The Cheapest Countries in Europe
The Complete Ranking with Official
Traveling around Europe doesn't have to be expensive. Despite its reputation as a costly destination, the continent has huge price differences between countries — and some of the cheapest also offer some of the most beautiful, least crowded destinations. In this guide, we've put together the official ranking of the cheapest countries in Europe, based on Eurostat data, along with practical information for planning a budget-friendly trip.
Unlike many lists based on personal impressions, this ranking is built on Eurostat's Price Level Index, which compares the cost of more than 2,000 goods and services across 36 European countries. The lower a country's index compared to the European Union average, set at 100, the cheaper it is.
From Turkey to the Balkans, and on through Eastern Europe, these are the destinations where your budget goes furthest.
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- 1 – How We Calculated the Cheapest Countries in Europe
- 2 – Turkey
- 3 – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 4 – Romania
- 5 – Bulgaria
- 6 – Montenegro
- 7 – Serbia
- 8 – Albania
- 9 – Poland
- 10 – Hungary
- 11 – Other Affordable Countries in Europe
- 12 – How Much Does It Cost to Travel Budget Europe
- 13 – Tips for Saving Money in Europe
- 14 – Frequently Asked Questions
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
1 – How We Calculated the Cheapest Countries in Europe
Eurostat's Price Level Index compares the cost of consumer goods and services — food, transportation, dining out, clothing, electronics, and more — across 36 European countries, including the 27 European Union member states, three EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland), and six candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey).
In this article, we use the Actual Individual Consumption (AIC) indicator, which Eurostat considers the most appropriate for international comparisons, with the European Union average set at 100. A country with an index of 60, for example, is about 40% cheaper than the EU average.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
2 – Turkey
According to the latest Eurostat data, Turkey is the cheapest country in Europe in terms of consumer prices, with an index of just 52.2, about half the European Union average. Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, remains one of the continent's most sought-after city destinations, with the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus among its main attractions.
Price index (EU=100):
52.2
Top attractions:
Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar), Cappadocia, Pamukkale.
Practical tip:
A meal at a local restaurant costs, on average, between €5 and €10, and public transportation in Istanbul is extremely affordable.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
3 – Bosnia and Herzegovina
With a price index of 55.7, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and one of the most surprising. Sarajevo, with its Ottoman-era Baščaršija old town and museums dedicated to the 1990s war, is one of the continent's most fascinating and least-visited capitals. Mostar, with its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), is an essential stop.
Price index (EU=100):
55.7
Top attractions:
Sarajevo (Baščaršija, War Tunnel Museum), Mostar (Stari Most), Una National Park.
Practical tip:
Hostel accommodation starts at €12 to €15 a night; bus travel between cities is very affordable.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
4 – Romania
Romania comes in with an index of 58.9, and it's also the cheapest country in the European Union for food, according to Eurostat. Bucharest, with its imposing Palace of the Parliament, and the Transylvania region, with Bran Castle tied to the Dracula legend and medieval towns like Sighișoara and Brașov, offer a rare combination of historical heritage and very low prices.
Price index (EU=100):
58.9
Top attractions:
Bucharest, Bran Castle, Sighișoara, Brașov, Transylvania.
Practical tip:
A full meal at a local restaurant costs, on average, under €10.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
5 – Bulgaria
Bulgaria has, according to Eurostat, the lowest prices in the European Union in several categories, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and clothing, with an overall index of 60. Sofia, the capital, blends Soviet-era architecture with gold-domed churches and serves as a starting point for Mount Vitosha. The Black Sea coast, with Varna and Nessebar, is another popular summer option.
Price index (EU=100):
60
Top attractions:
Sofia, Plovdiv, Mount Vitosha, Black Sea Coast (Varna, Nessebar).
Practical tip:
A room in central Sofia rents for about €360 a month; for short stays, hostels start at €10 a night.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
6 – Montenegro
With an index of 61, Montenegro is one of Europe's best-kept secrets: the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rivals the Norwegian fjords in beauty, at a fraction of the cost. Budva and Sveti Stefan draw those looking for beaches and nightlife, while Durmitor National Park is ideal for nature and mountain lovers.
Price index (EU=100):
61
Top attractions:
Bay of Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Durmitor National Park.
Practical tip:
Restaurants and hotels are cheaper than in neighboring Croatia, especially outside the peak month of August.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
7 – Serbia
Serbia, with an index of 62.5, is known for the energy of Belgrade, a capital that doesn't try to be charming the way Prague or Vienna does — it's raw, authentic, and has a legendary nightlife, especially in the floating river clubs (splavovi) along the Danube and Sava. Novi Sad, home of the EXIT festival, is another popular stop.
Price index (EU=100):
62.5
Top attractions:
Belgrade (Kalemegdan Fortress, Skadarlija), Novi Sad.
Practical tip:
Nightlife and dining out are particularly affordable, even by regional standards.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
8 – Albania
Albania, with an index of 65.7, has been one of the fastest-growing destinations in popularity in recent years, and prices haven't caught up yet. Tirana, the capital, is chaotic and colorful, while the Albanian Riviera, with beaches like Ksamil and Dhërmi, has been compared to Greece, at a fraction of the price.
Price index (EU=100):
65.7
Top attractions:
Tirana, Albanian Riviera (Ksamil, Dhërmi, Saranda), Berat.
Practical tip:
The country runs largely on cash; bring cash and withdraw lek from bank ATMs to avoid high conversion fees.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
9 – Poland
With an index of 71.1, Poland combines intense history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and very inviting prices. Krakow is consistently ranked as one of Europe's best-value cities, with its Market Square, Wawel Castle, and the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Warsaw, rebuilt after World War II, offers a fascinating mix of history and modernity.
Price index (EU=100):
71.1
Top attractions:
Krakow (Wawel Castle, Wieliczka Salt Mine), Warsaw, Gdańsk.
Practical tip:
Look for a "bar mleczny" (milk bar), low-cost canteens dating back to the communist era, for a full meal for just a few euros.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
10 – Hungary
Hungary, with an index of 71.6, has in Budapest one of the favorite city destinations for travelers seeking good value in Europe. The city combines stunning architecture, historic thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért, and lively nightlife at its "ruin bars." Outside the capital, it's worth visiting Eger, a wine town, and Lake Balaton in summer.
Price index (EU=100):
71.6
Top attractions:
Budapest (Buda Castle, thermal baths), Eger, Lake Balaton.
Practical tip:
Hostel rates range from €15 to €25; 3-star hotels from €50 to €80 per room.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
11 – Other Affordable Countries in Europe
Croatia (index 76.3):
Dalmatia and its islands remain cheaper than neighboring Italy, especially outside Dubrovnik.
Slovakia (index 81.4):
Bratislava is a more affordable alternative to Vienna, just an hour away.
Lithuania (index 81.4):
Vilnius has one of the best-preserved Baroque old towns in the Baltic countries.
Czechia (index 82):
Prague remains cheaper than London or Amsterdam, especially outside the most touristy parts of the old town.
Greece (index 84):
Lesser-known islands, away from Santorini and Mykonos, offer equally beautiful beaches at much lower prices.
Portugal (index 85.3):
Even as a Western European country, Portugal remains among the most affordable in the region, with Lisbon and Porto clearly cheaper than Paris, London, or Zurich.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
12 – How Much Does It Cost to Travel Budget Europe
In the cheapest countries in Europe, it's possible to travel comfortably on a daily budget of between €30 and €50 per person, including accommodation in a hostel or budget hotel, three meals, and local transportation. For travelers on a tighter budget, staying in shared hostels and prioritizing street food, that figure can drop to €20 to €25 a day.
In the more expensive countries of Western Europe, the same style of travel can easily exceed €100 to €150 a day, which shows just how much choosing the right destination really matters.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
13 – Tips for Saving Money in Europe
Travel in low or shoulder season:
May, June, and September offer lower prices than July and August in nearly every destination.
Combine several countries in one trip:
The Balkans, in particular, are well connected by affordable bus routes, making it easy to visit several countries in a single trip.
Choose overland transport over domestic flights:
Trains and buses between neighboring countries often cost a fraction of a flight.
Eat like a local:
Markets, bakeries, and restaurants outside the most central tourist areas are always better value.
Always get travel insurance:
Even in budget destinations, travel insurance with medical coverage is essential, and in some cases required to enter the Schengen area.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
14 – Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Countries in Europe
What is the cheapest country in Europe in 2026?
According to the latest Eurostat data, Turkey is the cheapest country in Europe in terms of consumer prices, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania.
What is the cheapest country in the European Union?
Among European Union member states, Romania and Bulgaria are consistently the cheapest, with price indices between 40% and 50% below the EU average.
How much does it cost, on average, to travel around the cheapest countries in Europe?
With a daily budget of between €30 and €50 per person, it's possible to travel comfortably, including accommodation, food, and local transportation, in the continent's most affordable destinations.
Is Portugal a cheap country to travel to in Europe?
Yes, comparatively. With a price index of 85.3, Portugal is among the most affordable countries in Western Europe, cheaper than Spain, France, or the United Kingdom.
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The Cheapest Countries in Europe
Conclusion
The cheapest countries in Europe prove that it's possible to experience the continent without blowing your budget, and often without giving up historical heritage, natural landscapes, and culinary experiences on par with the more expensive, touristy destinations.
From Turkey to the Balkans, and on through Eastern Europe, there's always an affordable destination waiting to be discovered. Save this guide and start planning your next trip without breaking the bank.
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