Europe has a reputation for being expensive. In places like Switzerland, Norway, Paris or Amsterdam, that reputation is well deserved. But Europe is not one single pricing bracket. There are still plenty of countries where you can enjoy a proper city break, beach holiday or multi-stop trip without burning through your budget.
In 2026, countries such as Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Albania still offer some of the best value across the continent. Portugal also stands out as one of the strongest options in Western Europe if you want sunshine, wine and good food without paying top-tier prices.
If you are wondering which are the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, this guide compares exactly what matters. Return flight prices from the UK, hotel costs, drinks, and what you will realistically spend on food. To keep things fair, each country is represented by a popular and accessible city such as Kraków, Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Tirana and Porto.
If your goal is simple, to find a cheap European holiday, the short answer is that Eastern Europe and the Balkans offer the best value. However, there is more nuance than that. Some places have ultra-cheap flights but slightly higher daily spend, while others are incredibly cheap on the ground but slightly harder to reach.
Cheapest countries in Europe at a glance
Poland (Kraków)
- Flights from UK: £40 to £100 return
- Hotels: £30 to £80 per night
- Beer: £2 to £4
- Wine: £4 to £6
- Lunch: £5 to £10
- Dinner: £10 to £20
Hungary (Budapest)
- Flights from UK: £40 to £110 return
- Hotels: £35 to £85 per night
- Beer: £2 to £4
- Wine: £4 to £7
- Lunch: £6 to £10
- Dinner: £12 to £22
Bulgaria (Sofia)
- Flights from UK: £45 to £120 return
- Hotels: £25 to £70 per night
- Beer: £1.50 to £3
- Wine: £3 to £6
- Lunch: £5 to £10
- Dinner: £10 to £20
Romania (Bucharest)
- Flights from UK: £45 to £110 return
- Hotels: £25 to £70 per night
- Beer: £2 to £4
- Wine: £4 to £7
- Lunch: £6 to £11
- Dinner: £12 to £22
Albania (Tirana)
- Flights from UK: £45 to £120 return
- Hotels: £25 to £65 per night
- Beer: £1.50 to £3
- Wine: £3 to £6
- Lunch: £5 to £10
- Dinner: £10 to £20
Portugal (Porto)
- Flights from UK: £50 to £140 return
- Hotels: £40 to £100 per night
- Beer: £2.50 to £4.50
- Wine: £4 to £7
- Lunch: £8 to £15
- Dinner: £15 to £30
Poland is one of the best-value destinations in Europe
Poland offers one of the strongest all-round value propositions anywhere in Europe. Flights are consistently cheap from the UK, especially to Kraków, and once you arrive, everything from accommodation to food feels noticeably more affordable than in Western Europe.
Kraków in particular hits a sweet spot. It feels like a proper European city break with attractive architecture, lively squares and plenty going on, yet it remains easy on the wallet. A typical lunch can cost less than a tenner, and even a sit-down dinner with drinks rarely feels expensive.
It is especially strong for short trips. If you want a weekend away where you can eat out properly, stay somewhere central and still spend relatively little, Poland is one of the safest bets.
Best for: short city breaks, food and drink, great value weekends away.
Hungary delivers a more polished city break on a budget
Hungary, and Budapest in particular, offers a slightly more polished feel while still staying affordable. Flights are comparable with Poland, and once you are there, you get a capital city experience without the usual capital city price tag.
Budapest stands out for its atmosphere. The river, the architecture and the famous thermal baths give it a bit more of a premium feel compared to its cost. You can still eat well for relatively low prices, and accommodation remains reasonable, especially outside peak summer travel.
It works particularly well for couples or anyone looking for something that feels a bit more refined while still being budget conscious.
Best for: couples, city breaks with a bit more atmosphere, spa trips and nightlife.
Bulgaria remains one of the cheapest countries overall
If your main priority is simple value for money, Bulgaria is hard to beat. Both flights and on-the-ground costs stay low, making it one of the cheapest countries in Europe in real terms.
Sofia works well as a budget city break, but Bulgaria becomes even better value when you stretch beyond the capital. Coastal areas and resorts offer very affordable alternatives to more expensive Mediterranean destinations, especially outside peak season.
Food, drink and accommodation are consistently cheaper than in most of Europe. That makes Bulgaria ideal if you are travelling on a tighter budget and want to keep daily spending low.
Best for: cheap holidays, beach breaks, travellers who want maximum value.
Romania offers strong value with more variety
Romania is slightly less talked about but offers excellent value across the board. Flights are usually affordable, hotels remain cheap, and food prices are very manageable.
Where Romania stands out is variety. Bucharest works well for a quick break, but the real appeal lies in travelling beyond the capital. Transylvania, smaller cities and mountain regions offer something different, often at even lower prices.
If you are planning a longer trip or want to mix city and countryside, Romania is a great option that still feels under-explored compared to neighbouring countries.
Best for: longer trips, road trips, travellers looking for something less obvious.
Albania is one of Europe’s best hidden budget destinations
Albania is rapidly growing in popularity but still feels like one of the best-value countries in Europe. Flights have become more accessible, and once you arrive, costs remain low across almost everything.
Tirana is lively and modernising, but the real appeal lies beyond the capital. The Albanian Riviera offers coastal scenery similar to Greece or Croatia at a fraction of the cost.
Food is cheap, drinks are cheap, and accommodation still feels like a bargain compared to more established destinations. It is ideal if you want something a little less conventional without spending more.
Best for: off-the-beaten-track trips, beach and city combinations, adventurous travellers.
Portugal is the best-value option in Western Europe
Portugal is not the absolute cheapest in Europe, but it offers some of the best value in the west. Flights are still relatively affordable, especially to Porto, and once you arrive, prices feel fair rather than inflated.
Porto in particular offers excellent value compared to many major European cities. Wine is cheap, food is good, and you can still find decent hotels without paying extreme prices.
It is a great choice if you prefer staying within Western Europe but still want a destination where your money goes further.
Best for: sun, wine, relaxed city breaks, Western Europe without heavy costs.
Budget vs mid-range travel in these countries
Across all of these destinations, your daily spend will roughly fall into the following brackets:
Budget (£50 to £80 per day)
Hostels or basic hotels, simple meals, low-cost transport.
Mid-range (£90 to £160 per day)
Comfortable hotels, dining out regularly, a few extras such as taxis or activities.
Higher-end (£170 plus per day)
Boutique or luxury hotels, regular restaurant dining, more flexible travel.
The key takeaway is that in most of these countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, even mid-range travel feels affordable compared to Western Europe.
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So, where too next?
If you are looking for the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, the best value still sits firmly in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Bulgaria, Albania and Romania offer the lowest overall costs, while Poland and Hungary provide the best balance between affordability and experience.
Portugal remains the standout if you want Western Europe without paying premium prices.
Europe does not have to be expensive. You just need to choose the right part of it.