Preparing for the worst could save your life
From the same databases, here are the seven most expensive cities to visit in 2025. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of these cities are located in Switzerland.
Albania’s capital is a budget-friendly gem, with a fascinating mix of Communist-era history and vibrant street art. Prices are low for everything from meals to drinks, with many local restaurants and bars offering great value for money.
As a former European Capital of Culture, Kaunas offers tons of free or low-cost cultural experiences. With its affordable accommodations and cheap pints, it’s a great value city for those exploring Lithuania on a budget.
Porto remains one of the most affordable major cities in Western Europe, especially when compared to Lisbon. You can enjoy hearty meals with wine and visit top-notch attractions, all without breaking the bank.
Zagreb is often overlooked in favor of Croatia’s coastal cities, making it a great budget option. With low public transport costs, cheap meals, and affordable accommodation, it's perfect for travelers looking to explore Croatian culture on a budget.
This charming medieval town offers a more affordable alternative to Prague, with its picturesque streets, castle, and cozy cafés all easily accessible on a budget. It’s a perfect getaway for those looking for beauty and history without high costs.
Bucharest is famous for its bargain nightlife and low-cost traditional meals, with many local spots offering hearty food and drinks at budget prices. It's an under-the-radar European city that gives you the best value for your money.
Hull is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets when it comes to affordable city breaks. Known for its rich history and thriving arts scene, you’ll find low-cost accommodations and dining, making it a great value destination in an otherwise expensive country.
Sofia is both stunning and surprisingly cheap, with affordable accommodation, food, and drink prices. Its beautiful churches and parks, plus low tourist numbers, make it an excellent city for those looking for history and culture on a budget.
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Argos offers rich archaeological sites and tranquil vibes without the high costs of other Greek tourist hotspots. It’s the perfect spot for exploring ancient ruins in peace, with budget-friendly accommodations and meals.
Kraków is a city that beautifully combines medieval charm with a lively atmosphere, offering many festivals and cultural experiences without the steep price tags. Affordable accommodation and dining options make it a great place to explore Polish culture without spending a fortune.
Known for its wild nightlife and artistic vibe, Belgrade is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. From inexpensive drinks to budget accommodations, it’s an energetic destination for travelers looking for a lively atmosphere without high prices.
This quaint fishing village offers a quiet escape with delicious seafood and spectacular ocean views, all at very affordable prices. Unlike the tourist-heavy areas in Malta, Marsalforn provides a peaceful retreat where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze without splurging.
Riga boasts stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a dynamic cultural scene, all at prices much lower than other European capitals. The city's nightlife is cheap, and there are plenty of free or inexpensive things to do, making it a great value destination in the Baltics.
Vilnius offers affordable stays, cheap eats, and free attractions. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its historic streets and cozy cafés, is perfect for walking, while Gediminas Castle provides panoramic views without a high cost.
Known for its stunning architecture and thermal baths, Budapest is a budget haven. With pints as low as under two US dollars and hotel rooms from US$27, it’s ideal for exploring landmarks like Fisherman’s Bastion and vibrant ruin bars.
Warsaw blends history, culture, and affordability. You can visit the reconstructed Old Town and world-class museums, and enjoy affordable Polish food while navigating the city’s efficient, low-cost public transport.
Ljubljana offers picturesque riverside cafés, green spaces, and fairytale architecture. Most attractions, including Dragon Bridge, are free, and the low-cost Ljubljana Castle entrance fee makes it a perfect budget destination.
Just a short distance from Vienna, Bratislava remains a budget-friendly city. Its quiet historic center and low accommodation and dining costs make it ideal for those wanting to relax and explore affordably.
While slightly pricier than its Baltic neighbors, Tallinn still offers great value with its medieval Old Town, cheap eats, and budget stays, making it a top choice for affordable travel in the region.
Reggio Calabria is an affordable alternative to Italy’s priciest cities. With sun-soaked beaches, delicious local wine from US$3.50 a bottle, and views of the Ionian Sea, it’s a perfect spot to relax without the high price tag.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site and former European Capital of Culture, Graz offers cultural richness at a fraction of the cost of other Austrian cities. With its affordable Airbnb options and low-cost pints, it’s a budget-friendly choice for travelers seeking art and history.
Zurich is expensive to visit due to Switzerland's high cost of living, strong Swiss franc, and the city’s premium prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation. Additionally, Zurich's status as a global financial hub and popular tourist destination drives up costs.
Another Swiss city, Lucerne, is noted for its substantial travel costs, particularly in accommodation and meals.
Sources: (The Times) (Time Out) (Weather2Travel) (The Europe Backpacker Index) (Statista)
Geneva's expenses are notably high across various categories, including lodging and meals, contributing to its reputation as a costly destination.
Known for its high costs of accommodation, food, and transportation, Basel ranked as the most expensive city in Europe for travelers in one study conducted by the travel website Weather2Travel.
Oslo is recognized for its elevated costs in accommodation, food, and transport, making it one of the most expensive cities in Europe, compounded by its popularity as a tourist destination.
Visiting Reykjavik is expensive due to high accommodation, food, and transportation costs, driven by limited resources, high import taxes, and high demand from tourists.
Bern is expensive to visit due to Switzerland's high cost of living, strong currency, and steep prices for accommodation, food, and transport, with additional costs reflecting its status as the capital city.
Europe offers a diverse range of travel experiences, but for budget-conscious travelers, finding affordable destinations is key. According to recent research and data from Time Out, The Times, Weather2Travel, the Europe Backpacker Index, and Statista, several cities across the continent stand out for their affordability without compromising on charm or culture.
From charming historic towns to vibrant cultural hubs, these cities offer an unforgettable European experience at a fraction of the cost, making them perfect for anyone looking to explore Europe on a budget.
In this gallery, you'll find the top 21 most affordable cities in Europe, as well as the most expensive ones. Click through to get started.
Travel on a budget: cheapest European cities to visit in 2025
Explore these budget-friendly European escapes
TRAVEL Vacation
Europe offers a diverse range of travel experiences, but for budget-conscious travelers, finding affordable destinations is key. According to recent research and data from Time Out, The Times, Weather2Travel, the Europe Backpacker Index, and Statista, several cities across the continent stand out for their affordability without compromising on charm or culture.
From charming historic towns to vibrant cultural hubs, these cities offer an unforgettable European experience at a fraction of the cost, making them perfect for anyone looking to explore Europe on a budget.
In this gallery, you'll find the top 21 most affordable cities in Europe, as well as the most expensive ones. Click through to get started.