Cheap European Cities: Daily Costs for Budget Travelers
Explore Europe without breaking the bank! This comprehensive guide to cheap european cities daily costs reveals the most affordable destinations where you can travel comfortably for under €50-80 per day, including all expenses.
Updated: January 20258 min read
Cheap European Cities Daily Costs Overview
€25-45
Ultra Budget Cities
Sofia, Bucharest, Krakow
€40-65
Very Affordable Cities
Prague, Porto, Budapest
€50-80
Affordable Cities
Lisbon, Athens, Valencia
Understanding cheap european cities daily costs is essential for budget travelers looking to maximize their European adventure. Our Europe trip planner specializes in creating affordable itineraries for these budget-friendly destinations, helping you stretch your euros further.
Cheap European Cities: Detailed Daily Cost Breakdowns
Krakow
Poland
€30-50
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€15-25
- 🍽️Meals:€10-15
- 🚇Transport:€2-4
- 🎟️Attractions:€3-6
Budget Highlights:
Budapest
Hungary
€35-55
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€15-30
- 🍽️Meals:€12-18
- 🚇Transport:€3-5
- 🎟️Attractions:€5-8
Budget Highlights:
Prague
Czech Republic
€40-65
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€20-35
- 🍽️Meals:€12-20
- 🚇Transport:€3-5
- 🎟️Attractions:€5-10
Budget Highlights:
Porto
Portugal
€45-70
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€20-35
- 🍽️Meals:€15-25
- 🚇Transport:€4-6
- 🎟️Attractions:€6-10
Budget Highlights:
Sofia
Bulgaria
€25-45
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€12-22
- 🍽️Meals:€8-15
- 🚇Transport:€2-3
- 🎟️Attractions:€3-5
Budget Highlights:
Bucharest
Romania
€28-48
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€12-25
- 🍽️Meals:€10-15
- 🚇Transport:€2-3
- 🎟️Attractions:€4-5
Budget Highlights:
Belgrade
Serbia
€30-50
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€12-25
- 🍽️Meals:€12-18
- 🚇Transport:€2-3
- 🎟️Attractions:€4-6
Budget Highlights:
Lisbon
Portugal
€50-80
per day
- 🛏️Accommodation:€25-40
- 🍽️Meals:€18-28
- 🚇Transport:€4-7
- 🎟️Attractions:€5-10
Budget Highlights:
Why These European Cities Have Low Daily Costs
Eastern Europe Advantages
Lower Cost of Living
Local prices are 40-60% lower than Western Europe
Favorable Exchange Rates
Non-Euro currencies often provide better value
Affordable Public Transport
Metro and tram tickets cost €0.50-2 per ride
Southern Europe Benefits
Cheap Local Food Culture
Tapas, street food, and local markets offer great value
Free Outdoor Activities
Beaches, hiking trails, and parks cost nothing
Budget Accommodation Options
Hostels, pensions, and guesthouses are plentiful
How to Maximize Savings in Cheap European Cities
Accommodation Hacks
- Stay in hostel dorms for €10-20/night
- Book directly with local guesthouses
- Use Couchsurfing for free stays
- Consider house-sitting opportunities
- Stay outside tourist centers
Food Savings
- Shop at local markets for fresh produce
- Eat lunch specials (€5-8) instead of dinner
- Buy groceries and cook in hostel kitchens
- Try street food and food trucks
- Drink tap water (safe in most cities)
Transport Tips
- Walk whenever possible - most cities are compact
- Buy day/week transport passes
- Use bike-sharing systems
- Book buses instead of trains between cities
- Travel overnight to save on accommodation
Sample Itineraries: Cheap European Cities Daily Costs in Action
Eastern Europe Circuit (14 days)
€500-700 total
Route: Krakow (3 days) → Budapest (4 days) → Belgrade (3 days) → Sofia (4 days)
Daily Cost: €35-50
Transport: Buses between cities (€15-25)
Highlights: Historic centers, thermal baths, nightlife, mountain hikes
Balkans Adventure (10 days)
€400-600 total
Route: Belgrade (3 days) → Sarajevo (3 days) → Split (4 days)
Daily Cost: €40-60
Transport: Local buses (€10-20)
Highlights: War history, Ottoman architecture, Adriatic beaches
Iberian Peninsula (12 days)
€700-1000 total
Route: Porto (3 days) → Lisbon (4 days) → Seville (3 days) → Valencia (2 days)
Daily Cost: €60-80
Transport: Buses and regional trains
Highlights: Port wine, fado music, tapas culture, beaches
Seasonal Variations in Cheap European Cities Daily Costs
🌸 Spring (March-May) & 🍂 Fall (Sept-Nov)
Best value seasons for cheap european cities daily costs
- ✓Accommodation 20-30% cheaper than summer
- ✓Perfect weather for sightseeing
- ✓Fewer tourists at major attractions
- ✓Local festivals and events
☀️ Summer (June-Aug) & ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Mixed value seasons with varying costs
- →Summer: Higher prices but more free events
- →Winter: Cheapest accommodation (except holidays)
- →Christmas markets add unique experiences
- →Indoor attractions less crowded in winter
Start Planning Your Budget European Adventure
Now that you understand cheap european cities daily costs, you can confidently plan an amazing European journey without overspending. These affordable destinations offer incredible experiences, rich history, and vibrant cultures at a fraction of the cost of Western European capitals.
Whether you're backpacking on €30 a day or traveling comfortably on €60-80, these cheap European cities provide exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers.
Plan Your Budget Trip to Cheap European Cities
Get personalized itineraries optimized for cheap european cities daily costs.
Create Your Budget Europe Itinerary