Europe's cheapest destinations have shifted considerably over the past decade, but the Eastern and South-Eastern edge still offers extraordinary value. Here are the ten countries where $30/day is a comfortable daily budget.
1. Georgia — $25–30/day
Georgia's combination of cheap accommodation, sub-$3 meals, and free natural attractions makes it Europe's most underrated bargain. The country uses the Georgian Lari and prices haven't tracked inflation the way other destinations have.
2. Albania — $25–35/day
Albania has exploded in popularity since 2020 but prices remain extremely low by European standards. The Albanian Riviera offers some of the cheapest beach accommodation anywhere on the Mediterranean.
3. North Macedonia — $25–30/day
Ohrid might be the most overlooked gem in the Balkans. Daily budgets of $25 are comfortable here including a private room, three meals, and admissions.
4. Kosovo — $25–30/day
The euro-using newcomer to Balkan tourism. Pristina is rough around the edges but deeply authentic, and day trips to Rugova Canyon are spectacular and essentially free.
5. Bosnia & Herzegovina — $28–35/day
Sarajevo and Mostar are serious contenders for the most atmospheric cities in the Balkans, and daily budgets are low even by regional standards.
6. Bulgaria — $25–35/day
Sofia is one of the most underrated European capitals. Bulgaria has EU infrastructure at a fraction of EU prices — restaurant meals for $4–6, hostel dorms for $8–12.
7. Serbia — $30–40/day
Belgrade's nightlife is legendary but the city also has excellent food, strong coffee culture, and reasonable accommodation. Novi Sad and the Danube countryside are almost free to explore.
8. Moldova — $20–25/day
The Cinderella of European travel — Moldova is tiny, almost nobody goes, wine is extraordinarily cheap, and the cave monasteries of Orheiul Vechi are otherworldly.
9. Armenia — $28–35/day
Yerevan's cafe culture rivals Vienna at a fraction of the cost. Day trips to Garni and Geghard make for one of the best ancient history days in the Caucasus.
10. Ukraine (Western) — PRE-WAR REFERENCE
Lviv was Europe's cheapest city before February 2022. We list it here for when conditions allow travel to return — the city deserves it.