Europe has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to travel — but that reputation isn’t always deserved.
While cities like Paris, London, and Zurich can quickly drain your budget, many parts of Europe are surprisingly affordable if you know where to go and how to plan. From cheap flights between countries to budget-friendly destinations in Eastern and Southern Europe, the cost of visiting Europe varies massively depending on your travel style.
In this guide, we’ll break down whether Europe is truly expensive to visit, looking at daily costs, accommodation, food, transportation, and destination choices. By the end, you’ll know exactly how much money you need for a trip to Europe and how to travel smarter in 2026.
How Expensive is Europe compared to other regions?
Europe is not a single-priced destination — it’s a continent with some of the most expensive and most affordable countries in the world sitting side by side.
Compared to regions like Southeast Asia or South America, Europe generally has higher accommodation and food costs. However, when compared to destinations like the United States, Australia, or Japan, many European countries are actually more affordable, especially when it comes to public transport and budget flights.
The biggest mistake travelers make is assuming Europe is expensive everywhere. In reality, your daily budget in Europe can range from €50 per day in cheaper countries to €200+ per day in premium destinations — all within a few hours of travel from each other.
Average daily cost to travel in Europe (budget vs mid-range vs luxury)
The cost of traveling in Europe depends heavily on your travel style. Two travelers visiting the same city can spend completely different amounts per day based on accommodation, food choices, and activities.
Below is a realistic breakdown of average daily travel costs in Europe in 2026.
💰 Average daily costs in Europe
| Travel tyle | Daily Budget (per person) | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €50–€80 | Hostels, budget hotels, street food, free attractions |
| Mid-range | €90–€150 | 3–4★ hotels, restaurants, paid attractions |
| Luxury | €200+ | 4–5★ hotels, tours, fine dining |
These are averages, not guarantees. Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam usually sit at the higher end, while destinations in Eastern and Southern Europe are often much cheaper.
Which European countries are the most expensive?
Not all European destinations are created equal. Some countries consistently rank among the most expensive places to visit in Europe, mainly due to high accommodation prices and strong currencies.
The most expensive European countries for travelers typically include:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Denmark
- France (especially Paris)
In these destinations, even budget travelers may struggle to keep costs low, particularly in major cities and tourist-heavy areas.
The cheapest countries to visit in Europe
If you’re traveling on a budget, Europe can actually be very affordable — as long as you choose the right countries. Eastern and parts of Southern Europe offer excellent value for money, with low accommodation costs, affordable food, and cheap public transport.
Some of the cheapest European countries to visit include:
- Albania
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Portugal
These destinations allow travelers to experience Europe without the high prices found in Western and Northern Europe.
How to travel Europe on a budget
Traveling Europe cheaply is not about skipping experiences — it’s about making smart choices. With the right planning, you can keep your costs low while still enjoying iconic destinations.
Here are some proven tips to save money while traveling in Europe:
- Use budget airlines and trains for intercity travel
- Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels
- Eat at local bakeries, street food spots, and markets
- Travel in the shoulder season instead of peak summer
- Take advantage of free walking tours and museums
These strategies can easily reduce your daily budget by 30–40%.
Is Europe expensive compared to the United States?
Many travelers from the United States assume Europe will be more expensive — but in reality, the costs are often similar or even lower, depending on where you go.
While hotel prices in major European cities can be high, Europe often beats the US in:
- Public transportation prices
- Budget accommodation options
- Intercity travel (trains and budget flights)
Food costs in Europe can also be lower, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, where eating out is often cheaper than in large American cities.
For many travelers, Europe ends up costing less per day than the US, particularly when visiting countries outside the most popular tourist hotspots.
Is Europe worth the Cost?
Whether Europe is worth the cost depends on what you’re looking for in a trip.
Europe offers:
- Diverse cultures and languages in a small geographic area
- World-class history, architecture, and museums
- Excellent transportation infrastructure
- A wide range of destinations for every budget
For travelers who value variety, convenience, and cultural depth, Europe often delivers excellent value for money, even if some destinations are more expensive than others.
By choosing the right countries and travel style, many travelers find that Europe is not as expensive as expected — and often worth every euro.
Frequently Asked Questions about traveling Europe on a budget
Is €100 a day enough for Europe?
Yes, in many European countries €100 per day is enough, especially in Eastern and Southern Europe. In more expensive cities, it may require careful budgeting.
What is the cheapest month to visit Europe?
The cheapest months to visit Europe are typically November, January, and February, excluding major holidays.
Can you travel Europe cheaply without a car?
Yes. Europe has one of the best public transport networks in the world, making it easy and affordable to travel without a car.
Is Europe cheaper than Asia?
Generally, Europe is more expensive than Southeast Asia, but budget travelers can still find affordable options in parts of Europe.
Hidden costs that make Europe feel more expensive
Europe doesn’t just feel expensive because of accommodation and food — it’s often the small, unexpected expenses that add up over time.
Some hidden costs to watch out for include:
- City tourist taxes charged per night
- Checked baggage fees on budget airlines
- Seat reservations on high-speed trains
- Attraction fees in major cities
- Currency exchange fees in non-euro countries
Being aware of these costs ahead of time can help you plan more accurately and avoid budget surprises during your trip.
So, is Europe expensive to visit?
Europe can be expensive — but it doesn’t have to be.
By choosing the right destinations, traveling outside peak season, and planning your budget carefully, it’s possible to explore Europe without overspending. For many travelers, Europe offers a level of cultural diversity, convenience, and quality that makes the cost worthwhile.
If you’re still planning your trip, understanding the real costs upfront will help you travel smarter and enjoy Europe without unnecessary financial stress.
