Beach Price Index
Compare beach destination costs with the free Beach Price Index calculator. Enter sunscreen, water, beer, lunch, and fees to get a cost ranking out of 327 beaches.
About This Calculator
The Beach Price Index Calculator helps travellers compare the cost of a one-day beach experience across destinations worldwide. Originally developed by TravelBird, the index measures how expensive or affordable a beach is by analysing six everyday items: sunscreen, water, beer, ice cream, lunch, and facility fees. Whether you are planning a budget backpacking trip through Southeast Asia or a luxury getaway to the Maldives, this tool gives you a clear cost comparison to make informed decisions.
The calculator sums the prices you enter for all six categories to compute your total daily beach cost. It then calculates a Beach Price Index score from 0 (cheapest) to 100 (most expensive) by comparing your total against a reference range of $10 to $250 derived from the TravelBird dataset of 327 global beaches. You also receive a rank out of 327 and an affordability label ranging from Very Cheap to Very Expensive. A cost breakdown chart shows which items drive the most expense, helping you identify where to save money.
Regional Notes
India: Indian beach destinations like Goa, Kovalam, and Pondicherry tend to rank as Cheap to Moderate on the index. Sunscreen may cost ₹200-500, water ₹15-30, beer ₹100-250, ice cream ₹50-100, lunch ₹300-800, and facility fees ₹100-500. Currency conversions to USD are handled automatically based on your browser locale.
United States: US beach destinations like Miami, Santa Monica, and Myrtle Beach typically rank Moderate to Very Expensive. Sunscreen costs $8-15, water $2-4, beer $5-8, ice cream $4-7, lunch $15-30, and facility fees $20-50. Resort fees can significantly increase the total.
United Kingdom: UK beaches such as Brighton, Bournemouth, and Cornwall are typically Cheap to Moderate. Sunscreen costs £5-10, water £1-2, beer £4-6, ice cream £3-5, lunch £10-20, and facility fees are often minimal or free as many UK beaches have no entrance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beach Price Index?
The Beach Price Index is a comparative cost ranking of beach destinations worldwide, originally published by TravelBird. It measures the total cost of a one-day beach stay including sunscreen (200ml SPF 30), water (500ml), domestic beer, pre-packaged ice cream, lunch with drink and dessert, and facility fees such as entrance, sun lounger, and umbrella rental.
How is the Beach Price Index calculated?
The calculator sums up six costs: sunscreen, water, beer, ice cream, lunch, and facility fee. The total daily cost is then mapped to an index score from 0 (cheapest) to 100 (most expensive) based on a reference range of $10 to $250. It also provides a rank out of 327 beaches and an affordability label ranging from Very Cheap to Very Expensive.
What items are included in the Beach Price Index?
The index includes six cost categories: a 200ml SPF 30 sunscreen bottle, a 500ml bottle of water, a domestic beer, a pre-packaged branded ice cream, a complete lunch with drink and dessert for one person, and facility fees covering beach entrance, sun lounger, and umbrella rental for a full day.
How accurate is the Beach Price Index ranking?
The ranking compares your beach against 327 beaches from the TravelBird dataset using a standardised index. Prices can vary by season, exchange rates, and local economic conditions. Use the index as a comparative guide rather than an exact prediction. Always check current local prices before budgeting.
What is considered a cheap beach destination?
Beaches with a total daily cost under $25 are considered Very Cheap, while those between $25 and $50 are Cheap. Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia often fall in this range. Moderate beaches cost $50 to $80, expensive beaches $80 to $130, and very expensive beaches exceed $130 per day.
Which are the most expensive beach destinations?
The most expensive beach destinations are typically in the Caribbean, French Riviera, Maldives, Bora Bora, and Hamptons (USA) where total daily costs can exceed $130. These destinations often have high facility fees, expensive dining, and premium sun lounger rentals that drive up the Beach Price Index score.
Can I use the Beach Price Index for trip planning?
Yes, the Beach Price Index is an excellent trip planning tool. By comparing the index scores of different destinations, you can identify affordable beach locations that match your budget. The cost breakdown also helps you decide where to save, such as bringing your own sunscreen or choosing beaches with free access.
Does the Beach Price Index include accommodation costs?
No, the Beach Price Index only covers the cost of a one-day beach experience: sunscreen, water, beer, ice cream, lunch, and facility fees. Accommodation, flights, transport to the beach, and other travel expenses are not included. Use our Travel Budget Calculator to estimate total trip costs including accommodation.