20 Cheapest European Countries To Visit (2026 List)

Europe can be wildly expensive. Like, accidentally spend 19 euros on a sad airport sandwich expensive.

But it also doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’re flexible on where you go (and a little realistic about what “cheap” means in 2026), you can still do Europe on a budget without eating instant noodles in a hostel kitchen every night. Unless you want to. No judgment.

This list is based on what most travelers actually pay on the ground: beds, basic meals, local transport, simple activities, and that one unplanned taxi you swear you won’t take again. Prices shift a lot by season and city, so I’ll keep it practical. I’ll give you what’s cheap, what’s not, and how to not blow it.

Quick note before we jump in

“Cheapest” usually means Eastern Europe, the Balkans, parts of the Caucasus, and a few outliers.
Capital cities are almost always pricier than smaller cities.
Summer is still summer. July and August can double your costs even in “cheap” countries.
If you want the real budget version, shoulder season is your friend. April to June, then mid September to early November.

Alright. Here are the 20 cheapest European countries to visit for 2026.

1. Albania

Albania is still one of the best deals in Europe. It has beaches that look suspiciously like Greece, mountains that feel like a secret, and food that’s… honestly better than people expect.

It’s not perfect. Infrastructure can be a bit chaotic. Buses sometimes run on vibes. But that’s also part of why it’s cheap. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.snoezelsontheroad.com/2e01a1845634ef82ee687e9b2a831b378902a8e7.jpg A quiet cove near Himarë on the Albanian Riviera.

Where to go (budget friendly picks):

Tirana for cafes, nightlife, and day trips
Berat and Gjirokastër for old towns and history
Shkodër for the Alps gateway
Himarë or Dhërmi for the coast (cheaper than Ksamil)

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 30 to 50 euros
Mid range: 55 to 90 euros

Cost hacks:

Stay just outside beach hotspots, commute in.
Use furgons and buses instead of taxis. Always ask locals where to catch them.
Eat Albanian style. Grilled meat, salads, byrek, soups. Big portions, low price.

Getting there: find cheap flights to Tirana on Wizz Air and Ryanair, or compare all airlines on Skyscanner.

2. North Macedonia

North Macedonia is calm, underrated, and easy on your wallet. It’s one of those places where you don’t feel pressured to spend. You can just… exist. Walk around. Eat well. Take long lakeside evenings seriously. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.fabionodariphoto.com/a5f08cf49905cbc65d72055d26e3fa4258d40a60.jpg Sunset over Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Where to go:

Ohrid (the classic, still affordable if you avoid peak summer weekends)
Skopje for a weird mix of history and modern chaos
Mavrovo National Park for nature

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 28 to 45 euros
Mid range: 50 to 85 euros

Cost hacks:

Ohrid gets pricey right on the lakefront. Stay 10 minutes uphill.
Skip tourist restaurants with English menus and photos of everything.
Use intercity buses. They’re cheap and frequent.

Getting there: Wizz Air flies to Skopje and Ohrid from across Europe; compare fares on Google Flights.

3. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the best value countries in the EU. You get solid infrastructure, good public transport, mountains, beaches, and cities that feel properly lived in.

Sofia is affordable. Plovdiv is charming. The Black Sea coast can be cheap if you avoid the loudest resort zones. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/3402d6d672797e653eb22878b2f44e5e688f6c40.jpg The Roman theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Where to go:

Sofia for city breaks and Vitosha hikes
Plovdiv for old town and artsy vibes
Veliko Tarnovo for medieval history
Bansko for mountains and (sometimes) cheap ski deals

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 30 to 55 euros
Mid range: 60 to 110 euros

Cost hacks:

Use bakeries and cheap lunch menus. Bulgaria does “fast food” in a good way.
Plovdiv is often cheaper than Sofia for accommodation.
Travel by train for the cheapest option. It’s slow but scenic and reliable enough.

Getting there: check Ryanair and Wizz Air for Sofia and Plovdiv, or the national carrier Bulgaria Air.

4. Romania

Romania can be very cheap, especially outside Bucharest and the most touristy Transylvania circuit. It’s one of those countries where you can still find old school deals. Big meals, affordable rooms, cheap trains. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/romaniatourism.com/ff38967f62b6a1a520bf1f778681b0ba017884cf.jpg Brașov, a budget friendly base in Transylvania, Romania.

Where to go:

Brașov for a base in Transylvania
Sibiu for architecture and day trips
Cluj Napoca for a younger city vibe
Bucharest if you like gritty, lively capitals
Maramureș if you want rural traditions

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 30 to 55 euros
Mid range: 60 to 110 euros

Cost hacks:

Romania’s trains are cheap. Book earlier for better schedules, but prices won’t destroy you either way.
Eat at local places that do ciorbă (sour soup) and daily specials.
Castle tickets add up fast in Transylvania. Pick a couple, not ten.

Getting there: Ryanair and Wizz Air serve Bucharest, Cluj and Timișoara; also check TAROM.

5. Serbia

Serbia is a good pick if you want affordable cities, strong cafe culture, hearty food, and nightlife that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

Belgrade is the main draw, but Novi Sad is quieter and often cheaper. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/media.tacdn.com/15e8d4e85ffd09e2760fa8ef2da0db1d660130cd.jpg Belgrade Fortress where the Sava meets the Danube, Serbia.

Where to go:

Belgrade for nightlife and riverside walks
Novi Sad for festivals and laid back charm
Niš for history and a slower pace

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 30 to 55 euros
Mid range: 60 to 100 euros

Cost hacks:

Bakeries are the budget traveler’s best friend here.
Use public transport in Belgrade, taxis can be hit or miss unless you use apps.
Eat Serbian grill. It’s filling and usually inexpensive.

Getting there: the national carrier Air Serbia has wide coverage to Belgrade, and Wizz Air covers the low cost routes.

6. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia feels like a place you visit and then randomly think about months later. It’s beautiful, complex, and still relatively cheap. Sarajevo is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, full stop. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/d3dqioy2sca31t.cloudfront.net/51a1cb6dd771b3d54c47ee1585f7dbd3617afa31.jpg Stari Most bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Where to go:

Sarajevo for history and food
Mostar for the famous bridge and day trips
Blagaj for the monastery and river views
Jajce for waterfalls and old town

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 28 to 50 euros
Mid range: 55 to 95 euros

Cost hacks:

Many best activities are basically free. Walking, viewpoints, old town wandering.
Eat where locals eat. Ćevapi, burek, soups, coffee.
Book day tours only if you need them. A lot is doable by bus.

Getting there: Wizz Air and Ryanair fly to Sarajevo and Tuzla; compare on KAYAK.

7. Montenegro

Montenegro can be cheap or not cheap. Depends where you land.

Kotor in July is not a budget destination. It’s cruise ship land. But if you base yourself smarter, you can still do Montenegro affordably and get the same scenery. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.terra-balka.com/74be79afa3ef2ad1d5543bf8e6255520ad4ef971.jpeg The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, best visited outside July and August.

Where to go:

Kotor Bay, but stay in nearby towns (Dobrota, Muo, Tivat area)
Budva, but pick quieter beaches outside the old town
Durmitor National Park for mountains
Cetinje for history

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 35 to 65 euros
Mid range: 75 to 130 euros

Cost hacks:

Visit the coast in May, June, September. Not July.
Do self guided hikes in Durmitor instead of expensive adventure packages.
Use buses between towns. They’re straightforward and cheap.

Getting there: Ryanair serves Podgorica, and Wizz Air covers Tivat routes; check Google Flights for both airports.

8. Kosovo

Kosovo is one of the cheapest places in Europe to travel right now, and it’s also very welcoming. Tourism is still developing, which keeps prices low.

If you like places that feel unfiltered and real, you’ll probably enjoy it. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/nigelandsueadventures.com/ebdcd1f447863d24f026cba9173aa4c7bb69fd36.jpg Prizren, the prettiest old town in Kosovo.

Where to go:

Pristina for cafes and city life
Prizren for the prettiest old town
Rugova Canyon for nature

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 25 to 45 euros
Mid range: 50 to 85 euros

Cost hacks:

Eat local. Portions are big, prices are small.
Use buses and shared transport.
Stay in family run guesthouses in Prizren. Great value.

Getting there: Wizz Air and easyJet both fly to Pristina; compare on Skyscanner.

9. Moldova

Moldova is a true budget destination. It’s not flashy, and if you’re expecting “top ten Europe highlights,” you might be confused.

But if you like wine, slow travel, and very low daily costs, it’s a strong pick. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/images.trvl-media.com/e1bb15ef81e1af52fa6f1840c0cc0f12ba9ed6ec.jpg Orheiul Vechi monastery, an easy day trip from Chișinău, Moldova.

Where to go:

Chișinău as a base
Cricova or Milestii Mici for wine cellars
Orheiul Vechi for a day trip

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 22 to 40 euros
Mid range: 45 to 80 euros

Cost hacks:

Book wine tours with small groups or go direct with wineries.
Local markets are great for cheap snacks and produce.
Don’t overplan. Moldova rewards simple travel.

Getting there: Wizz Air and FlyOne serve Chișinău; compare on KAYAK.

10. Poland

Poland isn’t “Balkans cheap,” but it’s still one of the best value countries in Central Europe. It’s also easy to travel. Great trains, lots of hostels, strong food scene, and it feels safe and organized. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/mariacki.com/48872194dff863500d13cf6665ea3341c9e4dffe.jpg Kraków’s Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica, Poland.

Where to go:

Kraków for history and day trips
Gdańsk for the coast and architecture
Wrocław for a fun city break
Warsaw for museums and modern Poland

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 40 to 70 euros
Mid range: 80 to 140 euros

Cost hacks:

Use supermarket lunch deals and milk bars (bar mleczny). Cheap, filling, traditional.
Book trains early for the best fares.
Stay outside old town cores, then walk or tram in.

Getting there: LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air all cover Polish cities.

11. Hungary

Budapest has gotten more expensive than it used to be, but it’s still good value compared to Western capitals. And outside Budapest, Hungary can be seriously affordable. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.parlament.hu/1aba89f220d34ea6435902295f8a1b19af9c3bcc The Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube, Budapest.

Where to go:

Budapest for thermal baths and city vibes
Eger for wine and old town
Pécs for a quieter cultural trip
Lake Balaton area, but shoulder season is key

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 40 to 75 euros
Mid range: 85 to 150 euros

Cost hacks:

Baths add up. Pick one or two, not all of them.
Eat at lunch menus. Hungary does great fixed price lunches.
Use public transport passes in Budapest.

Getting there: Budapest is a Wizz Air hub, and Ryanair covers it too; compare on Google Flights.

12. Slovakia

Slovakia is often cheaper than neighboring Austria and Czechia, and it has excellent hiking. It’s a good “nature plus city” budget destination. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.slovakia.com/fbf6de8d41629261c158bc98b98770f9f3c326b9.jpg A mountain lake in the High Tatras, Slovakia.

Where to go:

Bratislava for a short city break
High Tatras for hiking
Košice for a charming second city

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 35 to 65 euros
Mid range: 75 to 125 euros

Cost hacks:

Base in Poprad for Tatras access and lower prices.
Self cater a bit if you’re hiking. Mountain food is always pricier.
Bratislava can be done cheaply in 1 to 2 days, then move on.

Getting there: Ryanair flies to Bratislava, or compare Bratislava and nearby Vienna on Skyscanner.

13. Czech Republic (if you avoid the Prague trap)

Prague can be expensive and touristy in a way that drains your wallet fast. But the Czech Republic beyond Prague is often much cheaper, and still gorgeous.

Even in Prague, you can do it on a budget if you’re disciplined. But you’ll have to work a little harder. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/thenextcrossing.com/ecebb6bc8e87ee0fb64e1f955c15a994872be4be.jpg Český Krumlov, Czech Republic, best booked smart as a day trip.

Where to go:

Brno for a younger vibe and cheaper stays
Český Krumlov (day trip, but book smart)
Olomouc for a less touristy historic city
Prague, but stay outside the center

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 45 to 80 euros
Mid range: 90 to 160 euros

Cost hacks:

Avoid Old Town restaurants in Prague. Walk 10 minutes, prices drop.
Use public transport. It’s efficient and cheap.
Beer is still relatively affordable. Food in tourist zones is not.

Getting there: Ryanair, easyJet and Smartwings all serve Prague.

14. Latvia

Latvia is one of the cheaper Baltic countries, especially outside Riga. Riga itself is still decent value, and it’s a genuinely pretty city to just wander around in. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/hellojetlag.com/af0b57da6d5ebf68fe45607e4a2de30b89545646.jpg Riga’s old town rooftops, Latvia.

Where to go:

Riga for architecture and cafes
Sigulda for castles and nature
Liepāja for a low key beach town

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 40 to 70 euros
Mid range: 85 to 140 euros

Cost hacks:

Visit in late spring or early autumn.
Use buses for intercity travel, usually cheaper than trains.
Book accommodation early in summer. The Baltics are small, rooms fill up.

Getting there: airBaltic is based in Riga and has great regional coverage, with Ryanair on the low cost routes.

15. Lithuania

Lithuania is usually slightly cheaper than Estonia, and similar to Latvia. Vilnius is charming, compact, and easy to do on foot, which automatically saves money. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/walkablevilnius.com/db671dfe06fde8d8fe2c10ae833250d032475ccb.jpg Vilnius old town from above, Lithuania.

Where to go:

Vilnius for old town and day trips
Kaunas for street art and a chill vibe
Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit (shoulder season is better)

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 40 to 70 euros
Mid range: 85 to 140 euros

Cost hacks:

The Curonian Spit can get pricey in peak summer. Go early or late season.
Cafes can be a budget killer. Set a coffee limit. Seriously.
Free walking tours in Vilnius are worth it, just tip reasonably.

Getting there: airBaltic and Ryanair fly to Vilnius and Kaunas; compare on KAYAK.

16. Estonia (budget doable, but not the cheapest)

Estonia is the priciest of the Baltics for many travelers, especially Tallinn in summer. Still, compared to Scandinavia, it feels like a relief.

If you plan it right, Estonia can be a good value stop. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.traveller.ee/e2add03248c757c69ee5fcf88fe267ea2b7af2de.jpg Tallinn’s medieval city walls, Estonia.

Where to go:

Tallinn for medieval old town
Tartu for a cheaper, student city feel
Lahemaa National Park for nature

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 45 to 85 euros
Mid range: 95 to 170 euros

Cost hacks:

Stay outside Tallinn’s old town walls.
Use grocery stores for breakfast and snacks.
Visit in shoulder season. Tallinn in mid summer is beautiful, but it’s not cheap.

Getting there: airBaltic and Ryanair serve Tallinn; check Google Flights for shoulder season deals.

17. Georgia (yes, it’s in Europe for travel purposes, and it’s a budget dream)

Georgia is one of the best value destinations in the wider European travel circuit. Amazing food, strong culture, mountains, wine, and prices that still feel surprisingly low in 2026.

Tbilisi is affordable. Kutaisi is even cheaper. The mountains can be done on a budget if you don’t outsource everything. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.best-of-caucasus.com/621ceaafc7e12528d1e3a80158dbfcf0de41f60b.jpg Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi, Georgia.

Where to go:

Tbilisi for food, wine bars, and day trips
Kutaisi for caves and canyon trips
Kazbegi for mountains
Batumi, but it’s more of a resort vibe

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 25 to 50 euros
Mid range: 55 to 100 euros

Cost hacks:

Eat Georgian. Khachapuri, khinkali, stews. You’ll be full.
Marshrutkas are the cheapest way to move around.
Book guesthouses in mountain towns with breakfast included.

Getting there: Wizz Air flies to Kutaisi (great for budget arrivals), and Georgian Airways covers Tbilisi.

18. Armenia (cheap, cultural, and very easy to slow travel)

Armenia is another budget friendly country that feels distinct and deeply historic. It’s not a checklist destination. It’s more like. You go, you sit, you eat, you talk to people, you take day trips to monasteries, you breathe. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/0b470ba0edc3c400535e9ed066c551082da05d64.jpg Tatev Monastery, worth the longer trip south in Armenia.

Where to go:

Yerevan for cafes and museums
Dilijan for forests and hikes
Lake Sevan for summer nature
Tatev Monastery area for a bigger trip

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 25 to 45 euros
Mid range: 50 to 90 euros

Cost hacks:

Use shared taxis or minibuses for intercity routes.
Stock up at local bakeries and produce markets.
Don’t do every guided tour. Many monastery routes can be done independently with some planning.

Getting there: Wizz Air and Pegasus Airlines both fly to Yerevan; compare on Skyscanner.

19. Turkey (European side and beyond, still excellent value)

Turkey is huge, and prices vary. Istanbul can be expensive in tourist zones. But overall, Turkey remains one of the best value trips near Europe, especially once you leave the most central areas.

And yes, part of Turkey is in Europe. And a lot of people combine it with Balkan routes anyway. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.thetimes.com/73b9364cd974e6f58612acf1a7cca46bf727416f.jpg Hot air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey, the one splurge to plan for.

Where to go:

Istanbul, but stay in less touristy neighborhoods
Cappadocia (not super cheap, but manageable)
Izmir for a calmer coastal city
Antalya region in shoulder season

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 30 to 60 euros
Mid range: 70 to 130 euros

Cost hacks:

In Istanbul, eat where locals eat. Lokantas, bakeries, street food.
Use public transport cards.
For Cappadocia, the balloon is the splurge. Plan to splurge or skip it and enjoy the valleys for free.

Getting there: Turkish Airlines has huge coverage via Istanbul, and Pegasus Airlines is the budget option from Sabiha Gökçen.

20. Portugal (the Western Europe budget pick, if you do it carefully)

Portugal isn’t “cheap cheap” anymore, especially Lisbon and the Algarve in summer. But compared to many Western European countries, it can still be one of the more affordable options, with good hostels, cheap public transport, and excellent value food.

It makes this list because if you want Western Europe without Western Europe prices, Portugal is often the answer. https://kimi-web-img.moonshot.cn/img/www.localporto.com/d384d4e32165824cb5513f020a2132a9e3e1351f.jpg Porto’s Ribeira district, a cheaper base than Lisbon, Portugal.

Where to go:

Porto for a cheaper city base than Lisbon
Lisbon, but stay outside the center
Coimbra for a smaller city stop
The Alentejo for quieter, less touristy travel

Typical daily budget (2026):

Backpacker: 55 to 95 euros
Mid range: 110 to 190 euros

Cost hacks:

Avoid peak summer for Lisbon and Algarve. Prices spike hard.
Eat pratos do dia (daily plates). Great value.
Take regional trains and buses instead of tours.

Getting there: TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair and easyJet all serve Lisbon, Porto and Faro.

How Travelers Accidentally Overspend (and How to Avoid It)

You can pick the cheapest country on this list and still overspend. Easily. It usually happens in the same predictable ways.

1. Don’t “accidentally” travel only in the most expensive month

If you can shift your trip two weeks earlier or later, you can save hundreds. Sometimes more than your flights.

2. Base yourself in one place, do day trips

Moving every two days burns money. Transport costs, booking fees, last minute accommodation, eating out because you’re always in transit.

Pick a base. Stay 4 to 7 nights. Explore from there.

3. Do one paid thing a day, max

Museums, castles, tours, baths, boat rides. They add up faster than food does.

Walks are free. Viewpoints are free. Parks are free. Old towns are usually free. Mix it.

4. Eat one “nice” meal a day

Not every meal has to be an event. Get a good local lunch, then do a bakery dinner. Or the other way around.

5. Don’t skip travel insurance to save money

I know. It feels like a boring adult purchase. But the one time you need it, you really need it.

Quick Picks: Which Cheap European Country Fits Your Trip?

If you want the absolute cheapest day to day:

Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia

If you want the best mix of cheap plus “classic Europe feel”:

Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Albania, Poland

If you want coastal vibes without Western Europe prices:

Albania (Riviera), Montenegro (off peak), Turkey, Portugal (careful timing)

Compare Cheap Flights to Europe

Flight prices make or break a budget trip. Before you book, compare the same route on a few tools and check nearby airports (flying into Kutaisi instead of Tbilisi, or Bratislava instead of Vienna, can cut the fare in half):

Skyscanner – best for flexible date and “everywhere” searches
Google Flights – best for price calendars and tracking
KAYAK – good all round comparison with filters
Kiwi.com – mixes low cost carriers into one route
Momondo – often surfaces the cheapest OTA fares

And for the airlines themselves, the big low cost players for this list are Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Pegasus Airlines and airBaltic.

Final Thoughts: Europe on a Budget in 2026

Europe in 2026 can still be done on a budget. You just have to be a little strategic and not let your itinerary bully your bank account.

If you want the biggest savings, look at Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia, and the Caucasus picks like Georgia and Armenia. You’ll get great food, real culture, and that feeling that you discovered somewhere instead of just consuming it.

And if you’re set on Western Europe, Portugal is your best bet. Just don’t show up in peak summer, stay in the center, and wonder why it costs so much. That’s not Portugal’s fault.

If you want, tell me your travel style (solo or couple, hostel or hotel, beaches or mountains, how many days). I can help you turn this list into a cheap, realistic route.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which European countries are considered the cheapest to visit in 2026?

The cheapest European countries to visit in 2026 include Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia, among others. These countries offer affordable accommodation, meals, local transport, and activities compared to Western Europe.

What is a realistic daily budget for backpackers traveling in Eastern Europe?

A typical daily budget for backpackers in Eastern European countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania ranges from approximately 28 to 55 euros. This budget covers basic accommodation, meals, local transportation, and simple activities.

When is the best time to travel Europe on a budget?

The best time to travel Europe on a budget is during the shoulder seasons: from April to June and mid-September to early November. Avoiding peak summer months like July and August can significantly reduce costs as prices often double during high season.

How can travelers save money on transportation within these affordable European countries?

Travelers can save money by using local buses (like furgons in Albania), intercity buses in North Macedonia, trains in Bulgaria and Romania instead of taxis or tourist shuttles. Booking train tickets early can also help secure better schedules and prices.

What are some cost-saving tips for eating while traveling cheaply in Eastern Europe?

To save on food costs, eat at local restaurants offering traditional dishes such as grilled meat, salads, byrek in Albania; avoid touristy places with English menus; use bakeries and cheap lunch menus in Bulgaria; and try daily specials like ciorbă (sour soup) in Romania for authentic and affordable meals.

Are capital cities more expensive than smaller cities in budget travel across Europe?

Yes, capital cities tend to be pricier than smaller cities when traveling on a budget. For example, staying outside beach hotspots or choosing smaller towns like Berat or Gjirokastër in Albania instead of Tirana can be more economical while still offering great experiences.