This list of the cheapest cities in Europe will show you how to enjoy a European getaway on a budget.
Europe is an amazing and diverse continent full of different climates, cultures, religions, and histories. Although the countries are small and closely located the differences from passing from one border to another can be vast. One of the biggest differences is the prices! Some cities in Europe are notoriously expensive while others are much more budget-friendly.
I often find the more budget-friendly places are less touristy and more welcoming to foreigners! Since the cheaper cities are often less well known than Western European gems like Paris and Amsterdam you will also get to enjoy an off-the-beaten-track holiday.
Discover the 15 cheapest cities in Europe below!
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
15 Cheapest Cities in Europe
5 Cheapest Cities in Europe
- Skopje, Macedonia: Total Average Daily Budget: €55
- Belgrade, Serbia: Total Average Daily Budget: €70
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Total Average Daily Budget: €70
- Ksamil, Albania: Total Average Daily Budget: €75
- Bucharest, Romania: Total Average Daily Budget: €75
Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Herceg Novi: €1.5
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Herceg Novi: €20
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Herceg Novi: €70
- Avg salaries in Herceg Novi: ~€420
- Total Average Daily Budget: €90
Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town located in Montenegro. Beyond being absolutely stunning, Herceg Novi is one of the cheapest cities in Europe, ideal for a budget-friendly holiday. Here you can enjoy beaches, the historic old town, ornate churches, and delicious restaurants.
This small town is one of the less touristy cities in Montenegro. This means that the streets and sites aren’t packed with people, and exploring is much more authentic and enjoyable! Many people who visit Montenegro go to the famous city of Kotor, which is beautiful but much more expensive. Herceg Novi allows you to enjoy the untouched beauty of Montenegro on a budget.
Plus you can make your visit even less than the daily average budget by staying in low-cost accommodation and opting for lower cost restaurants.
Where to Stay in Herceg Novi
Booking.comVilnius, Lithuania
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Vilnius: €2.20
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Vilnius: €35
- Avg price for a 4 star hotel in Vilnius: €75
- Avg salaries in Vilnius: ~€847
- Total Average Daily Budget: €110
Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, is a vibrant and charming city in Eastern Europe. It is not only one of the cheapest cities in Europe but also one of the most magnetic. With its baroque architecture and the medieval old town, it is one of the best cities to visit in the Baltics that is full of things to do and adventures to be had.
The average daily spend in Vilnius is over €110 if you are a traveler who wants to indulge in nice restaurants are 4-star hotels. You could easily make your daily spend under €80 if you opt for a more budget friend accommodation and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Vilnius
Booking.comPrague, Czechia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Prague: €2
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Prague: €30
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Prague: €110
- Avg salaries in Prague: ~€1,178.00
- Total Average Daily Budget: €150
Prague is the capital of Czechia and one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations. Some people think that the only budget-friendly cities in Europe are unknown or untraveled, but Prague, as one of the cheapest cities in Europe, is proof this is not true!
This beautiful city is known for its ornate buildings, rich history, gothic architecture, world-renowned beer culture, and of course its affordable prices. All in all, Prague is a city for travellers of all interests and travel desires! It is also one of the best places to visit in fall in Europe.
Although Prague is one of the more budget-friendly cities in Europe, it is still one of the most pricey on this list. Find ways to save by staying in hostels and opting for low-cost restaurants.
Where to Stay in Prague
Booking.comSarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Sarajevo: €1.30
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Sarajevo: €15
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Sarajevo: €45
- Avg salaries in Sarajevo: ~€454
- Total Average Daily Budget: €70
Sarajevo is the unique and historic capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A visit to Sarajevo feels like you’ve left Europe and landed in the Middle East with its wooden houses, Turkish marketplace, and many mosques. This unique city has a strong and prevalent Muslim character that only adds to its charm. A visit here is more than just one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe, but also one of the more diverse and interesting.
Where to Stay in Sarajevo
Booking.comSkopje, North Macedonia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Skopje: €1.30
- Avg price for a good meal for two Skopje: €17
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Skopje: €40
- Avg salaries in Skopje: ~€380
- Total Average Daily Budget: €55
Skopje is the capital city of North Macedonia that has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC. This historic and unique city is by far one of the cheapest cities in Europe and a must-visit during your budget holiday tour. Spending just €55 a day for a more luxurious holiday, this daily budget can easily be brought down to €30 or even €15!
There is plenty to see and do in Skopje and even more around the capital. It is the perfect place to get lost in with few other tourists and an untouched, undiscovered feel.
Where to Stay in Skopje
Booking.comKsamil, Albania
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Ksamil: €1.10
- Avg price for a good meal for two Ksamil: €15
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Ksamil: €50
- Avg salaries in Ksamil: ~€305
- Total Average Daily Budget: €75
Ksamil is Albania’s hidden gem of a city. Location on the coast just a jump from Corfu, Greece, Ksamil is every bit as blue and beautiful as Greece but 1/4 of the price. This is one of the cheapest cities in Europe where you can enjoy a beach-filled holiday on a budget. Find here beautiful beaches, stunning resorts and incredibly low prices.
This is the perfect place to enjoy a luxurious beach holiday that’s 1/3 of the price of other famous places nearby.
Where to Stay in Ksamil
Booking.comBelgrade, Serbia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Belgrade: €1.40
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Belgrade: €23
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Belgrade: €50
- Avg salaries in Belgrade: €397
- Total Average Daily Budget: €70
Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe that is full of history, stunning sites, and exciting things to do. It has one of the most turbulent and complex histories, yet despite this, Belgrade has risen more beautifully and prosperous than ever. It is a hot spot for all types of travellers with things to do in Belgrade for everyone.
The city is buzzing with excitement, there are tons of amazing restaurants, local shops, and historic monuments, and the best part is that it is incredibly affordable. Belgrade is not just one of the best cities in Eastern Europe but also one of the cheapest cities in Europe and a top travel destination!
Where to Stay in Belgrade
Booking.comRiga, Latvia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Riga: €2.40
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Riga: €38
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Riga: €100
- Avg salaries in Riga: €800
- Total Average Daily Budget: €130
Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is a unique and beautiful city in Europe. It is ideal for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-track European getaway with few tourists yet the same European charm as the Western cities.
The architecture is colourful and unique, there is a charming old town, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. The prices here are half of what you will find in Western Europe making it all the more enjoyable! However, it is not the cheapest of the cheap so keep this in mind.
Where to Stay in Riga
Booking.comBratislava, Slovakia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Bratislava: €2
- Avg price for a good meal for two in Bratislava: €28
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Bratislava: €85
- Avg salaries in Bratislava: €1010
- Total Average Daily Budget: €130
Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is one of the cheapest cities in Europe and a top place to visit in Eastern Europe. This unique city sits along the Danube River and borders Hungary and Austria. It is ideal for slow travel where you can actually walk around and enjoy the beauty of the city without being pushed around by groups of tourists.
Enjoy the well-preserved architecture, beautiful vineyards, 18th-century old town, and famous castle on the hill for the ultimate getaway.
Where to Stay in Bratislava
Booking.comWarsaw, Poland
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Warsaw: €2.40
- Avg price for a meal for two in Warsaw: €28
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Warsaw: €70
- Avg salaries in Warsaw: €965
- Total Average Daily Budget: €90
The entire country of Poland is often considered when looking for budget-friendly places to visit in Europe. One of the cheapest cities in Europe and in Poland is Warsaw. This is a vibrant and colourful city easy to fall in love with. It’s not just the cheap prices that make it attractive but the friendly people, beautiful architecture and plenty of interesting things to do and see.
Where to Stay in Warsaw
Booking.comSofia, Bulgaria
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Sofia: €1.20
- Avg price for a meal for two in Sofia: €20
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Sofia: €60
- Avg salaries in Sofia: €680
- Total Average Daily Budget: €80
Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and an amazing city with an unmatched Balkan charm. This amazing city is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the deep and complex histories ranging from Roman to Greek to Ottoman and more!
All around the city you will discover landmarks reflecting the historic changes and developments, showing what it has been through. Sofia is one of the cheapest cities in Europe so prepare for incredibly low prices, stunning architecture and a lively Eastern European charm.
Where to Stay in Sofia
Booking.comBucharest, Romania
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Bucharest: €1.9
- Avg price for a meal for two in Bucharest: €25
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Bucharest: €50
- Avg salaries in Bucharest: €630
- Total Average Daily Budget: €75
Bucharest is an underrated city in Eastern Europe and the perfect place to visit to enjoy kind people, great food, and a unique travel experience. It is home to many iconic and stunning landmarks and welcomes few tourists so you get to enjoy a travel experience many others miss out on.
Bucharest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe with much to be discovered.
Where st Stay in Bucharest
Booking.comLjubljana, Slovenia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Ljubljana: €1.45
- Avg price for a meal for two in Ljubljana: €35
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Ljubljana: €90
- Avg salaries in Ljubljana: €1,110
- Total Average Daily Budget: €120
Ljubljana is a beautiful city in Slovenia and one of the cheapest cities in Europe. It is colourful, lively and full of discovery. The city center’s architecture is romantic and unique and there is plenty to do and see but not so much that you feel overwhelmed.
The daily budget for travel is around €120 but this is if you are spending freely, you can easily make this much lower!
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
Booking.comTallinn, Estonia
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Tallinn: €2.60
- Avg price for a meal for two in Tallinn: €40
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Tallinn: €85
- Avg salaries in Tallinn: €1,150
- Total Average Daily Budget: €130
Tallinn, the capital city of the beautiful country of Estonia, is located along the Baltic Sea and is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. Estonia is one of Europe’s most up-and-coming travel destinations that is safe, welcoming and above all beautiful. A visit here is ideal for a budget holiday full of stunning architecture, cute cafes and a unique travel experience.
Where to Stay in Tallinn
Booking.comBudapest, Hungary
- Avg price for one cappuccino in Budapest: €1.45
- Avg price for a meal for two in Budapest €30
- Avg price for a 3-4 star hotel in Budapest: €100
- Avg salaries in Budapest: €770
- Total Average Daily Budget: €145
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is a rich and culture-filled city. It is one of the most “expensive” of the cheapest cities in Europe but still can be made even cheaper with lower-cost accommodation and food.
This gem of a city will wow you from start to finish. Most people spend only a few days in Budapest and leave wishing for more. With its magnetic attractions, ornate architecture, and a plethora of things to do and see, Budapest should be at the top of your visit list.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Booking.comTravel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
This list of the cheapest cities in Europe is only the beginning! There are many more to be added and explored but this is an excellent starting point.
Like this post? Pin “15 Cheapest Cities in Europe” for later!
Love,
SSW
Love the pic of Vilnius. So much color. Great guide for traveling on a budget.
As soon as I saw the Balkans on your list, I knew it was legit! There are so many places in Europe which are inaccessible for many to travel to, and it’s so good to know how many are more budget-friendly yet equally beautiful!
What an exciting list! Nice to know that there are affordable more low-key cities in Europe that are equally as amazing as the major “tourist hub” cities in Europe. There are so many places on this list I’d love to visit. Really looking forward to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Albania, and Romania.
I’ve always wanted to visit Romania!
Awesome list! Bucharest is on my list!
Some fab ideas and heaps of info! Will definitely be using this resource when I’m planning a new European trip!
It was terrific to find out about all these places! North Makedonia and Albania really surprised me with how cheap and at the same time breathtaking these places are!