Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe – Budget Guide
Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe
Planning a trip across Europe but worried about your wallet? You're not alone. Many travelers think Europe is expensive — but there are stunning destinations that offer budget travel Europe options without compromising on experience. From Balkan beaches to Central European culture, this guide ranks the cheapest countries to visit in Europe based on food, accommodation, transport, and activities.
Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or planning a long vacation, these countries provide unbeatable value. Some of these destinations also align with our tips from the Backpacking Europe on a Budget guide — offering affordable transit, local food scenes, and scenic routes that keep your costs low while enriching your travel experience.
If you’re looking for smart travel tips Europe can actually use in 2024 and beyond, this article is your complete starting point. We’ve included everything from hidden gems to capital cities where your euro goes further — all backed by real traveler data and affordability metrics.
📸 Image: Budget-friendly destinations across Eastern and Central Europe – MyTravel-Tips.com
🔎 Explore Budget Destinations – Clickable TOC
- 💸 What Makes a Country “Cheap” for Tourists?
- 🌍 Ranking Factors & Cost Methodology
- 🇦🇱 Albania – Europe’s Hidden Riviera
- 🇧🇬 Bulgaria – Beaches, Mountains, and Sofia City Life
- 🇷🇴 Romania – Castles, Forests, and Budget Charm
- 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina – War History to Waterfalls
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro – Adriatic Beauty at Balkan Prices
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia – Lake Ohrid and Balkan Vibes
- 🇷🇸 Serbia – Nightlife and Cheap Balkan Food
- 🇭🇺 Hungary – Budapest on a Budget
- 🇵🇱 Poland – Culture, Castles, and Cheap Eats
- 🧳 Final Tips + Budget Comparison Table
What Makes a Country “Cheap” for Tourists?
What actually makes a country “cheap” for travelers? It’s more than just exchange rates. We measure affordability using multiple factors including average daily costs, local transport prices, budget accommodation options, food and drink availability, and the overall experience a destination offers for under €50/day.
Many of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe are found in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, where prices are low but the culture and nature are rich. These destinations often have fewer tourists, offer deeper authenticity, and still deliver comfort — from beach towns to mountain retreats — without the price tag of Western Europe.
To ensure our list reflects true affordability, we’ve focused on places that cater well to backpackers, budget travelers, and slow nomads. These are destinations where public transport is reliable, hostels or guesthouses are plentiful, and a decent meal rarely costs more than €6–€10.
📊 Key Budget Criteria (used in ranking):
• 🍽️ Meal at local restaurant: €6–€12
• 🏨 Hostel bed or budget hotel: €10–€25 per night
• 🚆 Public transport ticket: €0.80–€2.50
• 🎟️ Top attraction: Free or under €5
• 🧳 Daily spend target (avg.): €30–€45 per person
Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe
To fairly rank the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, we combined several travel cost indicators with practical budget traveler data. Each country on this list is scored based on average prices, value for money, accessibility, and availability of budget-friendly infrastructure. The goal is to highlight destinations where travelers can get the best overall experience for under €50 a day.
This ranking isn’t just about the cheapest meal — it’s about the overall ease and richness of budget travel Europe experiences. All 10 destinations featured are safe, accessible, and packed with unique things to do — from lakes and beaches to historic cities and UNESCO sites — all while keeping your spending low.
🔍 Methodology & Ranking Metrics:
• 🏨 Avg. Accommodation Cost
• 🍝 Avg. Daily Food + Drink
• 🚍 Local Transport Affordability
• 💸 Value vs Tourist Density
• 🗺️ Attractions & Experience Richness
• 📶 Digital Nomad Infrastructure (Wi-Fi, SIM, cowork)
• 🛂 Visa-Free Access (for EU or most passport holders)
| Country | 💰 Avg. Daily Cost | 🏨 Stay (per night) | 🍴 Meals | 🚇 Transport | 🎯 Experience Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇱 Albania | €32 | €18 | €8 | €1.50 | 9.2 |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | €34 | €20 | €9 | €1.00 | 8.9 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | €35 | €22 | €8 | €1.20 | 8.7 |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | €33 | €17 | €8 | €1.00 | 8.8 |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | €36 | €20 | €9 | €1.50 | 8.6 |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | €30 | €16 | €7 | €0.80 | 8.8 |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | €31 | €18 | €8 | €1.00 | 8.5 |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | €39 | €23 | €9 | €1.20 | 8.4 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €38 | €22 | €9 | €1.50 | 8.5 |
| 🇬🇪 Georgia* | €29 | €15 | €6 | €0.70 | 9.0 |
1. Albania – Europe’s Hidden Riviera
Albania has emerged as one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe, especially for travelers seeking sun, sea, and savings. Its coastline — often called the Albanian Riviera — stretches from Vlorë to Sarandë and offers turquoise waters, cliffside villages, and quiet beaches with meals under €10. Inland, towns like Berat and Gjirokastër (both UNESCO sites) provide authentic history and Ottoman architecture without the tourist crowds.
Public transport between cities is very cheap, and accommodations range from beach hostels to mountain guesthouses under €20. Albania is visa-free for most travelers and offers easy connections to Greece, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Whether you're hiking in the Accursed Mountains or relaxing in Ksamil, it’s a perfect base for budget travel Europe explorers.
💡 Budget Tip: Skip taxis and use minibuses (furgons) — locals pay €2–3 between cities. Beach towns like Himarë and Dhermi offer cheaper stays than Sarandë, especially off-season.
📊 Albania Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/guesthouse: €15–€22
• 🍝 Meal at local restaurant: €6–€8
• 🚍 Intercity transport: €2–€5 (furgon)
• 🎟️ Attractions: Mostly free or < €3
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €32 per day
2. Bulgaria – Beaches, Mountains, and Sofia City Life
Bulgaria offers some of the best value in Europe — combining sandy beaches, mountain retreats, and rich city culture. Whether you're hiking in the Rila Mountains, enjoying nightlife in Sofia, or relaxing on the Black Sea coast, Bulgaria is consistently ranked among the top destinations for budget travel Europe. The capital city has budget-friendly hostels, free walking tours, and hearty local cuisine for under €10.
Places like Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Bansko are full of charm and much cheaper than Western European cities. Buses and trains are cheap and connect even remote towns. Bulgaria also has strong internet, making it suitable for digital nomads and remote workers seeking an affordable home base.
💡 Budget Tip: Street food like banitsa and kebapche can keep you full for under €2. Hostel dorms in Sofia start at €10–12, and bus rides across the country rarely exceed €6.
📊 Bulgaria Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/guesthouse: €12–€20
• 🍝 Meal at local tavern: €4–€7
• 🚍 National bus or train: €3–€6
• 🎟️ Attractions: Many under €5
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €34 per day
3. Romania – Castles, Forests, and Budget Charm
Romania is a dream for travelers looking for medieval towns, epic mountain hikes, and cheap European countries with character. From the gothic towers of Transylvania to the painted monasteries of Bukovina, Romania offers a rich cultural journey with very low day-to-day costs. Cities like Brașov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca combine history with vibrant nightlife, while still being kind to your wallet.
Intercity trains are slow but scenic — and affordable. Romania’s food is filling and flavorful, with dishes like sarmale or polenta with cheese costing under €6. Whether you’re exploring castles like Bran or hiking in the Carpathians, Romania delivers top-tier experiences for minimal spend, making it ideal for long-stay travelers or digital nomads.
💡 Budget Tip: Romania's rural guesthouses often include breakfast and are cheaper than city hostels. You can travel overnight by train for under €10 if booked in advance.
📊 Romania Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel or rural stay: €14–€22
• 🍝 Local meal: €5–€7
• 🚆 Intercity train: €3–€8
• 🎟️ Castle/museum entry: €2–€5
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €35 per day
4. Bosnia & Herzegovina – War History to Waterfalls
Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the most overlooked yet rewarding budget travel Europe destinations. With dramatic mountain landscapes, Ottoman-era towns, and the emotional history of Sarajevo, this country delivers raw authenticity. Mostar, with its iconic Stari Most bridge and turquoise river, is a photographer’s paradise — and one of the cheapest UNESCO sites to visit in Europe.
Hostels and guesthouses are very affordable, and street food like ćevapi or burek is filling and costs just €2–3. Buses connect all major towns for under €7. Nature lovers will enjoy rafting rivers like the Neretva and hiking in Sutjeska National Park. Despite its past, Bosnia is now safe, welcoming, and offers excellent value for low-cost explorers.
💡 Budget Tip: Sarajevo’s trams are only €0.80 per ride. Mostar’s old town can be explored entirely on foot, and many museums charge symbolic fees under €2.
📊 Bosnia Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/guesthouse: €13–€18
• 🍝 Traditional meal: €4–€6
• 🚌 Bus ticket (city or intercity): €1–€5
• 🎟️ Museum or site entry: €1–€3
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €33 per day
5. Montenegro – Adriatic Beauty at Balkan Prices
Montenegro is a postcard-perfect destination offering coastal towns, fjord-like bays, and mountain escapes — all at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in neighboring Croatia or Italy. The medieval town of Kotor, with its dramatic bay views and stone streets, is a must-visit for anyone looking for affordable countries to visit in Europe. Add Budva’s beaches, the Durmitor National Park, and scenic train routes, and Montenegro quickly becomes a Balkan favorite.
Budget travelers can enjoy dorm beds starting at €12, meals for €6, and panoramic bus rides across the country for less than €5. The Bar-to-Belgrade train is one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys and costs under €10. Montenegro uses the Euro, but prices remain well below Western standards, making it an easy pick for a low-cost seaside escape.
💡 Budget Tip: Book accommodation in nearby Tivat or Sutomore for cheaper stays than Kotor. Climb Kotor’s fortress early morning — the €8 entry is waived before 8 a.m.
📊 Montenegro Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/dorm: €12–€20
• 🍝 Budget restaurant: €5–€8
• 🚍 Bus or train fare: €2–€5
• 🎟️ Fortress/museum: €3–€8
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €36 per day
6. North Macedonia – Lake Ohrid and Balkan Vibes
North Macedonia is one of Europe’s true hidden gems — a place where ancient culture, serene lakes, and hearty Balkan hospitality meet incredibly low prices. The UNESCO-listed town of Ohrid is the country’s star attraction, offering cobbled streets, Orthodox churches, and tranquil lake views for less than €30/day. Even in Skopje, the capital, you’ll find art museums, historic markets, and riverside cafés that won’t break your budget.
This is one of the best cheap European countries for slow travel. Local buses are reliable and cheap, food is generous, and accommodation remains some of the most affordable in the region. With minimal crowds, strong Wi-Fi, and a peaceful atmosphere, North Macedonia is increasingly attracting budget digital nomads and culture lovers alike.
💡 Budget Tip: Lake Ohrid is stunning and far cheaper than Lake Bled or Como. Opt for family-run guesthouses with breakfast included for €15–€20 per night.
📊 North Macedonia Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Guesthouse/hostel: €12–€18
• 🍝 Local meal: €4–€6
• 🚌 Intercity bus: €1–€3
• 🎟️ Attractions: Many are free or €2–€4
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €30 per day
7. Serbia – Nightlife and Cheap Balkan Food
Serbia offers an exciting mix of vibrant nightlife, historical landmarks, and authentic Balkan food — all at bargain prices. Belgrade, the capital, is known for its river clubs, bohemian quarters, and dynamic café culture. For a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe, Serbia offers a lively yet budget-friendly experience, ideal for solo travelers and backpackers.
Cities like Novi Sad and Niš are charming and even more affordable than Belgrade, offering hostel beds under €15 and hearty local meals for under €5. Trains and buses connect major towns cheaply, and attractions like fortress hikes, WWII museums, and monasteries are often free or symbolic in cost. Serbia may be underrated, but for budget travel Europe lovers, it delivers excellent value.
💡 Budget Tip: Belgrade’s public transport ticket costs just €0.90. Eat like locals at kafanas — where a full plate of grilled meat and salad can cost under €6.
📊 Serbia Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/guesthouse: €10–€18
• 🍝 Full meal: €4–€6
• 🚍 Intercity transport: €2–€4
• 🎟️ Museums/fortresses: €1–€3
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €31 per day
8. Hungary – Budapest on a Budget
Hungary delivers world-class culture and architecture at budget prices — especially in Budapest, one of Europe’s most visually striking capital cities. Known for its thermal baths, ruin bars, and Danube river views, Budapest balances elegance and affordability. It's a prime pick for travelers searching for cheap European countries that still offer a metropolitan experience.
Hostel beds in central Budapest start around €15, public transport is extensive and cheap, and hearty meals like goulash or lángos cost just €5–€8. With low-cost airlines flying into the country and reliable train links across the region, Hungary is ideal for those blending city sightseeing with rural escapes to Lake Balaton or the hills of Eger.
💡 Budget Tip: The Budapest Card offers free transport and discounted attractions. Ruin bars in District VII offer €2–€3 drinks in historic settings.
📊 Hungary Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel or guesthouse: €15–€22
• 🍝 Local dish: €5–€8
• 🚇 Metro/tram fare: €1.20
• 🎟️ Bath or museum entry: €3–€9
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €39 per day
9. Poland – Culture, Castles, and Cheap Eats
Poland offers an unbeatable combination of rich history, vibrant cities, and one of the best values in Central Europe. From the old town charm of Kraków and the medieval streets of Gdańsk to the modern cultural energy of Warsaw, Poland is ideal for travelers seeking affordable countries to visit that also deliver a deep cultural experience.
Meals at local milk bars (bar mleczny) cost as little as €3–€5, and hostel stays range from €15–€22 even in tourist hubs. Poland’s public transport is extensive and very budget-friendly — trains and buses reach every corner. Whether you're exploring Auschwitz, hiking in Zakopane, or enjoying a pierogi-filled food tour, Poland is perfect for budget travel Europe explorers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
💡 Budget Tip: Use regional PKP Intercity trains for cheap cross-country travel. Visit museums on free admission days (many national sites offer this weekly).
📊 Poland Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Hostel/dorm: €15–€22
• 🍝 Local food/bar mleczny: €4–€6
• 🚍 Train/bus ticket: €2–€5
• 🎟️ Attractions: €0–€5 (some free days)
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €38 per day
10. Georgia – Mountains, Monasteries & Ultra-Budget Travel
While technically located in the Caucasus, Georgia is often considered part of broader Europe by budget travelers — and for good reason. It's easily one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe (or nearby), with unbeatable hospitality, stunning mountain landscapes, and hearty cuisine. The capital Tbilisi offers vibrant culture, cafés, and cowork-friendly spaces, while remote villages in Svaneti and Kazbegi deliver jaw-dropping views for less than €25/day.
Food in Georgia is legendary — khachapuri, khinkali, and homemade wine — all for just a few euros. Accommodation is often family-run and includes breakfast. Public transport via marshrutkas (shared vans) is efficient and cheap. With visa-free access for many nationalities and a 365-day tourist stamp for some, Georgia is increasingly popular among long-term travelers.
💡 Budget Tip: Tbilisi has many free walking tours, and homemade meals in guesthouses often include wine. Marshrutka rides cost as little as €0.50–€2 across major routes.
📊 Georgia Budget Snapshot:
• 🏨 Guesthouse/private room: €10–€18
• 🍝 Traditional meal: €3–€5
• 🚐 Marshrutka (minibus): €0.50–€2
• 🎟️ Most attractions: Free or symbolic
• 🧳 Daily average spend: €29 per day
Budget Comparison + Travel Tips Summary
Traveling Europe on a budget doesn't mean compromising on beauty, history, or adventure. As this guide shows, some of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe are also among the most culturally rich and naturally stunning. From beach towns in Albania to alpine villages in Georgia, you can experience the diversity of Europe — even with limited funds.
When planning your route, combine countries with good overland connections and flexible visa rules. Always look for regional transit passes, local SIM cards, and walkable cities. Want more on this topic? Check out our companion article: Backpacking Europe on a Budget.
🧭 Key Insight: Most of these countries can be explored under €40/day including meals, beds, and transport — perfect for slow travel or long-term digital nomads.