The cost of a trip to Europe depends mainly on travel style, length of stay, destinations, and timing. How much does a trip to Europe cost? A Europe trip can cost anywhere from $70 per day on a tight budget to $300+ per day for a comfortable or luxury experience. Below is a clear, realistic breakdown so you know what to expect before planning.
Quick cost overview
Estimated daily cost per person (excluding flights):
- Budget / backpacker: $70–$110
- Mid-range traveler: $150–$220
- Luxury traveler: $300+
Typical 2-week Europe trip (excluding flights):
- Budget: $1,200–$1,600
- Mid-range: $2,100–$3,000
- Luxury: $4,200+
Flights are usually an additional $500–$1,200, depending on where you’re flying from and the season.
What affects the cost of a trip to Europe?
Travel Style
- Backpacking: hostels, public transport, cheap food
- Mid-range: hotels or private apartments, restaurants, attractions
- Luxury: high-end hotels, tours, taxis, fine dining
Destinations
Western Europe is generally more expensive than Central and Eastern Europe. Mixing regions can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Length of trip
Longer trips reduce daily average costs (weekly passes, apartment rentals, fewer flights).
Time of year
- Cheapest: late fall, winter (excluding holidays)
- Moderate: spring and early fall
- Most expensive: summer
Accommodation costs
Per night (per person):
- Hostel dorm: $20–$45
- Budget hotel / private room: $60–$120
- Mid-range hotel: $120–$220
- Luxury hotel: $300+
Tip: Staying slightly outside city centers and using public transport saves a lot. Also Europe is huge, try to avoid capitals or big cities like Rome for example and go to Reggio, Calabria. It will save you hundreds if you skip the main cities and you’re on a budget.
Transportation costs
Flights to Europe
- North America → Europe: $500–$1,200 round trip
- Cheapest when booked 2–4 months in advance
Getting around Europe
- Budget flights: $20–$80 per flight
- Trains (regional): $30–$90
- High-speed trains: $70–$150
- Public transport (daily): $5–$15
Tip: Combining trains with occasional budget flights keeps costs reasonable.
Food costs
Daily food budget:
- Street food / grocery meals: $15–$30
- Mix of casual restaurants: $35–$60
- Sit-down restaurants daily: $70–$100+
Grocery stores and bakeries are the easiest way to keep food costs low.
Attractions & activities
- Museums: $10–$25
- City attractions / landmarks: $15–$40
- Guided tours / day trips: $50–$150
Many cities offer free walking tours and discounted museum days.
How much does a backpacking trip to Europe cost?
Typical backpacker budget (per day):
- Accommodation: $25–$40
- Food: $20–$30
- Transport: $10–$20
- Activities: $10–$20
Total: $65–$110 per day
A one-month backpacking trip often costs $2,000–$3,000, excluding flights.
How much does a two-week trip to Europe cost?
Estimated 14-day costs per person (excluding flights):
- Budget: $1,200–$1,600
- Mid-range: $2,100–$3,000
- Luxury: $4,200+
Add flights to get your total trip cost.
Western vs Eastern Europe: Cost Comparison
Western Europe (higher costs):
- Daily budget: $150–$250
- Accommodation and food are the biggest expenses
Eastern & Central Europe (lower costs, but hidden gems):
- Daily budget: $70–$130
- Cheaper lodging, food, and transport
Mixing both regions keeps the trip affordable without sacrificing experience.
Ways to save money on a Europe Trip
- Travel outside peak summer
- Use trains instead of last-minute flights
- Stay in apartments for longer trips
- Eat one main restaurant meal per day
- Walk whenever possible
- Book attractions online in advance
How much does a trip to Europe cost? FAQs:
How much does it cost for a trip to Europe?
Most travelers spend $1,500–$3,000 for two weeks, excluding flights. Budget and destination choices make a big difference.
How much does a backpacking trip to Europe cost?
A backpacking trip typically costs $65–$110 per day, excluding flights.
How much does a two week trip to Europe cost?
A two-week trip usually costs $1,200–$3,000, depending on travel style.
Is Europe more expensive than the US?
Western Europe can be similar in price to major US cities, while Eastern Europe is generally cheaper.
What is the cheapest way to travel Europe?
Staying in hostels, using public transport, cooking some meals, and traveling in shoulder seasons keeps costs low.
Takeaway
So, how much does a trip to Europe cost?
It can be surprisingly affordable or comfortably expensive — it all depends on how you travel and when you travel to Europe. With smart planning, Europe fits a wide range of budgets, making it one of the most flexible travel destinations in the world. If you’re considering destinations outside Europe, you might also want to see how much a trip to South Africa costs, especially for budget travelers.
