The phrase “cheapest countries to travel in Europe” is one of the most searched by budget-conscious travelers who dream of wandering across cobblestoned streets, exploring medieval castles, or soaking up the sun on Mediterranean beaches — without draining their bank accounts. For many, Europe conjures images of luxury trips to Paris, Rome, or London, cities often associated with high hotel prices, expensive dining, and costly attractions. Yet beyond these famous capitals lies another Europe — one that is both affordable and deeply rewarding, where your euros stretch further, and your travel experiences are no less rich.
When we think of budget travel, Southeast Asia or South America often come to mind. But Europe, with its variety of cultures, affordable transport systems, and increasing competition among airlines and hostels, can also be a paradise for frugal travelers. The continent is vast and diverse: from the snow-capped Carpathian Mountains to the turquoise Adriatic coastlines, from lively Eastern European capitals to quiet alpine villages. Within this diversity, you’ll find that costs can vary dramatically depending on the country you choose.
For example, a traveler might spend over €120 a day in Switzerland on basic expenses (accommodation, food, and local transport), while in Bulgaria or Albania, the same traveler could enjoy hearty meals, comfortable lodging, and even some cultural tours for just €30–€40 per day. The difference lies not only in local living standards but also in the way tourism has evolved. Countries like Romania, Poland, and Bosnia & Herzegovina have developed vibrant infrastructures for visitors while still keeping prices grounded in local realities.
Why Europe is Still Budget-Friendly (Contrary to Popular Belief)
It’s easy to assume that traveling in Europe is costly, especially with images of €8 cappuccinos in Paris or €15 museum tickets in Amsterdam. However, the continent offers two huge advantages for budget travelers:
- Intra-European Competition — Budget airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air constantly compete, offering one-way flights between major cities for as little as €10–€30 if booked in advance. Ground transport companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar further reduce costs for long-distance travel.
- Regional Price Variations — Europe isn’t a single economic zone. Countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Denmark may top the global cost-of-living indexes, but others like Serbia, Albania, and Poland rank much lower, offering significant value for travelers. This variation means you can plan entire itineraries focusing on the cheapest countries to travel in Europe without compromising on history, culture, or adventure.
Who Should Consider Budget Travel in Europe?
- Backpackers: Those traveling long-term with limited budgets.
- Digital Nomads: Many Eastern and Southern European countries now host co-working spaces, reliable internet, and communities of remote workers at a fraction of Western Europe’s costs.
- Families on a Budget: Cheaper destinations mean family vacations that don’t require sacrificing quality for affordability.
- Students and First-Time Travelers: Perfect for those wanting to explore multiple countries without breaking the bank.
Experiences Money Can’t Buy (But Are Surprisingly Affordable)
The magic of budget travel in Europe isn’t about spending less, but about experiencing more for the same budget. Imagine:
- Soaking in Budapest’s thermal baths for €15 while chatting with locals.
- Enjoying fresh seafood in Albania’s Riviera for under €7.
- Taking a train through Romania’s Carpathians for the price of a coffee in London.
- Walking through Sarajevo’s Ottoman-era streets and paying less than €1 for a traditional Bosnian coffee.
These experiences prove that traveling affordably doesn’t mean sacrificing cultural depth or comfort.
A Personal Travel Anecdote (Narrative Style)
During a recent trip across Eastern Europe, one traveler compared their daily budget in Kraków, Poland, to their weekend in Paris. In Kraków, they enjoyed a comfortable hostel bed, three full meals, two museum visits, and a local beer — all for under €35. In Paris, the same amount barely covered one lunch and metro tickets. This story echoes what countless travelers discover: the cheapest countries to travel in Europe often provide some of the richest experiences.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This comprehensive guide goes beyond listing destinations. It will:
- Break down realistic daily costs (accommodation, meals, attractions, and transport).
- Provide sample itineraries for one-week and two-week trips.
- Share packing tips to help you save money and travel light.
- Offer cultural insights so you get more from your trip than just sightseeing.
- Answer common FAQs about safety, transportation, and booking cheap flights.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker hopping from hostel to hostel, a couple searching for a romantic yet affordable escape, or a family seeking to balance comfort and cost, this article will show you how to plan and enjoy a budget-friendly trip across the most affordable corners of Europe.
For even more cost-saving insights, explore ABXPL’s travel blog where budget-friendly adventures are highlighted regularly.
Why Budget Travel in Europe is Possible
Europe is diverse in both geography and economy. The cost of living, local wages, and tourism infrastructure vary widely, which means that some countries are significantly more affordable than others. For example, a traveler might spend €100 per day in Paris or Copenhagen but only €25–€40 per day in cities like Sofia (Bulgaria) or Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
Budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet make traveling between countries cheap, while regional trains and buses keep costs manageable once you arrive. Many countries in Eastern and Southern Europe also offer excellent accommodation options, hearty meals, and unique experiences at a fraction of the price compared to Western Europe.
To understand why countries like Bulgaria, Albania, or Poland are affordable, it helps to look at living expenses. According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, these destinations consistently rank among the most affordable in Europe for food, accommodation, and transport.
The 15 Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe
Below are the top cheapest countries to travel in Europe, broken down by price examples, best experiences, and practical tips.
1. Bulgaria — The Underrated Gem of Eastern Europe
- Daily budget range: €25–€40
- Hostel prices: from €8 per night
- Restaurant meal: €5–€10
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe, offering incredible diversity for low costs. Sofia, the capital, is vibrant and affordable, while Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city with Roman ruins and colorful houses.
Highlights:
- Bansko and Borovets ski resorts (cheaper than the Alps).
- Black Sea coast (Sunny Beach and Varna).
- Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Traveler anecdote: Many budget travelers note that they can spend a week in Bulgaria — including accommodation, food, and transport — for less than a weekend in Paris.
2. Romania — Castles, Mountains, and Fairytale Landscapes
- Daily budget range: €30–€45
- Hostel prices: from €9 per night
- Restaurant meal: €6–€12
Romania offers gothic castles, Transylvanian charm, and budget-friendly cities. Brasov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca are must-visits. Trains are cheap (though slow), and local food portions are generous.
Highlights:
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s castle).
- Carpathian hiking trails.
- Bucharest’s nightlife.
3. Hungary — Thermal Baths and Vibrant Budapest
- Daily budget range: €35–€50
- Hostel prices: €10–€15 per night
- Restaurant meal: €7–€12
Budapest remains one of the best-value capitals in Europe. From thermal baths to ruin pubs, it blends history and nightlife.
Price examples: A soak in Széchenyi Thermal Bath is €15–€20, and a full dinner with drinks rarely exceeds €12.
4. Poland — History Meets Affordability
- Daily budget range: €30–€45
- Hostel prices: €8–€12
- Restaurant meal: €6–€10
Poland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with cities like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Warsaw offering both culture and affordability.
Highlights:
- Auschwitz memorial tour: €20.
- Pierogi meals for €5.
- Nightlife in Kraków is half the price of Berlin.
5. Albania — Europe’s Hidden Riviera
- Daily budget range: €25–€40
- Hostel prices: from €6
- Restaurant meal: €5–€8
Albania’s beaches rival Greece’s, but at a fraction of the price. Tirana offers vibrant street life, while the Albanian Riviera (Ksamil, Saranda) is paradise on a budget.
Traveler insight: You can rent a beachside apartment for €20–€25 per night in off-season.
6. Serbia — Belgrade’s Nightlife and Beyond
- Daily budget: €25–€40
- Hostel prices: €7–€10
- Meal: €5–€9
Belgrade is famous for its nightlife and history. Trains and buses are cheap, and Serbian hospitality is unmatched.
7. Bosnia and Herzegovina — A Balkan Beauty
- Daily budget: €20–€35
- Hostel prices: €6–€10
- Meal: €4–€8
Mostar’s iconic bridge and Sarajevo’s Ottoman charm make this one of the cheapest countries in Europe to explore.
8. Ukraine (currently limited due to conflict)
Before the ongoing conflict, Ukraine was among the cheapest countries to visit, with Lviv and Kyiv offering incredible architecture, culture, and low-cost living. We hope for peace and safe travel in the future.
9. Czechia (Czech Republic) — Affordable Central Europe
Prague can be pricier than other cities, but smaller towns like Brno and Olomouc are very budget-friendly.
10. Slovakia — Castles and Carpathians
Bratislava is affordable compared to Vienna, with beers for under €2 and hostels from €8.
11. North Macedonia — Lake Ohrid Bliss
A hidden gem with affordable food and serene lakeside living. Meals cost €5, and rooms can be found for €15–€25.
12. Montenegro — Scenic and Affordable
The Bay of Kotor offers dramatic scenery, but Montenegro remains much cheaper than neighboring Croatia.
13. Portugal — Budget-Friendly Western Europe
Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, with Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve offering good value. Meals average €8–€12, and budget hostels start at €12.
14. Greece (Off-Season)
In summer, Greece can be pricey, but off-season (October–March), islands like Crete or Rhodes are surprisingly cheap.
15. Turkey (Partly European)
While not fully in Europe, Turkey’s Istanbul and Cappadocia regions are incredible value — meals for €3–€5 and accommodation from €10.
Budget Comparisons Between Cheapest Countries in Europe
- Beer prices: Czechia €1.50, Norway €8–€10.
- Transport: Bus rides in Serbia €0.50–€1, metro in Paris €2.10.
- Accommodation: Hostel beds in Albania €6, in Switzerland €40+.
These comparisons show why cheapest countries to travel in Europe offer excellent value.
Packing Tips for Budget Travelers in Europe
- Carry a reusable water bottle (saves €1–€2 per day).
- Pack layers — weather in Eastern Europe can vary.
- Use packing cubes to save space for souvenirs.
- Bring a student card for discounts (many museums offer up to 50% off).
Sample Itineraries for the Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe
1-Week Balkan Budget
- Days 1–2: Belgrade (€30/day).
- Days 3–4: Sarajevo (€25/day).
- Days 5–7: Mostar + Kotor (€25–€35/day).
2-Week Eastern Europe Adventure
- Budapest → Kraków → Bratislava → Sofia.
- Total budget: €500–€700 including transport.
Travel Hacks to Save More in Europe
- Use Flixbus for intercity travel.
- Book budget airlines with only a carry-on.
- Eat at local bakeries and street food stalls.
- Couchsurfing or hostels with kitchens save meal costs.
FAQ: Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe
Q1: Which is the absolute cheapest country in Europe?
A: Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania often rank as the cheapest.
Q2: Can I travel Europe on €30 a day?
A: Yes, especially in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Q3: Is Western Europe always expensive?
A: Not necessarily — Portugal and off-season Greece can be budget-friendly.
Q4: What’s the best way to find cheap flights?
A: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights, and book midweek departures.
Conclusion
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you choose wisely. By focusing on the cheapest countries to travel in Europe, you can explore castles in Romania, beaches in Albania, nightlife in Serbia, and charming towns in Poland — all at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
The next time you dream of Europe, don’t limit yourself to Paris or London. Instead, embrace hidden gems, travel smart, and enjoy authentic experiences where your budget goes further.
