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While there is no easy way to compare travel costs from one city to another, we are launching a system that should be more accurate than anything that has come before. We’re tracking every major cultural destination in Europe with regard to accommodation, transportation, attraction, food, and drinking costs, and below you’ll find a comparison of each of them, converted into US dollars in January 2011.
Check the European Backpacker Index for 2013 for latest prices.
Obviously just because one city is cheaper than another doesn’t mean that you should skip the expensive ones, but this list should help travelers figure out a basic budget as well as figure out which cities to hurry through and which are better to linger in.
If your budget is higher than that of a backpacker you should check out our Europe 3-star traveler index, which shows some significant shifts for some cities on the list below, indicating that certain destinations are better bargains than others, depending on your style of travel.
How the Backpacker Index works
For this comparison we are trying our best to compare apples to apples, so we chose a “basket of goods” that stays the same, and figured out the current price for each item, and then translated the total into US dollars. Prices for most things are fixed and certain, but prices for a “budget lunch” or a pint of beer can vary depending on whom you ask. Still, our estimates are based on a lot of research, and should be very close if not right on.
Costs for each city
- One night in the cheapest bunk at the least expensive hostel with a good location and good reviews
- Two public transportation rides per day
- One paid/famous attraction per day (Every city is loaded with free things to do for budget-conscious travelers, but here we take the average cost of a major attraction in each city for each day.)
- Three “budget” meals per day (We took our minimum meal price and added 20% to make it more realistic for a longer trip. Where hostels include breakfast, that meal isn’t included in the daily total.)
- Three cheap, local 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 Backpacker Index for 2011
Note: All prices converted to US dollars in late July, 2011. The main index price will be converted daily on in the Miscellaneous section of each city’s main page. This main list will be updated when currencies shift in a meaningful way.
From cheapest to most expensive
1 – Sofia, Bulgaria (cheapest)
Europe’s cheapest tourist city is becoming more popular each year, partly due to the low prices for almost everything, but its remote location will still be a problem for most casual travelers.
- Currency: Bulgaria Leva
- Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Mostel – 13.34 (includes breakfast)
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 9.60 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 3.00
- Attractions: 2.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: BGN30.30 = US$22.28/day
2 – Krakow, Poland
Krakow might be Europe’s best travel bargain at the moment. It’s similar to what Prague was before that one became relatively expensive, and there’s many great and cheap hostels, bars, and restaurants to keep prices low while you are enjoying the beautiful old city and the local culture. Choose from our recommended hotels in Prague list for excellent values at top-rated hotels.
- Currency: Polish Zlotych
- Cheap/good hostel: Atlantis Hostel – 25.00/night
- Transportation: 5.00
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: PLN78.60 = US$28.38/day
3 – Bucharest, Romania
Definitely not Romania’s most charming town, Bucharest seems in little rush to attract visitors from the West. Fortunately, those that make the effort to come will at least be rewarded with low prices all around, which certainly help make up for the other frustrations of visiting. And that huge parliament building is worth a look.
- Currency: Romanian leu
- Cheap/good hostel: Happy Hostel = 43.41/night
- Transportation: 2.60
- Meals: 39.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 9.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: RON 90.57 – US$30.60/day
>>>Bucharest prices and weather
4 – Istanbul, Turkey
The classic east-meets-west city is one that’s creeping up in price, but it’s still a great bargain by European standards, and there’s no shortage of markets, temples, and attractions for even a longer stay. Accommodation is more expensive that you might expect. Check our list of recommended cheap Istanbul hotels for bargains in all price ranges.
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Cheap/good hostel: Aga Hamam Hostel – 19.00/night
- Transportation: 3.50
- Meals: 16.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: TRY 60.30 = US$36.11/day
>>>Istanbul prices and weather
5 – Budapest, Hungary
Another excellent travel bargain, Budapest is all-around cheap and it gets high marks from visitors. The castles and cathedrals are enough, but here you also get thermal spas that are cheap enough even for the backpacking set.
- Currency: Hungary Forint
- Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Budapest Center – 2032/night
- Transportation: 640
- Meals: 2400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 960
- Attractions: 1000
- Daily Backpacker Index: HUF6900 = US$37.07/day
>>>Budapest prices and weather
6 – Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s largest city is still rather cheap overall, but most visitors vastly prefer Krakow of the two. Still, Warsaw is building a tourist infrastructure quickly these days, and this is an interesting piece of the post-Soviet puzzle in the region.
- Currency: Polish Zlotych
- Cheap/good hostel: New World St. Hostel – 35.75/night
- Transportation: 5.60
- Meals: 32.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 21.00
- Attractions: 14.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: PLN 113.00 = US$40.79/day
7 – Saint Petersburg, Russia
While struggling to develop enough hostels and tourist-friendly businesses, Saint Petersburg is still definitely in the bargain category for those who can pull it off. Most things are very affordable, and the city would seem even cheaper if its incredible Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace didn’t (justifiably) cost so much.
- Currency: Russian ruble
- Cheap/good hostel: Sunny Hostel – 300/night
- Transportation: 44
- Meals: 312
- Drinks/Entertainment: 210
- Attractions: 350
- Daily Backpacker Index: RUB 1,216 = US$43.48/day
>>>Saint Petersburg prices and weather
8 – Prague, Czech Republic
Ten or fifteen years ago Prague was always used as an example of a city that is incredibly cheap yet still beautiful and historic, but that sort of chit-chat triggered the masses to follow. Still, in spite of high-ish hotel prices and a currency that keeps creeping up, Prague is still quite cheap for those willing to stay in hostels and scout for bargain food and drinks. Plus, it’s still gorgeous, if crowded.
- Currency: Czech krona
- Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Marabou – 169/night
- Transportation: 36
- Meals: 348
- Drinks/Entertainment: 60
- Attractions: 200
- Daily Backpacker Index: CZK 754 = US$44.35/day
9 – Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia’s capital is developing quickly so it might not be wise to keep putting off a visit for the future. Still fairly cheap by European standards, and especially compared to Italy next door, Zagreb is a bargain and a worthwhile stop on the way to one of the beach towns.
- Currency: Croatian kuna
- Cheap/good hostel: Funk Lounge – 96/night
- Transportation: 20
- Meals: 78
- Drinks/Entertainment: 30
- Attractions: 30
- Daily Backpacker Index: HRK 238 = US$45.86/day
10 – Moscow, Russia
Certainly one of the world’s most important cities, Moscow continues also to be frustrating for many travelers, with relatively few hostels and traveler-friendly budget restaurants. Still, if you can get through the paperwork and find a cheap flight, it’s a fairly cheap place for now.
- Currency: Russian ruble
- Cheap/good hostel: Moscow Home Hostel 455/night
- Transportation: 52
- Meals: 432
- Drinks/Entertainment: 180
- Attractions: 320
- Daily Backpacker Index: RUB 1434 = US$51.27/day
11 – Tallinn, Estonia
Interestingly, the first Euro-zone member on the list is the one that just officially joined as of January 2011. Tallinn is still quite cheap compared to all of its northern and Scandinavian neighbors, and it’s definitely an interesting and worthwhile stop if you are in the region.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: The Monk’s Bunk – 10/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 15.24
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.60
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €39.22 = US$56.03/day
12 – Bruges, Belgium
This one is a bit of a shocker, but Bruges is actually quite cheap for backpackers, mainly due to an abundance of affordable hostels as well as attractions that don’t cost much. In high season (summer) prices go up a bit, but still Bruges is a fine choice to chill out for a few days or more, even though you can see the main sights in less time.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Snuffel Backpacker Hostel – 16/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 15.60 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €41 = US$58.57/day
13 – Lisbon, Portugal
Its out-of-the-way location seems to keep tourism well below the levels that the city otherwise deserves, but those who go to the trouble to reach Lisbon will find an extremely handsome and charming city that is a great bargain as well. The city is particularly known for excellent and cheap hostels that are always in a race to outdo each other, with visitors being the ultimate winners.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Oasis Backpackers Mansion – 10/night
- Transportation: 1.70
- Meals: 16.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €41.50 = US$59.29/day
14 – Berlin, Germany
Those of us who love Berlin still find it hard to convince most people to check it out, which is a shame. This city has endless things to see and do, along with an arts and entertainment scene that rivals anywhere in Europe. All that, plus the competition among its many hostels keeps things weirdly cheap. Put it on your list and schedule a trip before things change much. See our recommended hotels in Berlin list for some very good rates at highly rated and well located hotels.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: BackpackerBerlin – 9.90/night
- Transportation: 2.60
- Meals: 16.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 7.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €43.80 = US$62.57/day
15 – London, England
Perhaps the most shocking placement on this list is London being nearer the top than the bottom. When you are there the city can feel brutally expensive, but crafty budget travelers can actually stretch their funds a long way. The things that keep the total price down are cheap hostels (prices climb a bit in summer though) and all the world-class free museums. In fact, we used an Attractions price of zero for London, since so many of the best sights are actually gratis for all. For cheap hotel and hostel options see our recommended London hostel and hotels page.
- Currency: British pound
- Cheap/good hostel: Queen Elizabeth Fulham – 12/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 3.80
- Meals: 14.40 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 10.00
- Attractions: 0.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: £38.20 = US$62.62/day
16 – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Compared to the rest of “Eastern Europe” the beach resort of Dubrovnik is pricey, but compared to similar beach resorts in Italy, it’s still a bargain. Unfortunately it’s not easy to reach for those who are passing through the region, but it’s worth going out of the way for, especially in season.
- Currency: Croatian kuna
- Cheap/good hostel: Begovic Boarding House – 165/night
- Transportation: 16
- Meals: 104.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 45.00
- Attractions: 50.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: HRK 331.90 = US$63.95/day
>>>Dubrovnik prices and weather
17 – Athens, Greece
The Greek capital was once one of Europe’s great bargain cities, but a variety of factors have kept prices driving up for the past decade. The infrastructure created for the Olympics has actually turned Athens into a modern and easy-to-visit place, and the Acropolis and other attractions continue to amaze, so it still seems like a reasonable deal for the moment.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Pagration Hostel – 10/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 16.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €45.30 = US$64.71/day
18 – Florence, Italy
The next 12 on the list are all closely bunched together in price, so the differences will be subtle, yet it’s still a bit surprising that Florence is Italy’s cheapest major city (by a small margin). Hostel competition is fierce and quality is mostly quite good, so this is a good hang-out for weary backpackers. And the food is excellent, if not particularly cheap.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: International Student House Florence – 18/night
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 18.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 7.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €47.10 = US$67.29/day
>>>Florence prices and weather
19 – Madrid, Spain
This classic European city definitely feels like a bargain compared to capitals to the north. There is great competition among its many hostels, and even private rooms in the city center are often cheap. Check out our cheap Madrid hotels list for well located and dependable bargains. Another money-saver is the tapas culture, with cheap eats and cheap glasses of beer part of the nightly ritual.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: United World International Hostel – 12.00/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 19.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 6.00
- Attractions: 7.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €47.70 = US$69.86/day
20 – Edinburgh, Scotland
While it’s certainly true that most things in Edinburgh are a bit cheaper than things in London, having relatively expensive attractions compared to London has pushed the city down the list. Those who are satisfied with skipping the Edinburgh Castle and the Camera Obscura will find this city very reasonable, except during the Festival season.
- Currency: British pound
- Cheap/good hostel: St. Christopher’s Inn – Edinburgh – 10/night
- Transportation: 2.40
- Meals: 14.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: £42.70 = US$70.00/day
>>>Edinburgh prices and weather
21 – Naples, Italy
Normally thought of as Italy’s cheapest major city, Naples is similar in price to Florence for the most part, with the major attractions driving the price a bit higher in spite of cheaper food in general. Naples, as you may know, has kind of a mixed reputation, but still plenty of reasons to schedule a visit.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: La Controra Hostel – 14/night
- Transportation: 2.20
- Meals: 15.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 9.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €49.30 = US$70.43/day
22 – Hamburg, Germany
This somewhat remote city is largely forgotten by most North American visitors, known best as where the Beatles honed their chops, but Hamburg is a lovely and classy city that is worth a stop if you are in the area. Germans, in general, like good value, so there are plenty of good budget sleeping and eating options for the backpacker types.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Kastanien Hostel – 22/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 2.60
- Meals: 12.00 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €50 = US$71.43/day
23 – Reykjavik, Iceland
Prior to the recent currency crisis, Reykjavik would certainly been at or near the bottom of this list, but things have definitely changed…for now. Most visitors to Iceland either head to the countryside or fly onward after only a couple days in the capital, so this city isn’t necessarily the best indicator for a proper island-loop trip, but fortunately most of the rest of the country is cheaper, as long as you get the transportation part figured out.
- Currency: Iceland kronur
- Cheap/good hostel: KEX Hostel – 2225/night
- Transportation: 560
- Meals: 2,400
- Drinks/Entertainment: 1,500
- Attractions: 800
- Daily Backpacker Index: ISK 8,310 = US$71.84/day
>>>Reykjavik prices and weather
24 – Dublin, Ireland
For a city that was once considered cheap, Dublin feels weirdly expensive these days, especially in light of the larger financial struggles. Fortunately there are some good deals on hostels lately, so hopefully other things (like €5+ for a pint of Guinness in even a dumpy bar!) will loosen up and make the city friendlier for backpackers and budget travelers.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Ashfield House City Center – 10/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 2.30
- Meals: 15.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €50.90 = US$72.71/day
25 – Munich, Germany
Germany’s most popular city for overseas travelers is only a bit more expensive than the others, so budget travelers can get by with few complications as long as they aren’t going during Oktoberfest. Prices of hostels do shoot up a bit during summer, but overall it’s fairly easy to find bargains, and the city is so pleasant that it feels like good value.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Jaeger’s Hostel – 15/night
- Transportation: 4.80
- Meals: 19.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €51.00 = US$72.86/day
26 – Milan, Italy
Milan’s success in finance and fashion have helped make it one of Europe’s most expensive cities to sleep in, although the hostels aren’t as outrageous, so overall expenses are similar to most other Italian cities. Since it’s on-the-way between so many other nearby cities, Milan is definitely worth a stop for a few days if you can manage it.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: The Monastery Hostel – 24/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 16.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 7.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €52.80 = US$75.43/day
27 – Nice, France
As the largest city on the Côte d’Azur, Nice actually has a decent infrastructure for budget tourists, though things can get pretty crowded in summer and prices do shoot up. This is a great base for exploring Monaco and Cannes with a short train journey, but even in the city itself there is plenty to do, and a pleasant beach if you don’t mind rocks where the sand should be.
Note: Drink prices here are for wine rather than beer, as it’s much cheaper and better as well.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Altea Hostel – 16/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 19.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 7.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €53.20 = US$76.00/day
28 – Barcelona, Spain
Another in this bunch of similarly-priced cities, Barcelona is only slightly more expensive than Madrid due to minor differences in hostels and the famous attractions. And this is another city where hostels tend to get expensive and crowded during summer, but are quite cheap for most of the rest of the year. See our cheap and recommended Barcelona hotels list for some options that are well located and highly rated.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Alberg Pere Tarres – 15/night
- Transportation: 2.80
- Meals: 18.00
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €53.30 = US$76.00/day
>>>Barcelona prices and weather
29 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
This underrated and mostly forgotten city is definitely worth a stop if you are passing between Belgium and France. The location is stunning and the city’s history is interesting, plus the food and drink culture is what you would expect for this part of Europe, meaning there are a lot of great choices.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Luxembourg City Hostel – 23.90/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 3.00
- Meals: 15.00 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 3.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €53.50 = US$76.43/day
>>>Luxembourg City prices and weather
30 – Vienna, Austria
Being one of Europe’s grandest capitals, it’s only slightly surprising that Vienna comes out as a relatively expensive city. Its location between so many other tourist cities makes it an easy one to stop off in for a few days, and while food is a bit expensive, there are some good-value hostels in the city to help make up for it.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Wombats City Hostel – The Base, Vienna – 17/night
- Transportation: 3.60
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 10.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €56.20 = US$80.29/day
31 – Rome, Italy
Regardless of costs, Rome is one of those cities that you’ve just got to visit anyway, so fortunately it’s not as outrageously expensive as some lesser destinations a bit down the list. There are good budget options for most things, but hotels and hostels are more expensive than one might expect, and the main Rome attractions are justifiably expensive as well. Choose from our recommended Rome hostels and hotels for excellent bargains with great locations.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: TwinCities Hostel – 20/night
- Transportation: 2.00
- Meals: 19.20
- Drinks/Entertainment: 7.50
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €56.60 = US$80.86/day
32 – Paris, France
Similarly to Rome, it’s just a good thing that Paris isn’t anymore expensive than it is, because people are going to visit anyway. As long as you are willing to stay a bit outside the main tourist districts then Paris can be quite reasonable on the wallet, and the quality of food is exceptional nearly anywhere you go. The main attractions are actually fairly cheap compared to major sights in some other big cities. To get the best value have a look at our recommended Paris hostels and cheap hotels section.
Note: Drink prices here are for wine rather than beer, as it’s much cheaper and better as well.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Le Montclair Montmartre – 23.45/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 3.40
- Meals: 15.60 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 9.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €57.00 = US$81.43/day
33 – Helsinki, Finland
The cheapest of the continental Nordic capitals, Helsinki, like Stockholm and Oslo below, has a sizzling economy, but along with it they have very high wages and taxes, and that makes things expensive for outsiders. As nice as it may be, if cities had prices reflecting their desirability, Helsinki would be much cheaper than it is.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Hostel Stadion – 22/night
- Transportation: 3.60
- Meals: 21.60
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 4.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €61.20 = US$87.43/day
>>>Helsinki prices and weather
34 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
From a price standpoint, Amsterdam may be a victim of its own popularity. Even with scores of hostels throughout the city center, they are still able to get fairly high rates even during shoulder season. Pick from our recommended Amsterdam hostels and cheap hotels for great value and locations. The famous attractions are on the expensive side, though good deals are always available on food and drinks if you know where to look. If you are willing to skip the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum, the city is more in the midrange for Europe.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: Stayokay Stadsdoelen – 27/night
- Transportation: 5.20
- Meals: 14.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 12.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €62.30 = US$88.53/day
>>>Amsterdam prices and weather
35 – Copenhagen, Denmark
Finally reaching famously-expensive Scandinavia, it’s just plain tough to find cheap alternatives in this region. Quality does tend to be quite high, so it may not feel like a rip-off, but except for a few dodgy places by the train station, there are just no cheap hotels or hostels in Copenhagen. This is also a good place to give up drinking, or smuggle in some duty-free stuff on your way in.
- Currency: Danish kroner
- Cheap/good hostel: Sleep in Heaven – 130/night
- Transportation: 46
- Meals: 114
- Drinks/Entertainment: 105
- Attractions: 60
- Daily Backpacker Index: DKK 472 = US$90.94/day
>>>Copenhagen prices and weather
36 – Brussels, Belgium
For the budget traveler, Brussels can be a bit difficult since the infrastructure is built mostly for business travelers and government employees. There aren’t many hostel options, and cheap meals are a challenge in the city center area. Still, it’s worth a look for the main square alone if you are heading to or from Bruges, which is much cheaper and listed above.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: 2Go4 Quality Hostel – 29/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 3.40
- Meals: 16.80 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 12.00
- Attractions: 8.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €67.70 = US$96.20/day
>>>Brussels prices and weather
37 – Venice, Italy
No surprises to find Venice so far down the affordability list, but once again this is a city where it’s all easily justifiable, and fortunately you can see all the main sights in just two days and one night if you are tight on funds. Of course, the hostel listed here, along with most cheaper hotels, is not even on the main island, but getting back and forth is cheap and easy. Check our cheap and recommended Venice hotels list for some great choices.
- Currency: euro
- Cheap/good hostel: A Venice Fish – 24/night
- Transportation: 6.00
- Meals: 26.40
- Drinks/Entertainment: 9.00
- Attractions: 5.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: €68.40 = US$97.71/day
38 – Stockholm, Sweden
Backpackers who want to visit the homeland of most of their furniture have to go a long distance out of the way to reach Stockholm, and then face shocking prices once they arrive. This is another city where almost nothing is cheap no matter where you look. If they ever build that ABBA Museum then it might be easier to swallow, but for now it’s hard to justify a visit at these prices.
- Currency: Swedish kronor
- Cheap/good hostel: City Backpackers Hostel – 190/night
- Transportation: 36
- Meals: 192
- Drinks/Entertainment: 120
- Attractions: 90
- Daily Backpacker Index: SEK 628 = US$99.37/day
>>>Stockholm prices and weather
39 – Oslo, Norway
The good news about Oslo is that most travelers only spend a day or two in the city at most, on their way to the fjords or the countryside. The bad news is that during that short time in Oslo things are insanely expensive, almost without exception. The non-urban parts of Norway are more reasonable, so this is one where you just have to bear it and move on.
- Currency: Norwegian kroner
- Cheap/good hostel: Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim – 265/night (including breakfast)
- Transportation: 52
- Meals: 114 (not including breakfast)
- Drinks/Entertainment: 105
- Attractions: 70
- Daily Backpacker Index: NOK 596 = US$109.96/day
40 – Zurich, Switzerland
Certainly no surprise here, especially considering that Zurich also came out on top on our recent survey of world taxi prices. Still, the cost of everything at the current exchange rate (the Swiss franc is very overvalued now) is astonishing. Also, like Brussels, this is a serious business city, so most things are geared to those with lavish expense accounts, and backpackers are barely an afterthought.
- Currency: Swiss franc
- Cheap/good hostel: Youth Hostel Zurich – 46.73/night
- Transportation: 8.00
- Meals: 28.80
- Drinks/Entertainment: 18.00
- Attractions: 14.00
- Daily Backpacker Index: CHF 115.53 = US$152.16/day
How to use this information
As mentioned at the top, these prices are for a typical group of expenses for a backpacker, and you could even say these are “average prices” for each city, but definitely not “minimum prices.” Those who never drink, only eat two meals a day, and/or skip most museums or attractions can get by on much less. However, if your style of travel is more minimalistic than this, the order of these cities should still be more or less the same.
Each city name is linked to a page that contains specific prices for many more things, and is converted to US dollars or any other currency you wish on a daily basis. This list will be updated when currencies fluctuate much from the January, 2011 levels, but the most current information will always be on the city pages themselves.
-Roger
London, it’s quite strange, why cheap ?