25 Cheapest Places To Travel That Won’t Break Your Budget

Posted by , Updated on March 22, 2024

Based on the annual Backpacker Index published by priceoftravel.com, every city is rated according to the price of one night at a hostel, 3 meals, 2 rides on public transportation, 1 sight seeing attraction, and 3 drinks. So whether you’re looking to visit the jungles of Southeast Asia or you want to shave a few buck off of your next Eurotrip, these 25 cheapest places to travel that won’t break your budget are for you!

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25

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, SerbiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Following the wars of the 1990s, Belgrade is struggling to attract tourists, but if you do end up visiting, your wallet will thank you.

Backpacker index: $27.56

24

Manila, Philippines

Manila, PhilippinesSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Becoming popular among tourists visiting South Asia, Manilla is a sprawling metropolis with a lot going on that will likely fit right into your budget.

Backpacker index: $27.46

23

Krakow, Poland

Krakow, PolandSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Much cheaper than other nearby cities like Berlin and Prague, Krakow is definitely worth a visit.

Backpacker index: $26.97

22

Yangon, Burma/Myanmar

Yangon, Burma/MyanmarSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Formerly known as Rangoon, it is the largest city in Burma/Myanmar. After the tourism boycott was lifted in 2012 following government reforms, things began to change. Although there isn’t much tourist infrastructure yet, that’s just part of the adventure right?

Backpacker index: $26.75

21

Mumbai, India

Mumbai, IndiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Probably a bit overwhelming as far as cities are concerned, if you visit India you should spend at least a few days here to experience it. Decent hotels are pretty cheap.

Backpacker index: $26.32

20

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, IndonesiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Crowded and sprawling, most people only end up staying in Jakarta for a few hours on a layover but if you enjoy shopping and nightlife, then this place is for you.

Backpacker index: $25.70

19

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri LankaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Although it’s the capital city, it ranks poorly in the things-to-do-or-see department. For the purposes of our list, however, we’ll say that the capital is representative of the whole country. Basically everything here is affordable.

Backpacker index: $25.31

18

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, BulgariaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Although it isn’t one of Europe’s most obvious destinations, even backpackers can afford some luxury here.

Backpacker index: $25.12

17

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, EgyptSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Cairo is one of the cities where people with money can splurge but people on a budget can get more than they need.

Backpacker index: $24.88

16

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, RomaniaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

One of Europe’s cheapest large cities, what Bucharest lacks in popularity it makes up for in affordability.

Backpacker index: $24.68

15

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, ThailandSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Everything from flights to hotels is affordable here and caters to tourists. Just about the only pricey thing is the wine.

Backpacker index: $24.25

14

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, CambodiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Although it is generally more expensive than Vietnam and more akin to Thailand, Phnom Penh will still seem extremely cheap to visitors.

Backpacker index: $23.75

13

Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic RepublicSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

With a reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities, Luang Prabang is also the country’s top tourist destination.

Backpacker index: $23.52

12

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Viet NamSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Definitely worth a visit thanks to numerous nearby sites, hotels and food can still be found for a bargain.

Backpacker index: $23.32

11

Quito, Ecuador

Quito, EcuadorSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Known for its high altitude and pleasant weather, Quito is a popular stop for tourist traveling around South America.

Backpacker index: $23.15

10

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, BoliviaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Known as the world’s highest capital city (de facto), La Paz has historically been harder for tourists to access due to being high in the Andes (like Quito), but lately it has proven itself as an excellent spot for a budget vacation.

Backpacker index: $22.87

9

Delhi, India

Delhi, IndiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Although it’s probably a better idea to spend time in smaller and more interesting cities, by international standards Delhi is still quite cheap.

Backpacker index: $22.60

8

Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic RepublicSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

With a reputation as the most mellow capital city on Earth, Vientiane is a cheaper alternative to Bangkok .

Backpacker index: $20.23

7

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, ThailandSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city after Bangkok, and like Vientiane, yet another alternative. You can get a room in a really nice 3 star hotel for the price of a hostel bed in Europe.

Backpacker index: $19.38

6

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, NepalSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

As long as you’re not planning on climbing Mount Everest, visiting this beautiful Himalayan city will definitely not bust your budget.

Backpacker index: $18.89

5

Kiev, Ukraine

Kiev, UkraineSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Not the most popular tourist destination even by European standards, if you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path and you’re the adventurous type, Kiev awaits you.

Backpacker index: $18.55

4

Goa, India

Goa, IndiaSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

It’s not a city, but a state that contains several cities as well as some amazing beaches. Although its more expensive than other places in India, if you’re coming from out of the country, this place is still a bargain.

Backpacker index: $17.75

3

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Viet NamSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Although it’s one of the more expensive cities in Vietnam it’s still extremely cheap and most of the main attractions are free.

Backpacker index: $17.36

2

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Viet NamSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Located in the traditional northern part of the country, food and drink is very affordable. Full meals cost between 2 and 3 dollars.

Backpacker index: $17.05

1

Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, NepalSource: priceoftravel.com, Image: commons.wikimedia.org

Next to Kathmandu, this is where all the tourists go when visiting Nepal. And for good reason. It’s beautiful, picturesque, and super cheap.

Backpacker index: $16.65