Planning a week in Goa doesn’t have to mean blowing your entire savings. You can have sun, sand, seafood, and serenity without spending a fortune-if you know where to look. In 2026, the cost of a week in Goa still leans heavily on your choices: where you sleep, what you eat, and how much you move around. This isn’t about luxury resorts or yacht parties. This is about real numbers from real travelers who stayed in guesthouses, ate at local shacks, and caught buses instead of taxis.
Low-Budget Week in Goa: Under ₹10,000 ($120)
If you’re backpacking hard, you can get by on ₹10,000 ($120) for seven days. That’s about ₹1,400 ($17) a day. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Accommodation: Dorm beds or basic rooms in North Goa (Anjuna, Vagator) or South Goa (Palolem, Patnem) cost ₹300-₹600 per night. That’s ₹2,100-₹4,200 for the week.
- Food: Local warungs and beach shacks serve thalis (rice, dal, curry, roti) for ₹100-₹150. Add a beer or coconut water, and you’re at ₹250-₹300 per day. Total: ₹1,750-₹2,100.
- Transport: Rent a scooter for ₹300-₹400/day (₹2,100-₹2,800 for the week). Or use local buses (₹20-₹50 per ride) and save even more.
- Activities: Beaches are free. Snorkeling at Grande Island? ₹500-₹800 with a group tour. Sunset yoga? Often free or ₹200. Total: ₹500-₹1,000.
This lifestyle means no AC, no room service, no Uber. But you’ll still get the real Goa: barefoot dinners on the sand, conversations with local fishermen, and the smell of cashew feni in the air.
Mid-Range Week in Goa: ₹15,000-₹25,000 ($180-$300)
This is where most travelers land. You want comfort without luxury. You’ll sleep in a private room with a fan or AC, eat at decent restaurants, and rent a scooter or hire a driver for day trips.
- Accommodation: Clean, private rooms with Wi-Fi and a balcony in Calangute or Morjim cost ₹1,200-₹2,000/night. Total: ₹8,400-₹14,000.
- Food: Breakfast at a café (₹150), lunch at a seafood shack (₹300), dinner at a sit-down restaurant (₹400-₹600). That’s ₹850-₹1,150/day. Total: ₹6,000-₹8,000.
- Transport: Scooter rental at ₹400/day (₹2,800) or a private driver for a full-day tour (₹1,500-₹2,000). Stick to scooters to save.
- Activities: Island boat trip (₹1,000), spice plantation tour (₹800), yoga class (₹300), and a few drinks at a beach bar. Total: ₹2,500-₹3,500.
You’ll still eat like a local, but you’ll have a proper bed, cold water, and a place to charge your phone. This budget lets you relax without stress.
Luxury Week in Goa: ₹40,000+
If you’re staying at a five-star beachfront resort like The Leela or Taj Exotica, you’re looking at ₹6,000-₹12,000 per night just for the room. Add private transfers, fine dining, spa treatments, and curated excursions, and you’ll easily hit ₹40,000-₹80,000 for the week.
This isn’t about saving money. It’s about comfort, privacy, and service. You’ll get poolside butlers, gourmet seafood platters, and curated sunset cruises. But you’ll miss the backstreets, the street-side vada pav, and the local kids playing football on the sand.
What Costs More Than You Think
Many travelers assume Goa is cheap because it’s India. But prices have shifted. Here’s what sneaks up on you:
- Beach shacks in tourist zones: A simple plate of prawn curry in Anjuna now costs ₹600-₹800. Same dish in a village? ₹250.
- Water and drinks: Bottled water is ₹20-₹30. A beer at a beach bar? ₹300-₹500. A cocktail? ₹600+. That adds up fast.
- Seasonal spikes: December to February is peak season. Prices jump 40-60%. Book accommodation early.
- ATM fees: Many small towns have limited ATMs. Withdraw ₹10,000-₹15,000 at once to avoid multiple fees.
Also, don’t assume all beaches are free. Some private resorts charge ₹500-₹1,000 for non-guests to use their loungers and umbrellas. Stick to public beaches like Colva, Baga, or Agonda to avoid this.
How to Save Money in Goa
You don’t need to be a backpacker to cut costs. Here are simple tricks:
- Eat where the locals eat: Walk 10 minutes from the main beach strip. You’ll find family-run shacks with fresh fish, coconut rice, and no tourist markup.
- Travel mid-week: Friday and Saturday nights are busiest. Book flights and hotels on Tuesday or Wednesday for better rates.
- Use local transport: Goa has a reliable bus network. The Kadamba Transport Corporation runs buses between major towns for under ₹50. It’s slow, but it’s real.
- Buy alcohol at duty-free: If you’re flying into Goa, buy liquor at the airport duty-free shop. A bottle of vodka costs ₹800-₹1,000 there. In Goa, it’s ₹1,500-₹2,500.
- Barter politely: For scooter rentals, street massages, or souvenirs, ask for a discount. Start at 20% off. Most vendors will meet you halfway.
What You Shouldn’t Skip
Even on a tight budget, don’t cut these:
- A sunset at Chapora Fort: Free. Just hike up. The view of Vagator Beach is worth the climb.
- A fish market visit: Head to Mapusa or Porvorim early morning. Watch the catch come in. Buy fresh prawns for ₹300/kg and have them cooked at a nearby shack.
- A day trip to Old Goa: The churches, the abandoned convents, the quiet alleys-it’s history without the crowds. Bus ride: ₹40.
- Try feni: Goan cashew liquor. One shot at a local bar costs ₹100. It’s the taste of Goa.
Final Budget Summary (2026)
Here’s a clear snapshot:
| Category | Low Budget (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Luxury (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 2,100-4,200 | 8,400-14,000 | 42,000+ |
| Food | 1,750-2,100 | 6,000-8,000 | 10,000+ |
| Transport | 2,100-2,800 | 2,800-4,000 | 5,000+ |
| Activities | 500-1,000 | 2,500-3,500 | 5,000+ |
| Total | ₹10,000-12,000 | ₹20,000-30,000 | ₹60,000+ |
Most travelers find ₹20,000-₹25,000 gives the best balance. Enough comfort. Enough freedom. Enough Goa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goa safe for solo travelers on a budget?
Yes, Goa is one of the safest places in India for solo travelers, especially in tourist zones. Stick to well-lit areas at night, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and always lock your scooter. Theft is rare, but petty pickpocketing happens in crowded markets. Trust your gut.
Can I use credit cards in Goa?
Big hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept cards. But small shacks, street vendors, and local buses only take cash. Carry at least ₹10,000 in cash. ATMs are common in Panjim, Calangute, and Margao, but run out in smaller villages. Withdraw in advance.
What’s the best time to visit Goa for cheap prices?
The cheapest time is late May to mid-October-the monsoon season. Prices drop 50-70%. You’ll get empty beaches, lush greenery, and cool air. Rain comes in bursts, not all day. Pack a raincoat. Some beach shacks close, but the real Goa is still there.
Do I need a visa to visit Goa?
If you’re not an Indian citizen, you need an Indian visa. Most travelers get an e-Visa online before departure. It takes 3-5 days and costs around $80. Apply at least two weeks ahead. Check the official Indian e-Visa portal for your country’s requirements.
Is it better to stay in North or South Goa?
North Goa is louder, livelier, and cheaper for budget travelers. Think parties, flea markets, and beach shacks. South Goa is quieter, with long empty beaches and higher-end guesthouses. If you want peace, go south. If you want energy and deals, go north. Both have budget options.
Next Steps
Start by booking your flight. Look for deals to Dabolim Airport (GOI). Then pick a base: Anjuna for vibes, Palolem for calm, or Panjim for culture. Book accommodation with free cancellation-you might change your mind. Pack light: sunscreen, a hat, flip-flops, and a reusable water bottle. Bring a power bank. Goa’s electricity can be spotty.
Don’t over-plan. Some of the best moments happen when you wander off the map. Follow the smell of grilled fish. Talk to the guy selling coconuts. Let the tide decide your next stop.