Looking for the cheapest countries in Europe to stretch your travel budget?
While Paris, London, and Rome might steal the spotlight, savvy travelers know that Europe’s hidden gems often come with surprisingly affordable price tags.
From sun-soaked Adriatic beaches to medieval towns, these budget-friendly destinations prove that experiencing European charm doesn’t have to break the bank.
We’ve uncovered 10 incredible European countries where your money goes further.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy authentic European experiences at a fraction of the cost you might expect.
10 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit
Scroll down to explore our comprehensive guide to the 10 cheapest countries to travel in Europe.
10 Insanely Cheap European Destinations: Your Ultimate Budget Travel Guide
1. Poland
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $74 (zł301) per day
Poland combines medieval charm with modern energy at prices that put Western Europe to shame.
Historic hotels and traditional restaurants charge rates that make extended stays tempting.
Must-visit areas include the former royal capital Kraków, the modern capital Warsaw, the Baltic port city of Gdańsk, and the mountain region of Zakopane.
2. Albania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $93 (Lek8,799) per day
Along Albania’s stunning coastline, where pristine beaches rival those of Greece and Italy, this underrated European country offers an authentic Mediterranean experience at a fraction of the cost.
From the trendy cafes of Tirana to the southern riviera, your travel budget stretches incredibly far.
Key destinations include the capital Tirana, the historic city of Berat, the coastal region of Saranda, and the Albanian Alps in the north – where your daily expenses barely match a single meal in tourist-heavy Mediterranean destinations.
3. North Macedonia
Your money goes surprisingly far in North Macedonia, where lakeside hotels cost less than a budget room in Western Europe.
Experience authentic Balkan culture and remarkable landscapes at prices that’ll make you want to extend your stay.
Must-visit regions include the capital Skopje, the stunning Lake Ohrid region, the wine country of Tikveš, and the historic city of Bitola, all offering incredible experiences at a fraction of Western European prices.
4. Romania
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $98 (lei467) per day on your vacation
Romania delivers extraordinary value throughout its diverse regions, with castle entrance fees and guided tours costing less than a simple museum ticket in Western Europe.
Even in popular tourist areas, hotels and restaurants charge a fraction of what you’d expect for such stunning medieval settings.
Key destinations include the vibrant capital Bucharest, the medieval region of Transylvania with Cluj-Napoca at its heart, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, and the historic city of Brașov.
Further Reading: Best Castles to Visit in Romania
5. Serbia
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $44 (RSD4,937) per day
Serbia surprises visitors with its remarkably affordable lifestyle, where premium dining experiences cost less than casual cafes in Western Europe.
From stylish apartments to boutique hotels, accommodation rarely dents your budget.
Must-visit destinations include the energetic capital Belgrade, the historic Novi Sad with its iconic fortress, the Zlatibor mountain region, and the scenic Fruška Gora wine country.
6. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $89 (KM167) per day
Bosnia and Herzegovina offers some of Europe’s best travel values, where historic hotels cost less than budget hostels in Western European capitals.
Traditional restaurants serve generous portions of local specialties at prices that make dining out a daily pleasure.
Essential stops include the historic capital Sarajevo, the unique European city of Mostar, the pilgrimage town of Međugorje, and the rafting paradise of Bihać.
7. Montenegro
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $135 (€128) per day
Montenegro delivers Mediterranean luxury at Balkan prices, with seaside apartments costing a fraction of equivalent stays in Croatia or Italy.
Even in peak season, this stunning country remains remarkably affordable.
Don’t miss the Bay of Kotor region, the coastal city of Budva, the former capital Cetinje, and the mountain national parks of Durmitor and Biogradska Gora.
8. Hungary
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $91 (Ft35,979) per day
Hungary offers elegant European experiences at surprisingly gentle prices, with thermal spa entries and river cruises costing less than basic sightseeing in Western Europe.
Fine dining and classical concerts come at prices that encourage cultural immersion.
Key destinations include Budapest, the wine region of Eger, the cultural city of Pécs, and Lake Balaton’s resort region.
9. Czech Republic
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $124 (Kč2,984) per day
Beyond Prague’s relatively higher prices, the Czech Republic offers incredible value, with historic town squares and castle tours costing a fraction of similar experiences elsewhere in Europe.
Local beer and hearty cuisine come at prices that recall a bygone era.
Essential destinations include the capital Prague, the spa town of Karlovy Vary, medieval Český Krumlov, and the wine region of Moravia.
10. Bulgaria
- Budget: You should plan to spend around $77 (ư145) per day
Bulgaria stands among the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe, with mountain resort prices often running at a third of their Western European counterparts.
Local restaurants serve generous portions of traditional cuisine at prices that’ll make you want to extend your stay, while comfortable accommodation costs significantly less than a basic hostel in Paris or London.
Must-visit destinations include the capital Sofia, the ancient city of Plovdiv, the mountain region of Bansko, and the Black Sea coastal region around Varna.
Final Thoughts on Cheapest Countries in Europe to Travel
From the sun-soaked beaches of Albania to the Gothic castles of Romania, each of these budget-friendly destinations offers unforgettable experiences that rival their more expensive Western European counterparts.
Side Note: We’ve tapped into Budget Your Trip’s goldmine of real traveler spending data to reveal the true daily costs of each destination listed above.
Ready to start planning your affordable European adventure? Dive deeper into our Europe Travel Guide for more expert tips and hidden gems.
Further Reading:
- Don’t miss our essential guides on How to Travel Europe for Cheap,
- Find the cheapest countries to travel to in our budget travel guide
- discover your next destination in Bucket List Cities to Visit in Europe, or
- find the perfect cheap European summer destination for your next vacation.
