There are few moments more disappointing than arriving at your dream destination only to find it’s both overpriced and overhyped. Getting charged an arm and a leg to go on a crowded sightseeing tour or paying exorbitant prices for a forgettable dinner out can be tough to swallow.
You may not have to worry about any of that when you consult our list of top affordable travel destinations. We’ve included a mix of classic travel spots with favorable exchange rates and some under-the-radar gems where less tourism equals lower prices. Using travel price index data, we’ll also show you how much you can expect to spend per day, depending on your travel style. The low-end cost per day is based on the cost of modest accommodations like hostels, affordable meals, and public transportation, and the high-end cost accounts for higher quality hotels, finer dining, and taxi rides.
1. Sofia, Bulgaria
Low-end cost per day: $20.19; High-end cost per day: $109.24
Situated in the Balkan peninsula, Bulgaria’s capital city is a cultural epicenter with a history dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. While it has everything you’d look for when choosing a vacation destination, Sofia’s economy isn’t driven by tourism like other European cities further west. This means you may be able to expect modest prices for meals and admission to unique attractions like the Museum of Socialist Art.
2. New Delhi, India
Low-end cost per day: $13.26; High-end cost per day: $98.03
The world’s second-most populous country has several destinations worth visiting, but New Delhi offers the perfect balance between affordability and world-class cultural attractions. A one-day tourist card for unlimited rides on the Delhi metro costs less than $2, making it easy to affordably navigate the many religious sites, museums and historic landmarks that make up this sprawling metropolis.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Low-end cost per day: $6.85; High-end cost per day: $50.69
Egypt’s capital and the largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, Cairo boasts the Pyramids of Giza and other famous archaeological sites, as well as landmarks that figure heavily in both Islamic and Coptic Christian lore. Abundant options for low-price lodging, dining and transport make it easy to tour one of the Wonders of the Ancient World on a budget.
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
Low-end cost per day: $14.39; High-end cost per day: $112.67
One of the more cosmopolitan cities in southeast Asia, Hanoi has plenty to offer for travelers of all inclinations. Nearby Halong Bay and its many archipelagos makes for a perfect day trip and it’s easy to tour man-made historic sites like the Long Bien Bridge by renting a bike. End your day with a domestic draft beer — the average pint price is well under $1.
5. Medellin, Colombia
Low-end cost per day: $9.69; High-end cost per day: $71.81
An underrated South American destination, Medellin is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. This Colombian city offers activities like hiking and biking, and plenty of gardens and green spaces. If you don’t feel like roughing it, it’s easy enough to find an affordable place to stay.
6. Tangier, Morocco
Low-end cost per day: $10.60; High-end cost per day: $56.11
Tangier is an alluring city that’s served as an important gateway between Africa and Europe for more than 2,000 years. From Hercules Cave to the lively Casbah, Tangier is teeming with sights and sounds to explore. Whether you’re looking to buy an authentic Berber rug in the medina or enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine while the sun sets over the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is a traveler’s dream.
7. Guadalajara, Mexico
Low-end cost per day: $14.53; High-end cost per day: $112.64
Mexico City might be more popular, but Guadalajara has just as much to offer. Considered by many as the home of Mariachi music and boasting its own international film festival and book fair each year, Guadalajara offers the perfect way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture at a reasonable price.
8. Bangkok, Thailand
Low-end cost per day: $21.59; High-end cost per day: $161.85
Bangkok has long been a popular backpacker destination, and for good reason. The strength of the U.S. Dollar to the Baht makes everything from a tuk-tuk ride around town to a tour of the city’s palaces and temples affordable. Visit from December through March to experience the best of Thailand’s capital and cultural center without too much rain.
9. Baku, Azerbaijan
Low-end cost per day: $30.60; High-end cost per day: $96.56
Home to awe-inspiring skyscrapers, a 1,000-year-old walled city, and ancient rock petroglyphs, this city by the Caspian Sea offers both modern elegance and old world charm. Though Azerbaijan’s capital and financial hub is awash with oil money, prices for travelers remain relatively low, making it a region of the world that’s well worth visiting.
10. Wroclaw, Poland
Low-end cost per day: $13.41; High-end cost per day: $38.28
The shifting borders of central Europe mean that Wroclaw has only been part of modern Poland since 1945, giving it a fascinating history alongside plenty of modern attractions. In addition to reasonable prices for the usual travel expenses, Wroclaw boasts plenty of cheap or free things to see and do. Try visiting the UNESCO site of Centennial Hall, the University Botanical Garden, or go on a hunt through town to find as many dwarf statues as you can.
The daily costs in these destinations fluctuate based on the relative value of both the U.S. Dollar and the local currencies. Use our currency converter tool to figure out the current exchange rate before you go.
