Cheapest Countries in Europe

This article seeks to present information on Europe’s 10 least costly destinations for tourists, backpackers and expats alike. We’ll cover how each nation was determined in terms of cost while exploring criteria used to rank it and highlighting features which make each an affordable location. Let’s check out some of the cheapest countries in Europe.

To determine our ranking, we took into account factors including cost of accommodation, food and drink expenses, transportation and entertainment as well as currency conversion rates between each nation’s currency and US Dollar as well as overall living costs.

In this article, we’ll give a short introduction to Europe’s top 10 least expensive countries and highlight their key attractions that make each destination affordable yet offer something extra to visitors looking for an adventure on a tight budget. These destinations boast diverse cultural, historic, and natural wonders which make travel worthwhile despite limited funds.

Top-10 list of Europe’s cheapest countries

Under these headings we will delve deeper into each country in Europe, demonstrating why they deserve consideration on your next European adventure. Starting with Ukraine, Romania and Georgia through Georgia and Armenia to Bulgaria Poland Hungary Slovakia Czech Republic Bosnia & Herzegovina for example.

A lot of people wonder about the cheapest countries in Eastern Europe, or the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. The cheapest countries to retire in Europe is also a very popular topic. For students it is important to know what are the cheapest countries to study in Europe, or the cheapest countries to live in Europe. For people who love to travel, they would like to know the cheapest countries to fly to in Europe and the cheapest non Schengen countries in Europe. We are going to cover all these topics.

Methodology

To identify Europe’s 10 cheapest countries, we devised a methodology which takes into account multiple elements affecting travelers’ cost of living. Specifically, this included analysis of accommodation, food & drink, transportation & entertainment expenses in each country as well as their respective exchange rate against US dollars.

Before gathering data from various sources – travel blogs, budget travel guides and official tourism websites – to gain an overall picture of living costs in European countries, we used this data to compare each nation with regard to living costs relative to others.

As part of our accommodation analysis, we evaluated the costs associated with hostels, budget hotels and short-term apartment rentals. Furthermore, we considered food and beverage expenses, such as those found at local restaurants or supermarkets as well as beer or wine prices.

Transportation-wise, we analyzed the costs associated with public transport such as buses, trams and metros as well as fuel and car rental expenses as well as entertainment such as museum admission fees or tours and similar activities.

In order to ensure accuracy in our rankings, we drew data from multiple sources such as Numbeo (a cost of living database) and Budget Your Trip (travel cost calculator). In addition, we utilized government websites, like National Tourism Offices and World Bank data.

Overall, our methodology for selecting Europe’s ten cheapest countries took into account various elements that affect cost of living for travelers. By consulting reliable data sources and offering accurate yet useful advice to budget-minded travellers planning trips across Europe.

Top 5 Cheapest Countries in Europe

For Canadian travelers looking for affordable destinations in Europe, the following countries offer the best value for money:

• Ukraine is the cheapest country in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 25. Accommodation is particularly affordable, with a hostel bed costing as little as CAD 5 per night. Transportation costs are also low, with a single metro ticket costing less than CAD 0.50. Additionally, food and drink prices are incredibly reasonable, with a meal in a local restaurant costing as little as CAD 3.
• Romania is another highly affordable destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 30. Budget accommodation options are widely available, with hostel beds starting at around CAD 10 per night. Local transportation is also very affordable, with a bus or tram ride costing less than CAD 0.75. For food and drink, traditional Romanian dishes are both delicious and inexpensive, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 5.
• Georgia is a unique and affordable destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 35. Hostels are reasonably priced, with beds starting at around CAD 10 per night. Public transport is also inexpensive, with a metro ride costing less than CAD 0.50. Furthermore, Georgia is known for its delicious and affordable cuisine, with a meal in a local restaurant costing as little as CAD 5.
• Armenia is another affordable destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 35. Hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 10 per night. Local transportation is also affordable, with a bus ride costing less than CAD 0.50. Additionally, Armenian cuisine is both tasty and affordable, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 6.
• Bulgaria is a popular and affordable destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 40. Hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 10 per night. Local transportation is also reasonably priced, with a metro or bus ride costing less than CAD 1. Furthermore, Bulgaria is known for its delicious and affordable cuisine, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 6.

Overall, each of these countries offers affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, making them ideal for Canadian travelers on a budget. By staying in hostels or short-term apartment rentals and using public transportation, travelers can save even more money while enjoying all that these countries have to offer.

Additional Affordable Countries in Europe

In addition to the top 5 cheapest countries in Europe, there are several other affordable destinations worth considering for Canadian travelers. The following countries offer great value for money:

• Poland is a budget-friendly destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 45. Hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 10 per night. Public transportation is affordable, with a metro or bus ride costing less than CAD 1.50. Poland is also known for its delicious and inexpensive cuisine, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 7.
• Hungary is another affordable country in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 50. Hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 15 per night. Public transportation is also affordable, with a metro or bus ride costing less than CAD 1.50. Additionally, Hungarian cuisine is both delicious and reasonably priced, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 8.
• Slovakia is an affordable destination in Europe, with an average daily expense of around CAD 50. Hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 15 per night. Local transportation is also reasonably priced, with a metro or bus ride costing less than CAD 1.50. Furthermore, Slovakian cuisine is both tasty and affordable, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 8.
• The Czech Republic is a popular destination in Europe, known for its beautiful architecture, beer, and affordable prices. The average daily expense is around CAD 55, and hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 15 per night. Local transportation is also reasonably priced, with a metro or bus ride costing less than CAD 1.50. Additionally, the Czech Republic is known for its affordable and delicious cuisine, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 8.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina is a hidden gem in Europe, offering affordable prices and stunning natural beauty. The average daily expense is around CAD 50, and hostels are widely available, with beds starting at around CAD 12 per night. Local transportation is also affordable, with a bus or tram ride costing less than CAD 1. Additionally, Bosnian cuisine is both delicious and affordable, with a meal in a local restaurant costing around CAD 7.

Overall, these additional affordable countries in Europe offer a great combination of affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options. By staying in hostels or short-term apartment rentals and using public transportation, Canadian travelers can save money while enjoying all that these countries have to offer.

Budget Travel Tips for Europe

Traveling Europe on a tight budget is possible if you follow some simple tricks and tips. Here are a few budget travel suggestions to make your European adventure more affordable:

• Save Money on Transportation: When selecting transportation options, utilize public transit such as buses or metros whenever possible instead of hiring taxis or renting cars. Consider investing in multi-day passes so as to maximize savings even further.
• Search for affordable accommodation: Hostels are ideal for budget travelers; short-term apartment rentals or homestays may also save money by providing more economical lodging alternatives.
• Feast like a local: To eat like a true local, avoid touristy restaurants in favor of cafes and markets with more reasonable pricing, pack a picnic or prepare meals using ingredients from nearby grocery stores or markets.
• Use free activities: If money is tight, consider free walking tours and admission to museums and galleries on specific days each week as ways of saving on entertainment costs. Take advantage of such offers to save on entertainment.
• Consider traveling during the off-season: Flight, accommodation and attraction prices typically tend to be significantly reduced at this time of year.

Following these budget travel tips can help you save money and still enjoy all that Europe has to offer. There are budget-friendly activities and attractions that await exploration such as hiking through rural landscapes, visiting local markets or having picnics in parks; with some planning and research you can ensure an affordable yet memorable visit.

What Do You Need to Know Before Traveling to Europe?

If you plan on visiting Europe after 2024, there are going to be new travel regulations in place. Starting in 2025, the new European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS Spain, will replace the current travel process for Canadian citizens traveling to Spain and other Schengen countries. While these travelers currently only need a valid biometric passport for such visits, the new system will make it mandatory for them to apply for ETIAS approval before departing on their trip to the Schengen Area.

Conclusion

In summary, Europe offers many affordable travel options for Canadian citizens. By using our methodology, we have identified the top 10 cheapest countries in Europe, including Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each of these destinations offers affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Furthermore, we have provided additional budget travel tips to help Canadian travelers save money while exploring Europe. By following these tips, travelers can further reduce their expenses while still enjoying all that Europe has to offer.

Overall, Europe can be an affordable destination for Canadian citizens, and with careful planning, budget-conscious travelers can have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Europe without breaking the bank.

Things to consider

• Cheapest countries in Europe to visit: The cheapest countries in Europe to visit for tourists include Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These destinations offer affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to live: The cheapest countries in Europe to live for expats include Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, and Hungary. These countries offer affordable costs of living, including accommodation, food, and transportation. Additionally, they offer a high quality of life and a welcoming culture for foreigners.
• As mentioned above, you will need ETIAS in order to visit some of these countries after next year. ETIAS isn’t currently available to the public, but once it goes live in 2025, Canadian citizens will be required to complete an ETIAS Spain application online and gain pre-approval before entering Spain or any other Schengen country.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to fly to: The cheapest countries in Europe to fly to depend on the departure location, but some affordable options include Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland. These destinations offer budget airline options and affordable flight prices, particularly when booking in advance.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to buy property: The cheapest countries in Europe to buy property include Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Croatia. These destinations offer affordable real estate prices, particularly outside of major cities. Additionally, these countries offer a high quality of life and a welcoming culture for foreigners.

Additional Tips

• Cheapest countries in Europe to travel 2023: The cheapest countries in Europe to travel in 2023 include Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These destinations offer affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to study: The cheapest countries in Europe to study for international students include Poland, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. These destinations offer affordable tuition fees, a high quality of education, and a welcoming culture for foreigners.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to buy a house: The cheapest countries in Europe to buy a house include Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Croatia. These destinations offer affordable real estate prices, particularly outside of major cities. Additionally, these countries offer a high quality of life and a welcoming culture for foreigners.
• Cheapest countries in Europe to backpack: The cheapest countries in Europe to backpack for budget-conscious travelers include Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, and Hungary. These destinations offer affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, as well as unique cultural and natural attractions to explore.
• Cheapest countries in Western Europe: The cheapest countries in Western Europe to visit for tourists include Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Ireland. These destinations offer affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options, particularly outside of major cities. However, prices may still be higher than in Eastern and Central Europe.