Europe 3-star Traveler Index for 2011: Compare 40 cities by price

Earlier this year we published our European Backpackers Index for 2011, which ranked the 40 most popular tourist cities by price for budget travelers. This was part of our World Backpacker Index, which compared 107 cities around the globe. But obviously, most people aren’t backpackers, so we created this new index which reflects the budgets and travel habits of those who are beyond their dorm-bed years.

So now we present our first 3-star European Traveler Index for 2011, which compares each city by a more upscale set of standards and should help people plan trips and create budgets for city breaks or even romantic getaways.

In case you are new to Price of Travel, we track prices for over 110 cities around the world, and automatically convert it into US dollars or any other currency you choose, to help you compare destinations and make a budget at a glance.

How the 3-Star Traveler Index works

We take a fixed set of typical expenses that every traveler will encounter, and apply them to each of the 40 major European tourist cities. Local prices are obviously a huge component in the final total, but currency exchange rates can heavily influence the total as well. Some cities can be quite affordable one year and a bit pricey the next, even if the only thing that’s changed is the exchange rate.

Note: The 3-star Traveler Index is based on two people sharing hotel rooms and taxis.

Costs for each city

• One night in the cheapest 3-star hotel available with a good location and mostly positive reviews. Hotel prices are per person based on double occupancy, so the full nightly rate is double what is listed for each city here.
• Two 3-kilometer taxi rides per day (one ride paid per person)
• One cultural attraction, such as a popular museum, per day
• Three meals per day using the top end of the range of our “budget meals” for each city
• Three beers (or wine) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.

Price of Travel’s European 3-star Index for 2011

From cheapest to most expensive

Exchange rates were calculated in late March, 2011

1 – Sofia, Bulgaria

It’s not easy to reach for most travelers and there is a lack of classic and famous sights in Sofia, but those who do reach Europe’s cheapest tourist city can at least stretch their budgets a long way.

• Currency: Bulgaria Leva
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Bon Voyage Orlando Hotel – 25.74
• Transportation: 2.00
• Meals: 21.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 6.00
• Attractions: 2.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: BGN64.74 = US$46.91/day

>>>Sofia prices and weather

2 – Budapest, Hungary

An abundance of decent tourist hotels makes Budapest a fantastic bargain compared to other classic cities. During the busy summer season the cheaper hotels may be harder to find, however.

• Currency: Hungary Forint
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Central Green Hotel – 3223/night
• Transportation: 1350
• Meals: 3500
• Drinks/Entertainment: 1500
• Attractions: 1000
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: HUF10573 – US$55.77/day

>>>Budapest prices and weather

3 – Krakow, Poland

Its great party scene and low prices have made Krakow a favorite among stag/hen parties in recent years, but it’s also a great bargain for cultural tourists and those looking to hang out and slow their travels down a bit.

• Currency: Polish Zlotych
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Conrad Hotel & Spa – 79.87/night
• Transportation: 20.00
• Meals: 31.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 24.00
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: PLN166.87 = US$58.96/day

>>>Krakow prices and weather

4 – Bucharest, Romania

It may be relatively cheap, but Bucharest still isn’t inviting a flood of cultural tourism. The slow-moving build-out of the tourist infrastructure is among the issues that keeps most travelers stopping elsewhere in Romania.

• Currency: Romanian leu
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Ramada Bucharest Parc – 82.55/night
• Transportation: 10.50
• Meals: 58.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 9.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: RON178.05 – US$60.98/day

>>>Bucharest prices and weather

5 – Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is another city that rewards its visitors with reasonable prices, but is still not particularly popular, at least compared to the cheaper and more charming city of Krakow. Things do seem to be getting better though.

• Currency: Polish Zlotych
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Rycerska Apartment – 115.75/night
• Transportation: 20.00
• Meals: 47.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 30.00
• Attractions: 14.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: PLN226.75 – US$80.12/day

>>>Warsaw prices and weather

6 – Istanbul, Turkey

This massive city seems to be gaining more traction even as its prices creep up noticeably. In years to come visitors might have to sleep outside the better neighborhoods to find bargains, but for now Istanbul continues to offer excellent value at all price ranges. For the best deals check our list of editor’s choice Istanbul hotels that are all great value with excellent locations.

• Currency: Turkish lira
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Magnificent Hotel – 53.62/night
• Transportation: 8.50
• Meals: 33.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: TRY125.12 – US$80.21/day

>>>Istanbul prices and weather

7 – Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s main tourist areas have been insanely crowded (especially during summers) for at least a decade now, but the herds keep coming. This is still a great-value city considering what it has to offer, but prices are likely to keep creeping up so there’s no time like the present. Check out our editor’s choice Prague hotels for great locations and very good prices at high-rated properties.

• Currency: Czech krona
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Residence Vysta – 540/night
• Transportation: 120
• Meals: 520
• Drinks/Entertainment: 105
• Attractions: 200
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: CZK1485 – US$85.45/day

>>>Prague prices and weather

8 – Saint Petersburg, Russia

Another city that seems likely to become more expensive faster than most of the others, Saint Petersburg is drawing larger crowds and becoming more tourist friendly each year. The top attractions here drive the cost up a bit, but are still well worth it.

• Currency: Russian ruble
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Amaranta Matisov Domik Hotel – 1149/night
• Transportation: 100
• Meals: 570
• Drinks/Entertainment: 420
• Attractions: 350
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: RUB2589 – US$91.32/day

>>>Saint Petersburg prices and weather

9 – Tallinn, Estonia

The cheapest Euro-zone member on this list, Tallinn isn’t too easy to reach and it doesn’t seem to be talked about much, but at least it’s quite affordable so it should appeal to adventurous types who like to see some remaining east/west contrasts.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: GoHotel Shnelli – 14.58/night
• Transportation: 5.25
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 5.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €69.83 – US$93.11/day

>>>Tallinn prices and weather

10 – Naples, Italy

Thanks to some surprisingly cheap hotel options, Naples comes out much higher compared to its position on our Backpackers Index for Europe list. Its mixed reputation seems to keep many 3-star and above tourists away, but at least it offers good value to those who give it a try.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Mercure Napoli Garibaldi – 20.50/night
• Transportation: 7.25
• Meals: 22.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 9.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €70.75 – US$94.33/day

>>>Naples prices and weather

11 – Athens, Greece

Athens is another city that can be a relative bargain for the 3-star traveler, with some good and cheap hotels right in the main tourist zones. During summer the city does fill up, so it may not feel so affordable during high season.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Iniohos Hotel – 24/night
• Transportation: 3.50
• Meals: 26.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 8.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €73.50 – US$98.00/day

>>>Athens prices and weather

12 – Hamburg, Germany

While Hamburg did legitimately come out quite cheap in this data, it’s really not known as an especially affordable city. The hotel scene can be overtaken by trade fairs and such, so depending on your timing it might be unusually cheap or frustratingly expensive.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Polo Novum – 22.50/night
• Transportation: 6.90
• Meals: 25.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 8.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €74.40 – US$99.20/day

>>>Hamburg prices and weather

13 – Dubrovnik, Croatia

As long as a visitor doesn’t insist upon being directly in the heart of the old town, Dubrovnik can be quite affordable, especially for a coastal resort city. This is another that seems likely to get more expensive faster than most of the others on this list.

• Currency: Croatian kruna
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Villa Lanterna Apartments – 202.44/night
• Transportation: 65
• Meals: 150.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 84.00
• Attractions: 50.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: HRK551.44 – US$105.44/day

>>>Dubrovnik prices and weather

14 – Zagreb, Croatia

An apparent lack of affordable and good quality 3-star hotels has pushed Zagreb well down this list comparared to the backpacker version. The city likely suffers from some slowness in updating accommodation to meet Western European standards, though prices are still reasonable for most things.

• Currency: Croatian kruna
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: The Movie Hotel – 252.40/night
• Transportation: 65
• Meals: 140
• Drinks/Entertainment: 66
• Attractions: 30
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: HRK553.40 – US$105.81/day

>>>Zagreb prices and weather

15 – Milan, Italy

Much like Hamburg mentioned above, Milan can be a real Jekyll or Hyde with hotel prices at nearly any time of year. During our test period we found great hotels at low prices, which certainly means there are no trade fairs or other events in town. Most other times, Milan can be brutal for the 3-star and up hotel crowd.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Piccolo Hotel – 22.50/night
• Transportation: 9.25
• Meals: 26.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 7.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €79.75 – US$106.33/day

>>>Milan prices and weather

16 – Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is known for high standards among both hostels and hotels, and its reasonably prices help make it one of the better continuing travel bargains on the continent. The climate also helps make it one of the better spring or autumn destinations, so it’s a nice city-break for many Europeans.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Sana Rex Hotel – 27.50/night
• Transportation: 5.00
• Meals: 25.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 5.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €81.50 – US$108.67/day

>>>Lisbon prices and weather

17 – Madrid, Spain

Except for the height of the peak season, there are usually plenty of good hotel options in Madrid, which helps keep prices fairly reasonable. Check our Editor’s choice Madrid hotels list for great bargains that are well located and well reviewed. The season here is long as well, which helps spread visitors out beyond July and August.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Antigua Posada del Pez – 28.50/night
• Transportation: 6.00
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 7.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €87.50 – US$116.67/day

>>>Madrid prices and weather

18 – Florence, Italy

Depending on the week you decide to come, Florence is usually a bit cheaper than Milan, but again, the hotels can be full and expensive or empty and reasonable at almost any time. This is another city where if you choose the timing of your visit wisely you can stick to a fairly low budget.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Elite – 27.50/night
• Transportation: 8.50
• Meals: 32.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 10.50
• Attractions: 7.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €85.50 – US$114.00/day

>>>Florence prices and weather

19 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City is another that is only a bit more expensive for the 3-star traveler than for the backpacker, probably due to better hotel competition and few hostel options. This city seems to be completely overshadowed by the neighboring countries, which is a shame.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Le Chatelet Luxembourg – 31.50/night
• Transportation: 6.40
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 3.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €85.90 – US$114.53/day

>>>Luxembourg City prices and weather

20 – Rome, Italy

Even with its relatively expensive (and very worthwhile) main attractions, Rome can be surprisingly affordable if you pick the right week to visit. During summer finding a good and cheap hotel can be very difficult, so it’s not an eternal bargain, but during spring and autumn there are sometimes great deals to be found. Choose from our recommended Rome hotels for some great bargains with very good locations and high quality.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Marc Aurelio Hotel – 24.00/night
• Transportation: 7.50
• Meals: 32.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €87.50 – US$116.67/day

>>>Rome prices and weather

21 – Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s financial crisis appears to be taking the edge off what recently were some extremely expensive hotel prices. During our test period we found quite a few well-located 3-star bargains, so it might be time to consider visiting again after a run-up that put it out of many’s budgets.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Donnybrook Hall Hotel – 22.50/night (including breakfast)
• Transportation: 10.00
• Meals: 31.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 8.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €89.50 – US$119.33/day

>>>Dublin prices and weather

22 – Barcelona, Spain

With good hotel real-estate being harder to come by, Barcelona remains more expensive than Madrid in that department, but quite similar for most other things. During summer the rates jump much higher yet, so those trying to maximize their travel funds should consider a shoulder-season visit. See our recommended Barcelona hotels list for cheap and well located options that are highly rated as well.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: HCC Covadonga – 32/night
• Transportation: 5.75
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
• Attractions: 10.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €91.25 – US$121.67/day

>>>Barcelona prices and weather

23 – Reykjavik, Iceland

Continuing its remarkable turn-around from an affordability standpoint, Reykjavik isn’t much more expensive for higher-end visitors compared to backpackers, with relatively cheap hotels as long as you avoid the peak of summer. It seems possible that this new pricing structure might hang around for a while rather than be a short post-collapse fluke.

• Currency: Iceland kronur
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: City Center Hotel – 4959/night
• Transportation: 1200
• Meals: 4400
• Drinks/Entertainment: 2700
• Attractions: 800
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: ISK14059 – US$122.80/day

>>>Reykjavik prices and weather

24 – Vienna, Austria

Vienna is another minor surprise on this list, as it was easy to find good 3-star hotels at very affordable prices during our test period. It would seem that this is another city that can be quite dear during high season, but offers relative bargains during other times of the year.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Pension Lerner – 30/night
• Transportation: 8.50
• Meals: 32.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 10.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €92.50 – US$123.33/day

>>>Vienna prices and weather

25 – Moscow, Russia

With another large contrast between the backpacker list and the 3-star list, Moscow comes up quite expensive for the traveler who expects Western comforts. The city is crammed with hotels that earn low marks from most visitors, indicating that standards still need to improve greatly for the mid-range tourist to be happy, even if the 5-star visitor is doing fine here.

• Currency: Russian ruble
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Maxima Slavia Hotel 1801/night
• Transportation: 200
• Meals: 870
• Drinks/Entertainment: 360
• Attractions: 320
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: RUB3551 – US$125.26/day

>>>Moscow prices and weather

26 – Berlin, Germany

Normally Berlin would belong higher on a list of affordable European cities, but the 3-star and up hotel scene seems to be weighing it down. Even though it’s barely considered a “former East” city anymore, it does seem to share the difficulty of updating it’s nicer hotels to satisfy the “Western” tourist properly. Still, those who are a bit less picky can stretch their travel budgets nicely here. Check our recommended hotels in Berlin list for some great choices that offer very low rates when they aren’t full up.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Nu Hotel Berlin – 33.50/night
• Transportation: 9.50
• Meals: 32.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
• Attractions: 7.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €94.00 – US$125.33/day

>>>Berlin prices and weather

27 – Helsinki, Finland

Perhaps a surprising entry here, Helsinki benefits from the fact that our test data was gathered for May hotel stays, and that’s still considered off-season here. During summer prices definitely go way up, but it’s still interesting to note that reasonable prices are available just before the high season.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Scandic Continental Hotel Helsinki – 33.50/night
• Transportation: 12.00
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 4.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €97.50 – US$130.00/day

>>>Helsinki prices and weather

28 – Brussels, Belgium

Another city that can be reasonable or very expensive depending on whether business people or bureaucrats are in town or not, Brussels is usually known for being pricey, but that isn’t always the case. It’s still debatable whether visiting is worthwhile at all, but it’s at least good to know that it isn’t always a budget buster at the same time.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Catalonia Forum Hotel Brussels – 36/night
• Transportation: 9.00
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 8.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €98.00 – US$130.67/day

>>>Brussels prices and weather

29 – Bruges, Belgium

While Bruges showed itself to be a fantastic bargain on the backpackers list, it’s not quite so affordable for the 3-star set. The city has a huge number of hostels, which keeps the dorm-bed prices low, while the nicer hotels don’t compete so viciously. It’s still a lovely stop if you are in the area.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Ter Reien – 39.50/night
• Transportation: 9.00
• Meals: 30.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 5.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €98.50 – US$131.33/day

>>>Bruges prices and weather

30 – Nice, France

As a major summer destination, Nice comes off as fairly reasonable on our data since we took hotel readings for May. During July and August this would probably be several places farther down this list, and the nearby towns of Antibes and Cannes far more expensive still.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Vendome – 35.50/night
• Transportation: 10.50
• Meals: 31.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 7.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €102.00 – US$136.00/day

>>>Nice prices and weather

31 – Edinburgh, Scotland

Though its abundance of hostels does make Edinburgh a good stop for budget travelers, the choices in nicer 3-star hotels are more limited. The main attractions are also a bit pricey too, and of course during the August festival season you can expect to pay far more for a bed or room if you can find one at all.

• Currency: British pound
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Alba House B&B – 37.46/night
• Transportation: 5.00
• Meals: 22.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 9.90
• Attractions: 10.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: £84.36 – US$136.06/day

>>>Edinburgh prices and weather

32 – London, England

A huge supply of hostel beds helped put London much higher on the backpacker affordability list, but no such surplus of nicer hotels exists, so London takes its usual place as one of the more expensive cities in Europe. And this is in spite of the fact that we budget zero for “attractions” here due to the main national museums all being free. For our editors’ picks for excellent value accommodation see our recommended London hotels page.

• Currency: British pound
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Lincoln House Hotel – Central London – 36.21/night
• Transportation: 8.00
• Meals: 27.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 13.50
• Attractions: 0.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: £84.71 – US$136.63/day

>>>London prices and weather

33 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

The compact nature of Amsterdam’s city center seems to help make it more expensive for the 3-star traveler and the backpacker as well. Its never-ending popularity means that all the accommodation within the main canal rings tends to be expensive, and many who stay outside that zone are not satisfied with where they end up. Choose among our recommended Amsterdam hotels for great locations and great value.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Leidse Square Hotel – €44.50/night
• Transportation: 10.00
• Meals: 24.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €105.50 – US$140.67/day

>>>Amsterdam prices and weather

34 – Paris, France

Some things in Paris are extraordinarily expensive, but hotel bargains are possible during most times of the year. The fact that you can stay in almost any district and quickly get to the main attractions on the Metro seems to open up more options for visitors. During summer things can get quite crowded, however, even has half the locals have fled for the beaches. See our recommended Paris hotels for our editors’ picks for great value, location, and well-reviewed properties.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Des Arts – 38/night (including breakfast)
• Transportation: 10.50
• Meals: 31.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
• Attractions: 9.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €106.50 – US$142.00/day

>>>Paris prices and weather

35 – Munich, Germany

Even as Munich is known as Germany’s most expensive city for tourists, this placement is more than a little surprising. During our test period we found that hotels were unusually expensive, which may not reflect the normal situation. During Oktoberfest, prices double or triple from this, so plan for that if you want to join in.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Eckelmann – 49.50/night
• Transportation: 10.00
• Meals: 32.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 8.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €114.50 – US$152.67/day

>>>Munich prices and weather

36 – Venice, Italy

Those who don’t mind staying on one of the nearby islands at night can save money while visiting Venice, though they also sacrifice much of the charm that can only be found before or after the huge tour groups set in for the day. This price reflects a good 3-star hotel in the heart of the main island, and it’s a bit surprising that prices aren’t higher. Check our list of recommended Venice hotels for great value and locations.

• Currency: euro
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Casa del Melograno Inn – 55/night
• Transportation: 13.00
• Meals: 39.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 5.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: €127.00 – US$169.33/day

>>>Venice prices and weather

37 – Copenhagen, Denmark

No surprises to see Copenhagen so far down this list, as it can be a budget-killer regardless of your preferred travel style. As lovely as it is, and as pleasant as the endless summer days can be, just about everything is weirdly expensive all over Scandinavia, and few bargains can be found even in the larger cities.

• Currency: Danish kroner
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Carlton Hotel Guldsmeden – 448.29/night
• Transportation: 65
• Meals: 175
• Drinks/Entertainment: 150
• Attractions: 60
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: DKK898.29 – US$170.13/day

>>>Copenhagen prices and weather

38 – Oslo, Norway

As mentioned on our backpacker list, the good news with Oslo is that it’s just a one-day stop for most people who are either on their way to or from the wonderful scenery elsewhere in Norway. The bad news is that pretty much everything here is amazingly expensive, especially alcohol.

• Currency: Norwegian kroner
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Oslo City Centre – 367.94/night
• Transportation: 115
• Meals: 190
• Drinks/Entertainment: 210
• Attractions: 70
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: NOK952.94 – US$170.78/day

>>>Oslo prices and weather

39 – Stockholm, Sweden

Even during May, which is still part of the off-season in Stockholm, hotels are very expensive. And during the high season of July and August things get ridiculous. This is truly a beautiful city filled with beautiful people, but it’s still hard to justify a visit when it’s so much more expensive than the cities above it on this list, most of which have plenty going for them as well.

• Currency: Swedish kronor
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Columbus Hotel Stockholm – 499/night
• Transportation: 77
• Meals: 280
• Drinks/Entertainment: 195
• Attractions: 90
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: SEK1141 – US$179.40/day

>>>Stockholm prices and weather

40 – Zurich, Switzerland

No prizes for guessing this one, especially considering that Zurich also came out on top on our recent survey of world taxi prices. Even then, it’s remarkable how expensive things are in this city dominated by rich bankers and others on expense accounts. Fortunately, Switzerland has plenty of other and better tourist destinations, and even though they also tend to be pricey, at least there are some cheaper options available for those willing to look around or stay a bit out of town.

• Currency: Swiss franc
• Cheap/good 3-star hotel: Hotel Atlantis Guesthouse – 64.48/night
• Transportation: 21.00
• Meals: 45.00
• Drinks/Entertainment: 27.00
• Attractions: 14.00
• Daily 3-star Traveler Index: CHF171.48 – US$188.44/day

>>>Zurich prices and weather

Notes on the above data

The hotel prices were all gathered in late March for the exact same mid-May dates for every city. A number of the more business-oriented cities had somewhat unpredictable outcomes, with most showing lower hotel prices than expected for our test period. It would be far more complicated to run these tests for each week of the year, so we mentioned these possible aberrations in the descriptions for each city. At the very least, this shows that these cities can be cheap if your timing is good.

For the food and drink prices we took the top-end of our estimates for “budget breakfasts” and so forth. This should allow for plenty of flexibility in choosing dining options in each city, but it does not account for Michelin-star restaurants, as this is a 3-star index rather than a luxury index. The prices for high-end restaurants vary far too much to be meaningful here, so we chose a reasonable and lower standard, that should allow for meals and drinks in hotel restaurants and bars, rather than at the cheapest places in town.

How to use the 3-Star Traveler Index information

The purpose of this index is to get a general sense of typical traveler costs in each city in Europe. As you can see, the cheapest city is nearly four times cheaper than the most expensive, so this information can help travelers choose destinations on based partly on how far their budget will go in each city.

The hotels chosen for this comparison are all of reasonably high 3-star standards and with good central locations. In many cities you can save a fair amount of money by staying in a 2-star hotel or staying farther from the city center.

Shopping, whether for souvenirs or clothing, is not included in these totals. Generally, souvenir prices will be proportional to the overall index price, but name-brand clothing tends to vary far less from one city to another.

You could use the main index price as a good indicator of a daily budget, per person, for each city, though obviously there are many ways to save or spend more wherever you go.

Related posts:

1. 40 European cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2011
2. Australia & New Zealand cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2011
3. 14 North American cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2011
4. Africa and Middle East cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2011
5. 15 South & Central American cities by price: Backpacker Index for 2011