheap.
In Spain, pilgrim menus are practically an institution: for €10 to €12, you get a starter, a main course, a dessert, bread, and often… wine. Yes, wine! Breakfast is often simple (coffee and toast), but enough to keep you going until lunchtime. And shops are generally cheaper too, which means you can eat on a budget.
Transportation: not to be underestimated in the overall budget
One last point that’s often overlooked: the round trip to and from your starting point. In France, if you’re traveling from home, it can be very economical. But as soon as you have to travel to Arles or Le Puy from another region, prices quickly rise (especially by train if you book at the last minute). The same applies to returning from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Toulouse.
➡️ In summary:
- 🏡 Accommodation: France €20–35 / Spain €6–15
- 🍽️ Meals: France €15–25 / Spain €10–15
- ✈️ Transport: varies depending on your starting point, but is often cheaper in Spain
- 💰 Average daily budget:
- France: €35 to €55
- Spain: €20 to €30
The price of the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Spain remains, without a doubt, the most affordable destination for walking the Camino de Santiago. It is there that you will find the famous albergues : accommodations dedicated to pilgrims, often simple, sometimes rudimentary, but almost always welcoming.
There are three main types:
- Municipal hostels , run by local authorities. They are generally very basic and cost between €6 and €10 per night . You sleep in a dormitory with shared bathrooms and meals are not included. Comfort varies, sometimes being very rudimentary, but you cannot beat the price.
- Private hostels are a bit more expensive ( €12 to €18 per night ), but often better equipped (bed linen, shared kitchen, washing machine, etc.). Half-board isn’t always included, but the setting is sometimes more pleasant, and there are fewer beds per room.
- Donativos, these pay-what-you-want accommodations run by associations, former pilgrims, or enthusiasts, are a whole different world. The atmosphere is unique, very human, and you’re often welcomed with a shared evening meal, or even breakfast. Generally, you leave a contribution (often around €5–10), but the quality of the experience far outweighs what you “pay.”
🟡 One small drawback: note that the comfort isn’t always guaranteed. In the large municipal hostels, you can have 30 people in the same dormitory, without curtains, with worn-out mattresses and little privacy. No blankets, sometimes not even a fully equipped kitchen. And since half-board isn’t included, you must manage everything yourself: shopping, cooking or eating out, packed lunches…
🟢 But on the contrary, some donativos have offered me incredible experiences. Personally, it’s often the donativos that have left the biggest impression on me… and cost me the most , because the welcome was amazing, the meals delicious, the shared moments unforgettable, and I didn’t want to “leave €5 just for the sake of it.” I sometimes gave €30–35 very willingly, because the service, the atmosphere, and the warmth of the people were well worth a night in a very good hotel. I’m especially thinking about a donativo on the Primitivo , lost in the mountains, where we all cooked together with produce from the garden and after sharing a delicious meal spent an evening by the fire playing guitar and singing. One of my most beautiful memories.
The food budget: to be managed separately
Regarding food, it’s important to know that Spanish hostels almost never offer half-board. You’re taking care of your own meals. Fortunately, most hostels have a small kitchen. You can therefore do some grocery shopping and cook for yourself (or with others), which significantly reduces the cost.
Set menus in restaurants generally cost between €10 and €12, including a starter, main course, dessert, and wine. But if you shop at the supermarket and cook, you can easily manage on €5–€6 per day for meals.
In summary, for a typical day in Spain:
- Accommodation: €10 on average (or even free if donativo or bivouac)
- Food: €6–10 depending on whether you cook or eat out
- Extras (coffee, beer, ice cream, pharmacy): €2–5
That’s an average budget of between €15 and €25 per day, even with a comfortable routine. That’s my feedback on the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo, throughout several weeks. And frankly, given everything this experience brings you, it’s certainly not overpriced.
The cost of the Camino de Santiago in France: a focus on the Via Podiensis
When discussing the cost of the Camino de Santiago in France, it’s important to point out that it depends on the chosen route, especially when it comes to accommodation. Here I’m going to focus on the Via Podiensis , also known as the Le Puy-en-Velay route. Why this one? Simply because it’s the most popular route, the best marked, and the one I walked in 2023, after having experienced the Arles route. The latter is more rugged, with fewer accommodation options, so expensive. The Via Podiensis , on the other hand, allows for a better estimate for a “typical” budget in France.
What struck me most about this route was the type of accommodation you find: almost exclusively private hostels or pilgrim hostels run by individuals. It’s a far cry from the €8 Spanish albergues in large communal rooms. Here, you often sleep in small places, sometimes in a room with three or four beds, sometimes in a larger dormitory, but overall, it’s quieter, more comfortable, and more structured. And this comfort comes at a price.
Most hostels offer a half-board option (night + dinner + breakfast), which is often highly recommended, or even mandatory when there are no other dining options in the area. And frankly, it’s often very good and very generous: home-cooked meals, a friendly atmosphere, sometimes around a large communal table. But that means you’ll spend on average between €30 and €45 per night, meals included. You can also find accommodation for just the night for around €20–€25, but that won’t include meals, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Unlike in Spain, there are very few donatios on the Via Podiensis . Another difference: meals aren’t always included in the base price. If you don’t opt for half-board, you need to budget for food. And here again, France and Spain are not on the same price level. A daily special in a small restaurant can easily cost €15, a takeaway sandwich €6 or €7. You can shop for groceries, of course, but being self-sufficient is more difficult than in Spain, especially in the more rural sections.
Overall, I spent around €40 per day on the Via Podiensis, all included. It’s not outrageous compared to a typical holiday, but it’s still more expensive than in Spain, where I often spent half as much.
➡️ In short: on the Via Podiensis, you pay for more comfort, better quality meals, and often a very welcoming atmosphere. But this requires planning for a slightly higher budget. If you want to know more about how I managed my pack and equipment on this route, you can read my dedicated article here.
How much does food cost on the Camino de Santiago?
When budgeting for the Camino de Santiago, accommodation is often the first thing that comes to mind… but don’t underestimate the food budget ! Especially when you’re walking 20 to 30 km a day and your body is constantly demanding calories. And here again, there’s a real gap between France and Spain, both in terms of prices and customs.
In France: half-board or organized resourcefulness ?
On the Via Podiensis , most accommodations offer half-board . And honestly, it makes perfect sense, because many hostels are isolated, far from any shops. When you arrive tired and hungry, you’re really glad to put down your pack and sit down at a table.
Expect to pay between €30 and €45 per night, meals included, often homemade, eaten collectively with other pilgrims. It’s a warm, hearty experience, and it’s part of the whole adventure.
When meals are not included, you have to find an alternative. A pizza or a daily special in a small restaurant: around €12 to €18. A takeaway sandwich? About €6, without a drink. And what if you cook for yourself? Of course, that depends on whether the hostel has a kitchen available for guests to use, which isn’t always the case.
➡️ My personal advice: budget €10–15 per day for food if you’re not choosing half-board. And remember to bring some snacks with you for the day (bars, dried fruit, bananas, etc.), as bakeries and shops aren’t always to be found along the route.
🥖 In Spain: more freedom, less expense
On the Camino del Norte or the Camino Primitivo, I rarely opted for half-board. Most hostels (public or private) don’t offer it anyway. They offer you a bed and a shower, and that’s it. The result: you have more freedom, but are in charge of your own arrangements.
You can shop very easily: you cross supermarkets almost every day, even in small villages. For around ten euros, you can get enough food to last the whole day. Bread, cheese, fruit, biscuits… Enough to prepare your breakfast, a picnic, and a light dinner. And above all, prices are much lower than in France.
A beer on a terrace? €1.50. A set menu with starter, main course, and dessert? €10 on average. It’s honestly hard to find anything cheaper for a walking trip.
➡️ Personal anecdote: on the Primitivo, I spent several evenings cooking with other pilgrims in the albergues. Everyone brought an ingredient, and we shared it. It was simple, delicious, inexpensive, and it created some truly special moments.
On the contrary, in France, I sometimes had to settle for an overpriced meal or a mediocre restaurant, simply because there was nothing else available.
Hidden costs that are often forgotten on the Camino de Santiago
When calculating your budget for the Camino de Santiago, you naturally think about the main expenses: accommodation, meals, and transportation. But there are a whole host of smaller costs that, added together, can significantly increase the bill if you don’t plan for them. Nothing incredible, but best to keep them in mind.
📜 The credential
The pilgrim’s credential is mandatory for accessing certain accommodations and having your journey stamped. It can be obtained from pilgrim associations, some cathedrals, or directly from tourist offices at the starting point of the route. It generally costs between €2 and €5. Not much, but here is the beginning of small expenses !
🧺 Laundry detergents
When you’re away for several weeks, washing your clothes quickly becomes a little (and essential!) ritual. Depending on your accommodation, you’ll have:
- access to a washing machine (often €3 to €5 per load),
- or a basin and a clothesline (free, but not always offered).
In Spanish hostels, people often share the washing machine between three or four of them to reduce costs. In France, I usually did my washing by hand, not all guesthouses having washing machines.
💊 The pharmacy
Blisters, tendonitis, stomach aches, sunburn… it’s hard to completely avoid them. Even with a well-stocked first-aid kit, you might need to buy more Nok cream, Compeed blister plasters, paracetamol, a support bandage, or simply soap. On the Via Podiensis alone, I had to stop at a pharmacy three or four times for minor things – and it quickly added up to €10–15 each time.
🛍 Equipment purchased en route
Even when you think you’ve prepared everything thoroughly, there’s always something forgotten or unsuitable: a pair of technical socks, a cap, a lost trekking pole, a broken shoelace… And if you’re hiking for several months, your gear will wear out. I bought a new pair of sandals in Galicia because my first pair gave out after 700 km. The same goes for my trekking poles, which I replaced after Aragon. Expect to pay between €20 and €100 depending on the item.
➡️ My advice: forecast a small “extras” budget of €50 to €100, depending on the length of your trip. You might not spend it all, but at least you won’t be caught off guard. And if you’re the type to stop at every little artisan shop you come across (hello olive oil soaps or embroidered patches!), remember to budget a little extra!
Luggage carrying: convenient but not free
This is something I’ve never personally used, because I prefer to keep my bag with me from beginning to end. But it’s worth noting that many pilgrims choose luggage transfer services, particularly in France on the Via Podiensis . It’s a well-established service, offered by various providers, who collect your bag each morning and deliver it to your next accommodation later that day.
This is especially useful if you suffer from back pain, want to travel lighter, or are traveling with items you can’t carry (musical instrument, laptop, etc.). However, you must budget it for the Camino de Santiago.
➡️ Generally, the price is around €7 to €10 per stage, depending on the providers and the distances. For a complete journey lasting several weeks, this can quickly add up to more than €200 on top of everything else.
It’s also worth noting that some accommodations refuse to handle bags for external porters or charge extra. And that the service is less developed in Spain, except on the most popular routes like the Camino Francés. 👉 If you’re considering using a porter, I strongly advise you to plan everything well in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprise. And above all, be careful not to become “dependent” on the bag… because that compels you to book your accommodation in advance and somewhat limits your freedom on the Camino.
💰 Summary table of the price of the Camino de Santiago
| Expenditure item | France (Via Podiensis ) | Spain (Camino del Norte / Inglés ) | Personal comments |
| Accommodation | €20–40 / night (often half-board) | 6–15 € / night (municipal albergues or donativos) | In France, accommodations are often more comfortable but also more expensive. |
| Meal | €10–20 / day (groceries + evening meal) | €5–10 / day (pilgrim’s meals or groceries) | In Spain, there are many small restaurants with affordable prices. |
| Credential | Approximately €2–5 | Approximately €1–3 | To be taken right from the start of the journey. |
| Transportation (Round Trip) | 50–150 € | €100–250 (if flying/train to Spain) | It varies greatly depending on the starting point. |
| Equipment purchased locally | €0–100 (socks, cream, etc.) | Idem | Rare, but something to consider if you’ve forgotten anything. |
| Laundry & Extras | €1–3 every 2–3 days | 1–2 € | To be shared among pilgrims to save money. |
| Luggage handling | €6–10 / step (if used) | €5–8 / stage (slightly more common) | I’ve never used it, but some people love it. |
| Estimated daily budget | €25–45 / day | €10–25 / day | My average budget: €30 in France, €15 in Spain. |
This table is, of course, only a guideline: everyone should adapt it according to their comfort need, pace, and preferences. The important thing is to know that it’s truly possible to complete the Camino de Santiago on a small budget without sacrificing the experience.