The 20 Cheapest Countries to Travel in 2026
Where to Travel on a Budget in 2026
Traveling the world doesn't have to break the bank. We've analyzed daily costs across 385+ destinations to find the countries where your money goes furthest. Whether you're a backpacker on a shoestring or a mid-range traveler looking for value, this guide covers the 20 cheapest countries you can visit right now.
How We Ranked These Countries
Our rankings are based on the average daily cost per person across all cities in each country, including:
Flights and accommodation are excluded from the daily cost since they vary significantly based on origin and booking preferences. For complete cost breakdowns including flights and hotels, use our free travel calculator.
Top 20 Budget Destinations
Based on TripCostly's database covering 385+ destinations, these countries offer the lowest daily costs for travelers:
1. Vietnam — ~$25/day Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. Street food costs as little as $1-2 per meal — a bowl of pho on the sidewalk in Hanoi or a banh mi sandwich in Ho Chi Minh City will rarely cost more than $2. Local buses cost under $1 for most city routes, and even a full-day motorbike rental runs just $5-8. Vietnam's combination of incredible cuisine, rich history, and stunning landscapes makes it arguably the best value destination in the world.
2. Cambodia — ~$27/day Siem Reap and Phnom Penh offer incredible value with rich cultural experiences at very low costs. The Angkor Wat temple complex — one of the most extraordinary sights on Earth — costs $37 for a one-day pass, which is the biggest single expense most travelers encounter. Outside of that, daily costs are remarkably low. A full Cambodian meal at a local restaurant averages $2-3, and tuk-tuks are the primary transport at $1-3 per trip.
3. Nepal — ~$28/day From Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal offers budget-friendly trekking, food, and accommodation. The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks are among the cheapest multi-day adventures in the world when you factor in the daily cost of food and teahouse accommodation along the route. Dal bhat (lentil curry with rice) is the national dish and costs $2-4 at teahouses. Local buses between cities are under $10 for even the longest routes.
4. Laos — ~$28/day Luang Prabang and Vientiane provide authentic Southeast Asian experiences without the tourist markups you'll find in neighboring Thailand. The morning alms ceremony in Luang Prabang is free, and boat trips up the Mekong cost just $10-15. Street food in the night markets starts at $1, and Beerlao — one of Asia's best lagers — costs under $2 at most restaurants.
5. India — ~$30/day With diverse food, cheap trains, and affordable guesthouses, India remains one of the best value destinations globally. Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur each offer entirely different experiences at remarkably similar low prices. Indian railways are famously affordable — a 16-hour sleeper train from Delhi to Jaipur costs $5-10. Thali meals at local restaurants average $1-3 and are incredibly filling.
6. Myanmar — ~$30/day Bagan's 2,000+ temples and Inle Lake's floating gardens offer unforgettable experiences at very low daily costs. Domestic buses between major cities cost $10-15 for overnight journeys. The biggest challenge in Myanmar is that ATM availability can be limited outside major cities, so carry cash.
7. Sri Lanka — ~$32/day Beaches, tea plantations, and ancient ruins — all at budget-friendly prices. The scenic train from Colombo to Ella costs under $2 in second class and is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Local rice and curry meals cost $2-4 at most restaurants.
8. Philippines — ~$33/day Island hopping, diving, and beach life at Southeast Asian prices. Manila is the entry point, but budget travelers head to Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao for world-class beaches at local prices. Tricycles and jeepneys keep transport costs under $2/day in most areas. Diving is among the cheapest in the world at $25-35 per dive.
9. Indonesia — ~$35/day Bali gets most of the attention, but destinations like Yogyakarta and Lombok offer even better value. A nasi goreng plate costs $1-2, and scooter rentals are $4-5/day. Even in Bali's tourist areas, you can eat well for under $10/day by choosing local warungs over tourist restaurants.
10. Thailand — ~$38/day Bangkok's legendary street food, affordable BTS/MRT transit, and budget accommodation make Thailand a perennial favorite. Pad thai from a street vendor costs $1-2, the BTS skytrain is $0.50-1.50 per trip, and a Thai massage starts at $5. Chiang Mai in the north is even cheaper, with monthly apartment rentals available for $200-300.
11. Guatemala — ~$38/day Antigua's colonial architecture and Lake Atitlan's volcanic landscapes provide Central American charm at very low prices. Chicken buses between cities cost $1-3, and local comedores serve full meals for $2-4.
12. Bolivia — ~$35/day The Salar de Uyuni salt flats are a bucket-list destination, and daily costs in La Paz and Sucre are among the lowest in South America. Local almuerzo (set lunch) meals cost $1.50-3.
13. Morocco — ~$40/day Marrakech's medina, the Sahara Desert, and coastal towns like Essaouira offer exotic experiences at affordable prices. Tagine meals cost $3-5 at local restaurants, and shared taxis between cities are $5-15.
14. Mexico — ~$42/day Mexico City's food scene, Oaxaca's culture, and the Yucatan's beaches offer incredible diversity. Tacos al pastor cost $0.50-1 each, and the metro in Mexico City is $0.25 per ride. Even mid-range restaurants rarely exceed $10 for a full meal.
15. Colombia — ~$42/day Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena each offer distinct experiences. The metro in Medellin costs $0.80, and a menu del dia (set lunch) averages $3-4 at local restaurants. Colombia's domestic flights are affordable too — $30-60 between major cities when booked in advance.
16. Peru — ~$43/day Lima and Cusco are the main draws. A menu del dia in Cusco costs $2-3, and local buses are under $1. Machu Picchu is the big-ticket item at $45-60 for entry, but the rest of Peru is remarkably affordable.
17. Egypt — ~$40/day Cairo's pyramids, Luxor's temples, and the Red Sea coast offer ancient wonders at modern bargain prices. Koshari — Egypt's national dish — costs $0.50-1, and local transport via microbus is under $0.50.
18. Turkey — ~$45/day Istanbul straddles two continents and offers world-class cuisine at reasonable prices. A kebab plate costs $3-5, the Istanbulkart transit card offers discounted fares, and domestic flights via Pegasus Airlines start at $20.
19. Georgia — ~$40/day Tbilisi is rapidly gaining popularity among budget travelers and digital nomads. Georgian cuisine is hearty and cheap — a khachapuri (cheese bread) costs $2-3, and a full supra (feast) at a local restaurant rarely exceeds $10.
20. Portugal — ~$48/day The most affordable country in Western Europe, Lisbon and Porto offer world-class food, wine, and culture at prices well below their European neighbors. Pasteis de nata cost $1, a glass of wine is $2-3, and the Lisbon metro is $1.60 per ride.
Tips for Budget Travel
How Daily Costs Compare
| Region | Avg Daily Cost | Best Value City |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | $25-40 | Hanoi ($25) |
| South Asia | $28-35 | Kathmandu ($28) |
| Central America | $35-45 | Antigua ($38) |
| South America | $35-45 | La Paz ($35) |
| Eastern Europe | $40-55 | Tbilisi ($40) |
| Western Europe | $48-80 | Lisbon ($48) |
Plan Your Budget Trip
Use our free travel cost calculator to get detailed, itemized budget breakdowns for any of these destinations. Compare cities side by side, adjust for your travel style, and get estimates in your local currency.