Budget travel guide

Cheapest Cities in Europe

We've traveled to 7 cities on a tight budget. Here's exactly what it costs, ranked from cheapest to most expensive, with real numbers, not guesses.

The Rankings

Ranked by real daily cost (accommodation + food + transport + activities). Prices from 2026.

City Budget/Day Hostel Key Saving
Kraków
Poland		 €30–35 €8–12 Pierogi & vodka are cheap
Budapest
Hungary		 €40–50 €17–25 Thermal baths & beer 🍺
Prague
Czech Republic		 €33–45 €12–18 Trdelník (spiral pastry)
Lisbon
Portugal		 €40–50 €15–20 Pastéis de nata €0.80
Amsterdam
Netherlands		 €40–55 €15–20 Rent a bike €3/day
Berlin
Germany		 €40–55 €12–20 Döner kebab €4
Barcelona
Spain		 €45–60 €16–22 Mercat de Sant Antoni

What That Budget Breaks Down To

The "Budget/Day" is per person and includes:

How to Actually Hit These Budgets

The Real Budget Travel Strategy

  • Book hostels in local neighborhoods, not tourist centers
  • Eat where workers eat at noon, cheap, local, authentic
  • Use public transport cards (€6–11 for 24 hours in most cities)
  • Pick 1–2 paid attractions per city, skip the €25 tourist traps
  • Night walks, park picnics, and architecture viewing are free

Read the Full Stories

Want details on what life actually looks like in each city? We've written full guides with real stories, real prices, and where to stay:

Budapest (€50/3 days)

Thermal baths, ruin bars, and pierogi paradise

Prague (€33–45/day)

Hidden gems where locals actually go

Lisbon (€40–50/day)

This random hostel that became home

Amsterdam (€40–55/day)

Cheap without feeling broke (yes, really)

Berlin → Kraków

The cheapest way to cross Eastern Europe

Barcelona (€45–60/day)

Without selling your kidney

Plan Your Trip

Ready to pick a city? Try our budget calculator to see exactly what a trip will cost you:

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