A new study reveals the best cities for budget travelers, and Rome ranks first for offering the most free tourist attractions.
Bangkok offers the lowest average hotel price at just $8 (all figures USD) and the most affordable meal price of $3.14. Lisbon stands out with the highest weather index of 98.6, which allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
A recent study by DIPNDIVE revealed the top ten best cities for budget travelers based on a comprehensive analysis of various key factors. The data used in this study included the number of free tourist attractions, average cost of living, meal prices at inexpensive restaurants, weather index scores, and average hotel prices in cities worldwide. The final ranking was based on the budget traveler score. Cities that offered a greater number of free attractions, lower costs, and better weather were ranked higher on the list.
Bangkok, Thailand. Evan Krause/Unsplash Photo
I’m a tad skeptical of the hotel prices. I went on Expedia.com and found a few hotels in January in Rome for around $100, but not much for $80. In fact, the cheapest was $74, which means the average was much higher than $80. I have found that a nice plate of pasta at a decent restaurant in Rome can be found for $15 or so.
I’m also not sure of the cities. From what I’ve found, Vietnam is a tad cheaper than Thailand, so I’m not sure why Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City aren’t on the list.
Still, there’s some useful information here. There’s no doubt that Asia has some great travel bargains, with hotel prices often far lower than Europe. And I agree that Eastern Europe is generally much cheaper than Western Europe.
| Cities | Free tourist attraction | Average cost of living | Meal in inexpensive restaurant | Weather index | Average Hotel Prices | Score |
| Rome | 976 | 914.10$ | 16.20$ | 93.7 | 80$ | 99.5 |
| Bangkok | 477 | 680.30$ | 3.14$ | 58.4 | 8$ | 96.2 |
| Lisbon | 285 | 789.60$ | 14.04$ | 98.6 | 52$ | 95.9 |
| Budapest | 295 | 707.70$ | 10.80$ | 78.4 | 34$ | 90.3 |
| Prague | 389 | 875.00$ | 10.71$ | 80.7 | 34$ | 88.7 |
| Madrid | 552 | 856.20$ | 16.20$ | 85.5 | 38$ | 88.3 |
| Athens | 203 | 876.40$ | 16.20$ | 95.2 | 29$ | 86.5 |
| Zagreb | 122 | 801.80$ | 10.80$ | 82.2 | 64$ | 81.2 |
| Bucharest | 144 | 722.10$ | 12.49$ | 75.6 | 28$ | 80.9 |
| Warsaw | 133 | 796.20$ | 9.9 | 74.6 | $58 | 77.8 |
Rome ranks first with an impressive score of 99.5, offering the highest number of free tourist attractions at 976, making it a dream destination for budget travelers. Its postcard-perfect views and excellent weather index of 93.7 allow visitors to explore the city year-round.
Rome, Italy. Caleb Miller/Unsplash
Bangkok secures second place with a score of 96.2, thanks to its affordability. In Bangkok, you can find the cheapest hotels at just $8 per night and the most budget-friendly meals at $3.14. With 477 free tourist attractions, Bangkok combines an exciting cultural experience with budget street food, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an affordable yet vibrant city to explore.
Lisbon ranks third with a score of 95.9, standing out with the highest weather index of 98.6, which ensures near-perfect conditions for outdoor activities year-round. The city offers great value, with an average meal price of $14.04 and affordable accommodations at $52 per night. Lisbon offers 285 free tourist attractions, which makes it one of Europe’s top-budget destinations.
With a score of 90.3, Budapest ranks fourth, offering a balance of affordability and rich cultural experiences. The city’s 295 free tourist attractions and low hotel prices, averaging $34 per night, make it a budget traveler’s paradise. Budapest is home to some of the most affordable meals, priced on average $10.80, enhancing its status as one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations.
Prague takes fifth place with a score of 88.7. It offers about 389 free tourist attractions and a low average meal price of $10.71, which is great for budget-conscious travelers. With an average hotel price of just $34 per night, Prague offers an affordable gateway to its well-preserved medieval vibe.
Madrid ranks sixth with a score of 88.3, offering 552 free tourist attractions—the second-highest on the list. Despite its slightly higher meal price of $16.20, Madrid’s affordable hotel prices, averaging $38 per night, and a great weather index of 85.5 make it a top destination for budget travelers.
Madrid in the evening. FLORIAN WEHDE /UNSPLASH PHOTO
Athens comes in seventh with a score of 86.5, featuring a high weather index of 95.2, perfect for those looking to enjoy sunny skies. While Athens has 203 free tourist attractions and slightly higher meal and hotel prices, its affordable $29 average hotel rate makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious visitors.
Zagreb ranks eighth with a score of 81.2, offering an off-the-beaten-path feel. Although it has fewer free attractions at 122, the city compensates with affordable accommodations, averaging $64 per night, and meal prices of $10.80. Zagreb provides a cost-effective way to explore an authentic, less touristy European destination.
Bucharest takes ninth place with a score of 80.9. It offers affordable travel options, with hotel prices as low as $28 per night and meal prices of $12.49. Although it has fewer free tourist attractions (144) than the other cities on the list, its low cost of living and affordable accommodations make Bucharest an appealing choice for budget travelers.
Warsaw rounds out the top ten with a score of 77.8 with 133 free tourist attractions and some of the lowest meal prices on the list at just $9.90. With an average hotel price of $58, Warsaw remains an affordable and culturally rich destination for budget travelers looking to explore Eastern Europe.
