Every traveler has felt it — that itch to explore somewhere new, held back only by the fear of an empty bank account. The good news? A tight budget doesn't have to mean staying home. There are dozens of destinations around the world where your money stretches so far, you'll wonder why you ever spent a fortune elsewhere.
Whether you're a first-time backpacker or a seasoned explorer looking to cut costs without cutting experiences, this guide is for you. We've rounded up the 20 cheapest countries to visit — covering affordable food, hotels, transport, and top attractions for each one. From the temples of Southeast Asia to the beaches of Latin America, budget travel destinations have never looked this good.
If you're also planning and want tips on stretching every dollar on the road, check out our guide on How to Travel the World on a Budget Without Missing the Best Experiences.
1. Thailand
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Thailand remains one of the most beloved cheap countries to travel to, and for good reason. Street food is everywhere and incredibly cheap — a bowl of pad thai or a plate of fried rice costs as little as $1–$2 at local markets and roadside stalls. Budget guesthouses and hostels in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok range from $8–$15 per night, while mid-range hotels hover around $25–$40.
Getting around is a breeze. Tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxis), and local buses keep transport costs between $1–$5 per trip. For longer distances, overnight trains and buses are both affordable and comfortable. Top attractions like Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the stunning islands of Koh Samui and Koh Lanta make Thailand a bucket-list destination that won't drain your wallet.
2. Vietnam
Average Daily Budget: $25–$40
Vietnam is a dream for low-cost travel destinations seekers. You can eat like royalty on almost nothing — a steaming bowl of pho from a street vendor costs as little as $1, while a full meal at a local restaurant rarely exceeds $3–$5. Hostels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City start from just $5–$10 per night, and budget hotels are widely available for $15–$25.
Local transport is equally wallet-friendly. Sleeper buses and trains connecting cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang cost between $10–$20. Renting a motorbike for a day runs about $5–$8, making it the most popular way to explore. Don't miss Halong Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the terraced rice fields of Sapa.
3. Indonesia
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Indonesia, particularly Bali, is one of the most sought-after yet surprisingly affordable destinations in Asia. Warungs (local eateries) serve generous portions of nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) for as little as $1–$3. Budget guesthouses and homestays in Ubud or Canggu range from $10–$20 per night.
Scooter rentals at around $5–$8 per day are the go-to way to get around the island. For inter-island travel, ferries are the most budget-friendly option. Explore the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces, hike Mount Batur, surf the waves at Kuta, or visit the ancient temple of Prambanan in Java — all without spending a fortune.
4. Cambodia
Average Daily Budget: $25–$40
Cambodia is one of the cheapest places to travel in Southeast Asia, especially for first-time budget travelers. Street food and local restaurants serve filling meals for $1–$3, and draft beers are famously cheap at around $0.50. Hostel dorms in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap go for as little as $4–$8 per night, with private rooms available from $10–$20.
Tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transport and cost about $2–$5 for short trips. The headline attraction is, of course, the breathtaking Angkor Wat complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a 3-day pass costing around $62. Other must-sees include the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace, and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.
5. Philippines
Average Daily Budget: $25–$45
The Philippines offers over 7,000 islands of stunning scenery at surprisingly low prices. Local meals of adobo, sinigang, or lechon from carinderias (local eateries) cost as little as $1–$2. Budget guesthouses in popular areas like El Nido and Boracay start from $10–$20 per night.
Jeepneys and tricycles are the cheapest way to get around cities, costing just $0.20–$0.50 per ride. Ferries connect the islands affordably, though budget flights via Cebu Pacific are worth checking. Top draws include the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the pristine beaches of Palawan, and the world-class diving of Tubbataha Reef.
6. India
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
India is one of the most affordable countries to visit on the planet, particularly when it comes to food. A thali (full meal with curries, rice, and bread) at a local dhaba costs as little as $1–$2. Budget guesthouses across cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Goa start from $5–$15 per night.
India's extensive rail network is legendary for its affordability — long-distance sleeper trains cost just $5–$15. Local rickshaws and buses are equally cheap. Iconic attractions like the Taj Mahal, the temples of Khajuraho, the backwaters of Kerala, and the palaces of Rajasthan make India a near-endless source of wonder. If you're from India and planning international trips on a budget, also check out our resource on Visa Free Countries For Indian Travelers.
7. Nepal
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Nepal is a paradise for adventure travelers on a budget. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), the national dish, costs as little as $2–$4 at local teahouses and is often offered as an all-you-can-eat meal. Budget guesthouses in Kathmandu and Pokhara are available from $5–$15 per night, and teahouse accommodation along popular trekking routes is similarly affordable.
Local buses and microvans connect major cities for just $3–$8. The real draw, of course, is trekking — the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek are world-renowned experiences. Trekking permits are required but reasonably priced. Beyond the trails, Pashupatinath Temple and the medieval city of Bhaktapur are unmissable.
8. Sri Lanka
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Sri Lanka punches well above its weight as a budget travel destination. Local rice and curry meals cost around $2–$4, and fresh tropical fruit is sold at roadside stalls for next to nothing. Budget guesthouses are plentiful from $10–$25 per night, while mid-range hotels hover around $30–$50.
The country's tuk-tuk network keeps local transport costs at $1–$3 per short trip, and trains — particularly the famous Kandy to Ella scenic route — are both cheap and spectacular at around $2–$5. Highlights include the ancient ruins of Sigiriya, the colonial charm of Galle Fort, the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and the surf beaches of Arugam Bay.
9. Morocco
Average Daily Budget: $40–$60
Morocco offers a sensory overload at a very reasonable price. Street food in the famous Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech — think harira soup, msemen (flatbread), and tagine — rarely costs more than $2–$5 per dish. Budget riads (traditional guesthouses) and hostels are available from $10–$20 per night, with accommodation covering $18 per night on average for budget travelers.
CTM buses and trains are the most cost-effective ways to travel between cities like Fez, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen, costing $5–$15. The Sahara Desert, the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, and the ancient medina of Fez are experiences unlike anywhere else in the world — and they cost very little to explore.
10. Egypt
Average Daily Budget: $25–$45
Egypt is one of the most historically rich yet affordable countries on earth. A hearty ful medames (fava bean stew) or a koshary (street food staple of rice, lentils, and pasta) will set you back just $0.50–$2. Budget hotels and hostels in Cairo and Luxor start from $8–$20 per night.
Minibuses and microvans are dirt-cheap at $0.20–$1 per ride. Felucca rides down the Nile can be negotiated for around $5–$10 per hour. The Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the diving paradise of the Red Sea coast in Dahab make Egypt a destination of near-mythical proportions — accessible on a shoestring budget.
11. Turkey
Average Daily Budget: $35–$55
Turkey's combination of East-meets-West culture and relatively low prices makes it a top pick among budget travelers. A classic döner kebab or a plate of meze from a local restaurant costs just $3–$6. Hostels in Istanbul start from $10–$15 per night, with budget hotels available for $20–$35.
Turkey's intercity buses (run by companies like Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç) are comfortable and affordable at $5–$15 between major cities. Istanbul's metro is also excellent value at around $0.50 per ride. Unmissable sights include Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the turquoise coastline of the Turkish Riviera.
12. Albania
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Albania is one of Europe's best-kept budget secrets. Local food — grilled meats, byrek (savory pastry), and fresh seafood — is both delicious and cheap at $3–$8 per meal. Accommodation in cities like Tirana, Berat, and the coastal town of Saranda is widely available from $15–$30 per night, with hostel beds starting from just $8–$12.
Minibuses (furgons) are the primary form of intercity transport and cost $2–$8 per journey. Albania's Ionian coastline rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Berat is breathtaking, and Lake Koman offers one of Europe's most stunning ferry rides — all at a fraction of what you'd pay in neighboring Greece or Italy.
13. Georgia
Average Daily Budget: $35–$60
The Republic of Georgia is a bargain across the board — from lodging to food to attractions. According to recent travel data, hotel rooms in Tbilisi start from just $32 per night, with hostel beds at Tbilisi's famous Fabrika Hostel available for as little as $9. Restaurant meals with a glass of local wine cost around $10–$15, while a filling khachapuri (cheese bread) from a street vendor can be had for as little as $0.50–$2.
The Tbilisi Metro costs just $0.40 per ride, and long-distance buses to cities like Batumi run about $10–$15 for a 6-hour journey. Airport taxi transfers are under $15. Georgia's ancient monasteries, the mountain town of Kazbegi, and the world's oldest wine region in Kakheti are all extraordinary experiences. Skiing at Gudauri ski resort offers a full day on the slopes for just $27 — a fraction of what you'd pay in Western Europe or North America.
14. Mexico
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Mexico is a budget travel guide staple for good reason. Street tacos — arguably the world's best street food — cost just $0.50–$2 each, and mercados (local markets) serve enormous, flavor-packed lunches for $3–$5. Hostels in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Tulum start from $8–$15 per night, with budget hotels available for $20–$35.
Local buses are the most affordable way to travel within cities at about $0.25–$0.50 per ride, while ADO buses connect major cities for $10–$30. Top experiences include Chichen Itza, the archaeological sites of Teotihuacan, the colorful streets of Guanajuato, and the Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula.
15. Bolivia
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Bolivia is consistently ranked as one of the cheapest countries to visit in all of South America. A set lunch menu (almuerzo) at a local restaurant — typically including soup, a main course, and a drink — costs just $1.50–$3. Budget accommodation in La Paz and Sucre is available from $5–$15 per night.
Minibuses and shared taxis are extremely affordable at $0.30–$2 per trip. The country's extraordinary landscapes include the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni (the world's largest salt flat), the dramatic Valle de la Luna, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and the lush Amazon Basin — all accessible on a backpacker budget.
16. Peru
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Peru offers one of the most rewarding travel experiences in South America at a highly accessible price point. A comida corrida (set lunch) in a local restaurant costs $2–$4, and fresh ceviche at a local market is surprisingly affordable at $3–$6. Hostels in Cusco and Lima are available from $8–$15 per night.
Inca Rail and Peru Rail connect Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the gateway to Machu Picchu) for around $30–$80 return, while local combis (minivans) are very cheap for city transport. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, but the Amazon rainforest, the Colca Canyon, and the colonial architecture of Arequipa are equally compelling.
17. Colombia
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Colombia has transformed into one of South America's most exciting budget travel destinations. Set lunches (menú del día) — a full meal with soup, main course, juice, and dessert — cost just $3–$5 at local restaurants. Hostels in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena are available from $8–$15 per night.
Metro and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in Medellín and Bogotá are affordable at $0.60–$1 per ride, while intercity long-distance buses cost $10–$30. The walled colonial city of Cartagena, the vibrant street art scene of Medellín, the coffee farms of the Zona Cafetera, and the Amazon jungle near Leticia make Colombia a destination that rewards explorers at every price point.
18. Portugal
Average Daily Budget: $50–$70
As far as Western European destinations go, Portugal is one of the most affordable countries to visit. A prato do dia (daily special) at a local restaurant costs $8–$12 including wine, and pastel de nata (custard tarts) from a bakery are just $1–$2. Budget accommodation in Lisbon and Porto is available from $15–$25 per night in hostels, with budget hotels from $35–$55.
Public transport in Lisbon and Porto is excellent and affordable at around $1.50–$2 per journey, and regional trains connect cities for $15–$30. Highlights include the historic districts of Alfama in Lisbon, the Douro Valley wine region, the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, and the UNESCO-listed city of Sintra.
19. Croatia
Average Daily Budget: $55–$80
Croatia may be famous for its stunning Adriatic coastline, but it remains far more affordable than most other Mediterranean destinations. A meal at a local konoba (tavern) costs $10–$15, and fresh seafood is widely available at reasonable prices. Hostels along the coast and in Split and Zagreb start from $15–$25 per night, with budget hotels from $40–$60.
Ferries between islands are run by Jadrolinija at around $5–$15 per crossing, making island-hopping accessible. Split's historic old town (built around Diocletian's Palace), the walls of Dubrovnik, the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the islands of Hvar and Korčula are among Europe's most beautiful destinations — and Croatia's relative affordability keeps it within budget reach.
20. Slovenia
Average Daily Budget: $50–$75
Small but spectacular, Slovenia is one of Europe's most underrated and affordable countries. A meal at a local gostilna (traditional inn) costs $10–$15, and Slovenia's local wine and beer are excellent value at $2–$4 per glass. Hostels in Ljubljana start from $15–$20 per night, with budget hotels from $35–$55.
Ljubljana's efficient bus network operates at around $1.30 per ride, and intercity buses connect major towns for $5–$15. The iconic Lake Bled with its island church is one of Europe's most photographed locations, while Triglav National Park, the Soča Valley, and the underground caves of Postojna round out a country that manages to pack enormous natural beauty into a very compact space.
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Your Budget Trip Today
From the rice paddies of Vietnam to the salt flats of Bolivia, the world's most extraordinary destinations don't require a luxury travel budget. These 20 cheapest countries to visit prove that with a little planning and the right information, you can experience breathtaking cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures without financial stress.
The key is research, flexibility, and knowing where to look. Start by identifying which region calls to you most, set a realistic daily budget using the figures above as your guide, and begin mapping out your itinerary. For travelers looking to experience the world at the absolute cutting edge of luxury before diving into budget adventures, it's also worth knowing what's on the opposite end of the spectrum — explore our feature on the [World's Most Expensive Hotels] to see just how far the spectrum stretches.
Your next adventure is far more affordable than you think. Pick a destination, pack your bags, and get moving.
