Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe in 2027 (Real Daily Costs)
Europe has a reputation for being expensive, and in places…
Table of Contents
Europe has a reputation for being expensive, and in places like Switzerland, Norway, or Paris, that reputation is deserved. But the continent is also home to countries where a comfortable day of sightseeing, eating out, and sleeping in a decent room costs less than a single dinner in London.
This guide ranks the cheapest countries in Europe for 2027 using realistic daily budgets. Each estimate covers accommodation, food, local transport, and a few activities, but not flights.
How We Estimated Daily Costs
The figures below reflect a mid-range budget traveler: a private room or budget hotel, two meals at local restaurants plus one cheap meal or snack, public transport, and one paid attraction per day. Backpackers staying in hostels can usually spend 25-35% less. Prices are estimates and vary by season, city, and exchange rate.
Quick Comparison: Cheapest Countries in Europe
| Country | Estimated Daily Budget | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia | $30-50 | Lakes, old towns, true off-the-beaten-path travel |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | $30-50 | History, food, mountain scenery |
| Albania | $35-55 | Beaches, mountains, coastal towns |
| Bulgaria | $35-55 | Ski trips, Black Sea coast, city breaks |
| Serbia | $35-55 | Nightlife, food, Belgrade |
| Romania | $40-60 | Castles, Transylvania, road trips |
| Hungary | $45-70 | Budapest, thermal baths |
| Poland | $45-70 | Krakow, Gdansk, food and culture |
| Portugal | $65-95 | Coast, cities, best value in Western Europe |
1. North Macedonia: The Most Underrated Budget Destination
North Macedonia rarely makes it onto bucket lists, which is exactly why it stays cheap. Skopje has a quirky city center, Ohrid is a lakeside town with a UNESCO-listed old quarter, and the mountains offer hiking at almost no cost.
Typical costs:
- Hostel bed or budget room: $12-30
- Restaurant meal: $4-8
- Bus between cities: $3-8
Best time to go: May to June and September, when Lake Ohrid is warm but not crowded.
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina: History and Food on a Tiny Budget
Sarajevo and Mostar pack serious history, Ottoman architecture, and excellent food into a very small price tag. A plate of cevapi with bread costs only a few dollars, and strong Bosnian coffee is cheaper still.
Typical costs:
- Guesthouse or budget hotel: $20-45
- Local meal: $4-8
- Day trip to Kravice Waterfalls: $10-25 depending on transport
Tip: Intercity buses are slow but cheap. Renting a car for a day or two can save time on routes with limited service.
3. Albania: Beaches Without the Mediterranean Price Tag
Albania has become one of the most talked-about budget destinations in Europe, and it is easy to see why. The Albanian Riviera has clear water and beautiful beaches, while northern towns like Berat and Gjirokaster offer old-world charm.
Typical costs:
- Guesthouse or budget hotel: $25-50 (higher in peak summer on the coast)
- Restaurant meal: $5-10
- Furgon (minibus) between cities: $2-8
Heads up: Coastal prices in July and August rise noticeably. Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best value.
4. Bulgaria: Cheap City Breaks, Beaches, and Ski Resorts
Bulgaria offers something for almost every kind of traveler: Sofia for culture and food, Plovdiv for old-town charm, the Black Sea for beaches, and Bansko for some of the cheapest skiing in Europe. Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, so check how current exchange rates affect your budget.
Typical costs:
- Budget hotel or apartment: $25-50
- Restaurant meal: $5-10
- City metro or bus ticket: under $1.50
5. Serbia: Big Personality, Small Prices
Belgrade is lively, affordable, and increasingly popular with budget travelers. Food portions are generous, nightlife is famous across the Balkans, and accommodation is easy on the wallet.
Typical costs:
- Hostel or budget hotel: $15-45
- Restaurant meal: $5-10
- Local transport: around $1 per ride
6. Romania: Castles, Mountains, and Great Road Trips
Romania covers a lot of ground for the money. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are affordable city bases, and Transylvania has medieval towns like Brasov and Sibiu plus the dramatic Carpathian Mountains.
Typical costs:
- Budget hotel or guesthouse: $25-55
- Restaurant meal: $6-12
- Train between major cities: $8-25
Tip: Trains are cheap but slow. If you want to see mountain villages, renting a car for part of the trip is worth considering.
7. Hungary: Budapest Without Breaking the Bank
Budapest costs more than the Balkans, but it is still far cheaper than Vienna, Prague’s tourist center, or any major Western European capital. Thermal baths, ruin bars, and historic architecture make it one of the best-value city breaks on the continent.
Typical costs:
- Hostel or budget hotel: $25-65
- Restaurant meal: $8-15
- Public transport day pass: around $5-8
8. Poland: Culture, Food, and Real Value
Poland has quietly become one of the best-value countries in Europe. Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw each have beautiful old towns, while milk bars (bar mleczny) serve filling traditional meals for just a few dollars.
Typical costs:
- Budget hotel or apartment: $30-65
- Milk bar meal: $4-8
- Train between cities: $8-25
9. Portugal: The Cheapest Option in Western Europe
Portugal is not as cheap as the countries above, and prices in Lisbon have risen in recent years. But compared with Spain’s biggest cities, France, Italy, or the UK, it still offers strong value, along with great food, coastline, and weather. Porto, the Algarve outside peak season, and smaller towns like Coimbra or Tavira help stretch your budget.
Typical costs:
- Budget hotel or guesthouse: $45-90
- Restaurant meal: $10-18
- Lisbon or Porto metro ticket: around $1.50-2
How to Save Even More in Europe
- Travel in shoulder season. April to June and September to October bring lower prices and fewer crowds than July and August.
- Eat where locals eat. Lunch menus and daily specials are often half the price of dinner.
- Use overnight buses and trains to save on one night of accommodation.
- Book flights early and stay flexible. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air often have deals to Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Compare dates before booking.
- Choose apartments with kitchens for longer stays.
Which Cheap European Country Should You Visit First?
- First time in Europe on a budget: Poland or Hungary (easy transport, familiar tourist infrastructure)
- Beach trip without the high price: Albania or Bulgaria
- Adventure and history: Bosnia and Herzegovina or North Macedonia
- Western Europe on a tighter budget: Portugal
Final Thoughts
You do not need a huge budget to see Europe. Pick countries where your money goes further, travel outside peak summer, and plan transport in advance. A well-chosen trip to the Balkans or Eastern Europe can cost half as much as a short city break in Western Europe, and often feels less crowded too.