Top 10 Cheapest Countries Where Traveling Costs Less Than Staying Home

General Travel

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Ever wondered if traveling could actually be cheaper than staying home?

Get ready to pack your bags, because exploring the top 10 cheapest countries in the world often costs less than your daily commute and morning coffee combined.

Bagan in Myanmar

Ready to discover where your money stretches furthest? Dive in below for complete budget breakdowns and travel tips for these incredible destinations.

Top 10 Cheapest Countries in the World

Here’s a list of the top 10 cheapest countries to travel to, showcasing why they’re perfect for budget travelers.

1. Argentina

Iguazu Falls

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average for one day around $11 (AR$11,045)

  • $4.78 (AR$4,864) on meals
  • $1.96 (AR$1,997) on local transportation
  • $5.66 (AR$5,759) on hotels

Argentina tops the list of cheapest countries to travel to with an incredible $11 per day.

This tiny budget stretches amazingly far, covering accommodations, local transport, and those famous Argentine steaks.

Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina

The must-visit Iguazu Falls will take your breath away, while the glaciers of Perito Moreno showcase nature at its finest.

Your journey should also include the colorful streets of La Boca in Buenos Aires and the sumptuous wine regions of Mendoza.

Buenos Aires Argentina

Your low daily budget covers tango shows in Buenos Aires, exploring the thundering Iguazu Falls, and even ventures into Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes.


2. Laos

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $18 (₭401,464) per day.

  • $9.17 (₭199,827) on meals
  • $1.97 (₭42,935) on local transportation
  • $12 (₭262,171) on hotels

As one of the top 10 cheapest places to travel, Laos offers remarkable value at just $18 daily.

Your modest budget here covers comfortable guesthouses, flavorful local meals, and reliable transportation.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Begin your adventure at the mystical Plain of Jars before heading to the striking turquoise Kuang Si Falls.

The ancient temples of Luang Prabang will captivate you, while the Four Thousand Islands along the Mekong River provide the perfect finale.


3. Egypt

Boat driving on river Nile in Aswan, Egypt

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $19 (E£956) per day.

  • $7.87 (E£401) on meals
  • $2.64 (E£134) on local transportation
  • $14 (E£700) on hotels 

Egypt stands among the best countries to visit on budget, with daily expenses of only $19.

This surprisingly low cost puts you right near major attractions while covering efficient local transportation.

Aswan, Egypt

Start your Egyptian journey at the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, then venture to the historic Valley of the Kings.

The awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples deserve several days, and no trip is complete without a budget-friendly Nile cruise.


4. Georgia

Tourist enjoy view of Ushguli village in Georgia.

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $37 (GEL103) per day.

  • $14 (GEL39) on meals
  • $5.51 (GEL15) on local transportation
  • $23 (GEL63) on hotels

Georgia emerges as one of the cheap countries to travel to, requiring just $37 per day.

Your budget here ensures comfortable hostels, delicious local cuisine, and transport to remarkable destinations.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Marvel at the ancient Svetitskhoveli Cathedral before exploring the fascinating cave city of Vardzia.

Tbilisi’s charming Old Town will steal your heart, while the dramatic Caucasus Mountains offer adventure at every turn.


5. Mongolia

Mongolia

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $31 (₮106,859) per day

  • $13 (₮45,855) on meals
  • $2.92 (₮9,915) on local transportation
  • $22 (₮74,190) on hotels

Mongolia ranks high among budget-friendly countries to visit, with daily costs of $31.

This modest sum unlocks authentic experiences, from traditional ger stays to hearty local meals.

Gobi Desert in Mongolia

The vast Gobi Desert beckons with endless adventures, while the ancient Erdene Zuu Monastery tells tales of centuries past.

In the stunning Altai Mountains, you can witness the remarkable traditions of nomadic eagle hunters.


6. Myanmar

Bagan in Myanmar

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $39 (MMK127,122) per day

  • $8.75 (MMK28,404) on meals
  • $2.18 (MMK7,079) on local transportation
  • $15 (MMK49,874) on hotels

Myanmar offers exceptional value at $39 daily, proving itself among the cheapest countries for travel.

Your budget covers comfortable accommodations, tasty local food, and transportation to spectacular sites.

Inle Lake Myanmar

The temples of Bagan at sunrise create unforgettable memories.

The golden Shwedagon Pagoda, Inle Lake’s floating villages, and the precarious golden rock of Kyaiktiyo complete your Myanmar experience.


7. India

Jama Masjid New Delhi India

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $45 (₨3,858) per day.

  • $17 (₨1,435) on meals
  • $6.51 (₨553) on local transportation
  • $34 (₨2,861) on hotels

As one of the top 10 cheapest countries in the world, India delivers incredible experiences for $45 per day.

This generous budget ensures comfortable stays and delicious diverse cuisine throughout your journey.

Kerala India

Begin at the majestic Taj Mahal before experiencing the spiritual energy of Varanasi’s ghats.

The ornate palaces of Rajasthan and serene backwaters of Kerala showcase India’s diverse beauty.


8. Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $45 (NP₨6,029) per day

  • $14 (NP₨1,860) on meals
  • $10 (NP₨1,374) on local transportation
  • $33 (NP₨4,471) on hotels

Nepal matches India’s affordability at $45 daily, making it one of the best countries to travel on a budget.

Your money covers basic but clean trekking accommodations and nutritious local meals.

Phewa lake in Pokhara, Nepal

The legendary Everest Base Camp trek awaits the adventurous spirit.

Between hikes, explore ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square, peaceful Pokhara’s lakeside, and spot wildlife in Chitwan National Park.


9. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $63 (LKR18,464) per day

  • $28 (LKR8,050) on meals
  • $5.18 (LKR1,515) on local transportation
  • $51 (LKR14,771) on hotels

Sri Lanka delights budget travelers at $63 per day with tremendous value.

This reasonable budget ensures comfortable stays near the beach and efficient local transportation.

Sri Lanka Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya tells tales of kings past, while Yala National Park teems with exotic wildlife.

Round out your visit with the verdant hill country tea plantations and the colonial charm of Galle Fort.


10. Bolivia

Bolivia Mountains

Budget: Past travelers have spent, on average around $63 ($b437) per day

  • $28 ($b190) on meals
  • $11 ($b79) on local transportation
  • $33 ($b227) on hotels

Bolivia completes our list of cheapest countries to visit at $63 daily. Your budget here provides comfortable hostels and transportation to remarkable destinations.

Salar de Uyuni Bolivia

The otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats create perfect photo opportunities, while Death Road offers thrilling mountain biking adventures.

Ancient cultures come alive on Lake Titicaca’s islands, and the colonial streets of Sucre reveal Bolivia’s rich history.


Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Travel to

Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? These budget-friendly destinations prove that exploring the world doesn’t require a fortune.

Whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas, exploring ancient pyramids, or wandering through colonial cities, these countries offer incredible experiences that cost less than staying home.

Special thanks to Budget Your Travel for providing the comprehensive daily budget data that made this guide possible.

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Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!