Holiday budget for Reunion Island: how much to plan?

Holiday budget for Reunion Island: how much to plan?

How much does a holiday in Reunion Island cost? Here is a category-by-category estimate to plan your budget, with tips to spend smart.

The flight

Often the biggest item from mainland France or Europe. Prices vary greatly by season: book several months ahead and watch for low-season deals.

Accommodation

Holiday rentals offer the best value, especially for families or groups: an equipped kitchen to limit restaurant meals, and more space than a hotel. Booking directly with a local concierge avoids platform fees.

The car

Almost essential. Budget for rental + fuel per week. Book early in high season.

Meals

Great flexibility: from very affordable food trucks and snacks to Creole tables, plus home cooking in your rental. The Saint-Paul market is ideal for fresh produce.

Activities

Many pleasures are free (beaches, lagoons, hikes, viewpoints). Budget for boat trips (whales/dolphins), paragliding or guided excursions.

Our tips to control the budget

  • Travel outside school holidays.
  • Choose a home with a kitchen.
  • Alternate restaurants and home meals.
  • Enjoy the free activities (the West is full of them).

Looking for great value? Discover our studios & apartments selection.

What drives the budget

Three items dominate: the flight, the accommodation and the rental car. The last two depend directly on the season and how far ahead you book. The austral winter and local school holidays concentrate demand, and therefore the highest rates.

Location matters too: for a comparable property, one within walking distance of the lagoon sits higher than a place up in the hills.

The costs people underestimate

A car is rarely optional: outside Saint-Gilles it determines access to the sites. Fuel and mountain driving add to the cost of the rental itself.

Guided activities — boat trips, paragliding, excursions — often add up over a week. The natural sites themselves are mostly free.

Where you can save

Cooking some of your meals noticeably changes the budget of a week-long stay, especially as the local markets are well stocked. A property with a proper kitchen is a real lever here.

Travelling in the shoulder season, booking early and keeping a single base rather than several stays are the three most effective trade-offs.

Want to stay in the West of Reunion Island?

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