Budget & Daily Costs

Backpacking Europe can be affordable if you travel smart, but daily costs vary hugely between countries and cities. Western Europe is more expensive, while Central and Eastern Europe offer much better value for budget travellers.

This guide shows what you can realistically expect to spend per day, and how to keep costs down without missing the best parts of the experience.

£35–55 / day

  1. Hostel dorm beds or basic private rooms

  2. Supermarket meals, bakeries, cheap eats

  3. Buses, budget trains, walking

  4. Free walking tours, museums, viewpoints, parks

Budget Backpacker

£55–90 / day

  1. Private hostel rooms or budget hotels

  2. Mix of eating out and casual dining

  3. Trains between cities, occasional taxis

  4. Paid attractions, tours, and experiences

Comfortable Backpacker

£90–150+ / day

  1. Hotels, boutique hostels, Airbnbs

  2. Restaurants, bars, nightlife

  3. Fast trains and occasional flights

  4. Tours, activities, and comfort-first travel

Flashpacker

  • Average daily cost

    • Supermarket meals, bakeries, cheap eats: £5–10

    • Casual local restaurants: £10–20

    • Tourist areas & western-style restaurants: £20–35

    Food can be one of the easiest ways to control your budget in Europe. Supermarkets, bakeries, street food, and takeaway spots offer cheap and filling options almost everywhere. Eating out regularly in tourist centres adds up quickly, but mixing in supermarket meals keeps daily costs low without missing out on local cuisine.

  • Typical costs

    • Local buses, trams & metro: £2–5

    • Long-distance buses & trains: £15–60

    • Budget flights between countries: £20–80

    Europe has some of the best public transport in the world, making it easy to move around without a car. Trains and buses connect almost every city, while budget airlines make crossing countries cheap and fast. Booking transport in advance and travelling with hand luggage only can save a significant amount of money.

  • Average cost per night

    • Dorm beds: £15–35

    • Private rooms: £35–80

    • Hotels: £80–150+

    Accommodation in Europe varies hugely by country and city, but excellent hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are widely available. Western and Northern Europe are noticeably more expensive than Central and Eastern Europe, where you’ll get far better value for money. Booking in advance is important in peak season, but travelling in shoulder or low season can cut nightly costs dramatically.

  • Typical costs

    • Museums & attractions: £5–20

    • Day tours: £30–90

    • Adventure activities & experiences: £60–150+

    Many of Europe’s best experiences are completely free — walking historic streets, viewpoints, beaches, parks, and city wandering. Museums and major landmarks usually charge entry, especially in capital cities. Organised tours, boat trips, and adventure activities are memorable but can quickly become the biggest part of your budget if done frequently.

Most backpackers in Europe spend between £50–90 per day depending on pace, comfort level and the countries you visit.

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