Budget for traveling to Europe
BUDGET • 15 min read

Budget for Traveling to Europe: Complete Guide

How much does a trip to Europe really cost? Detailed breakdown by category and smart tips to save.

Updated January 2026 15 min read

"How much money do I need for Europe?" is the first question every traveler asks. The answer varies enormously depending on your travel style, destinations, and duration. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every expense category with real 2026 prices.

Quick Answer: 2-Week Trip for 2 People

Budget

€2,500-3,500

Mid-Range

€4,500-6,500

Comfort

€7,500-12,000+

*Including flights from Europe, 14 days, 2 people

Budget Levels Explained

Budget Traveler

€2,500-3,500

Hostels, street food, public transport, free attractions

Average: €80-120/day14 days

Mid-Range Traveler

€4,500-6,500

3-4 star hotels, nice restaurants, some tours

Average: €150-220/day14 days

Comfort Traveler

€7,500-12,000+

4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private tours

Average: €250-400+/day14 days

Cost Breakdown by Category

CategoryBudgetStandardPremium

Flights

Book 2-3 months ahead. Use Skyscanner. Fly mid-week.

€200-400€400-700€800-1,500+

Accommodation

Hostels, Airbnb, or 3-star hotels. Book early in peak season.

€40-70/night€80-150/night€200-400+/night

Food & Drinks

Lunch specials, supermarkets, local markets. Avoid tourist traps.

€25-40/day€50-80/day€100-200+/day

Transport

City passes, Eurail, budget airlines between cities.

€15-30/day€30-60/day€80-150+/day

Activities

Free walking tours, free museum days, city cards.

€10-25/day€30-60/day€80-150+/day

Most Affordable Countries

Portugal

Best value in Western Europe

€70-100

Spain

Great food deals, free tapas

€80-110

Czech Republic

Prague is surprisingly affordable

€60-90

Hungary

Budapest offers amazing value

€55-85

Poland

Eastern Europe gem

€50-80

Greece

Islands more expensive than mainland

€70-100

Most Expensive Countries

Switzerland

Most expensive in Europe

€200-300+

Norway

Beautiful but pricey

€180-250

Denmark

Copenhagen is costly

€150-220

UK (London)

Outside London is cheaper

€150-200

10 Smart Tips to Save Money

Travel in shoulder season (April-May, September-October)
Book accommodation with kitchen access
Use city tourist cards for free transport & attractions
Eat lunch as your main meal (cheaper menus)
Walk as much as possible - best way to explore
Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
Get a no-foreign-fee credit card
Book popular attractions online in advance
Take overnight trains to save on hotels
Mix expensive and budget destinations

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