The 10 Most Affordable Countries In The World To Visit In 2026

Travel costs can vary dramatically depending on where you go, with some European nations clocking in among the world's most expensive places to travel. Even in 2026, though, as the price of everything seems to be getting higher, there are still destinations around the world where the U.S. dollar remains extremely strong. In these bucket list destinations, you won't be forced to choose between comfort, safety, and experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. From five-star hotels that cost less than a mid-range chain back in the U.S. to meals priced lower than a single coffee at your local Starbucks, affordability still exists if you know where in the world to look.

In this guide, we'll explore 10 of the most affordable countries to visit in 2026. To ensure that the information here is concrete and useful, affordability will be defined by real, practical parameters: typical nightly hotel rates, everyday food prices, transportation costs, and average day-to-day expenses that travelers are likely to encounter. 

Throughout the article, we'll reference realistic price ranges per night for accommodations, general rates for local meals, and low-cost transit options. We'll also provide specific recommendations for cities, hotels, restaurants, and experiences to help you plan your budget-friendly getaway. These countries ultimately prove that affordable travel doesn't mean cutting corners.

Indonesia has long been one of the world's most affordable island-hopping paradises for travelers seeking great value without sacrificing culture, top-notch experiences, or stunning scenery. In cities like Yogyakarta or Malang on Java, guesthouses frequently run approximately $15-$36. For example, the highly-rated Kesatriyan Jogja Guest House in Yogyakarta is priced around $32 per weekday night and offers multiple room types. In Malang, the clean and modern Greentrees Guest House & Kafe has rates as low as $10 on weeknights. Another thing that makes Indonesia an intriguing destination is that affordability doesn't only extend to basic travel. In fact, luxury experiences can also be surprisingly accessible. A stay at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Bali often runs around $250 to $300 per night on weekdays. For perspective, The Ritz-Carlton Paris averages about $3,400 nightly.

Food in Indonesia is equally budget-friendly. Local meals, like nasi goreng (fried rice) or bakso (meatballs) at a neighborhood eatery are often priced around $1.50-$3. Transportation options are also affordable, and rideshare services like Grab typically cost just a few dollars. You can also rent a scooter for about $10 a day — one of the primary modes of transportation for locals — or hire a private driver. During a trip to Bali in fall 2025, I personally paid $25 a day for a private driver for four days. 

Attractions are also typically free or inexpensive. Better yet, the natural scenery is beautiful, so you can simply wander and enjoy various temples, rice fields, and more at no cost. Even popular spots like Tegenungan Waterfall typically have low entry fees, around $1.20 in this case.

Vietnam is a great destination for travelers who want to stretch every dollar without feeling like they're sacrificing experiences. Whether you're wandering through Hanoi's Old Quarter or relaxing on the beaches around Da Nang, it's easy to keep costs low. A budget trip can cost as little as $30-$45 per day, while luxury trips can run about $150 daily. For mid-range travelers, guesthouses like Ho Chi Minh City's Hello SaiGon Homestay are regularly priced under $30 nightly for weekday stays. Meanwhile, some five-star accommodations, like the Grand Hôtel du Lac Hanoi, can cost under $100 per night on weekdays.​​ 

Food is another reason Vietnam is so affordable. Street food here is part of the nation's culture, so you can find inexpensive options quite literally on every corner. For example, a bowl of world-famous pho is often priced between $1.25 and $3.  Just remember that watching where locals gravitate is the best way to find the best places to eat.

Transportation is similarly budget-minded. Long-distance sleeper buses that connect major cities can cost as little as $12 for an eight-hour trip, making it a great way to move around. For those who prefer exploring off the beaten path, scooter rentals in rural regions typically run from $5-$6. Finally, Vietnam's value also extends to activities. One of the nation's most iconic experiences — cruising Ha Long Bay amid its roughly 1,600 limestone karsts — can be done on an affordable boat tour, with most one-day excursions sitting between $45 and $75 per traveler. Many also include food and beverage options onboard. Other free activities include visiting St. Joseph's Cathedral, exploring the Hoi An Night Market, and visiting Son Tra Mountain, where the U.S. had a military base during the Vietnam War.

For those looking to take a budget-friendly North American vacation, Mexico is a great option. Although hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas are relatively affordable by global standards, there are plenty of other affordable vacation destinations in Mexico. In Pátzcuaro, for example, the four-star Hotel Posada La Basilica — which features rustic, upscale interiors — runs as low as $38 per night for weekday stays. In Mérida, on the Yucatán Peninsula, couples can take a romantic getaway at the adults-only Casona Las Tres Marías for about $60 per night during the week. Food costs in Mexico are also affordable, with authentic tacos at street stands often priced around $1, and more substantial options around $10.

Getting around Mexico is equally budget-friendly. Colectivos are shared shuttles that connect towns and cities throughout the country, and they're a great option for trips that last a few hours or less. Typically priced between 50 cents and $2.50, they're an unbelievably affordable way to get around. For longer distances — like traveling cross-country from Tijuana to Cancun — domestic flights on Aeromexico range from $111 to $140. 

For visitors who want to see multiple destinations without arranging their own travel, cruising can be an affordable way to experience Mexican ports. Some of the best-rated cruises in the Caribbean visit Mexico, and U.S. cruise lines often have great deals on Mexican itineraries. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has four-night Catalina and Ensenada cruises starting at $239 per person.

Bolivia consistently ranks as one of the most affordable countries in South America, and it's an awesome choice for travelers who want big experiences without big expenses. For the most budget-minded travelers, it's possible to spend a full week in Bolivia for under $200 when accommodations, food, transport, and activities are planned very carefully. A more moderate weeklong vacation here can still easily cost under $500. 

The affordability starts with lodging. In La Paz, the three-star La Casa Bonita costs as little as $11 per night on weekdays. Meanwhile, in Sucre, gorgeous accommodations like El Jardin De Su Merced B&B — which looks like it could be in Provence and boasts an "Exceptional" rating from past visitors — cost about $50 nightly during the week. Finally, in Cochabamba, five-star-rated Gold House Guest House also runs about $50 for weekday stays.

Food in Bolivia is remarkably inexpensive, too. Delicious local fare like choripan (a grilled chorizo and hot sauce sandwich) and salteñas (Bolivian empanadas) often cost about $1 apiece from street stalls. Sit-down eateries are also quite affordable. La Paz's Popular Cocina Boliviana, ranked as a "50 Best" restaurant, only costs about $12 per person. To travel between cities, long-distance bus fare often costs around $7-$20, depending on distance. Additionally, many of Bolivia's major attractions are either free to enter or low-cost. Great options include wandering Mercado de Las Brujas in La Paz to buy souvenirs, visiting the stunning Plaza 24 de Septiembre in Santa Cruz, and hiking Mirador Killi Killi for an incredible view. Even multi-day guided tours can be affordable, with three-day excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats starting from $250 per traveler.

Straddling Europe and Asia alongside other mystical lands like Turkey, Georgia is a remarkable destination that often surprises budget travelers with how far their money can go. In the nation's capital, Tbilisi, accommodations are incredibly affordable. Guest House When in Tbilisi costs about $16 per night, while Tbilisi Downtown Guest House costs just a few dollars more at $22. For under $150 per weeknight, travelers can even stay in the city's five-star Marriott Hotel, which is housed in a lovely historic building. In smaller cities, like Kutaisi, lodging is also affordable. For example, the gorgeous Newport Hotel Kutaisi, which boasts a lovely sky-blue facade and well-appointed rooms, costs around $65 nightly during the week. 

Food costs in Georgia are another reason budget travelers love it. Local favorites like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and churchkhela (walnut-based, candle-shaped candy) usually cost between 50 cents to $1 apiece from street stalls. Meanwhile, restaurant meals usually start around $2 for the least expensive items on the menu. Getting between towns is also quite inexpensive in Georgia. Shared minibuses or vans called marshrutkas — an Eastern Europe holdover from the Soviet Union — are a common way locals travel, with tickets usually costing just a couple of U.S. dollars. 

Better yet, Georgia also offers many free or low-cost experiences. Travelers should make sure to visit ancient monasteries like Gelati and Motsameta, both of which are easily accessible from Kutaisi — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Daylong tours of the cave city Uplistsikhe and other sites start at around $19, and many trails in the Caucasus Mountains are free to hike. Finally, one of Georgia's biggest draws is its Kakheti wine region, where full-day tours with as many as nine winery stops begin at under $30.

For travelers eyeing Eastern Europe on a budget, Bulgaria is an excellent option. In the capital city of Sofia, well-reviewed hotels like the classic Grand Hotel Sofia and the sleeker Hotel Niky run about $100 per night for weeknight stays. Meanwhile, two-star accommodations are often priced closer to $40 nightly. Guest houses are an in-between option, with Avel Guest House running about $58 per night and the L'Opera Guest House averaging about $70 on weekdays. Outside the capital in cities like Plovdiv — famous for its Thracian heritage and souvenirs by local artisans — travelers can also find lodging for affordable rates. The Grand Hotel here, for instance, costs only about $75 per weeknight. Food prices in Bulgaria are also ideal for the budget-conscious. Local restaurants typically charge around $10 for dishes like tomato-based lutenitsa and kyopolou (roasted eggplant with garlic).

Getting around is also inexpensive. Buses and trains connect cities throughout the nation, and travelers rarely pay more than $20 — even for long journeys. In fact, shorter trips typically cost closer to $5. One of Bulgaria's biggest draws is its beautiful Black Sea coast. Beach towns like Varna, Obzor, and Burgas offer beaches, historic landmarks, and seaside dining at a fraction of the cost of hotspots in Italy, France, or Spain. In off-peak months like January and February, beachfront hotels like the Oasis Hotel and Hotel Utopia Forest can cost as little as $50-$60 per night. Even during the summer season, lovely accommodations like Hotel Bulgaria Burgas are often priced around $120 per night, which is still markedly less than many of its Mediterranean counterparts.

Egypt is among the world's most affordable destinations for travelers seeking astonishing history and culture without high travel costs. While some parts of the country — specifically the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula — are currently under a U.S. Department of State Level 4 travel advisory, most major tourist areas — including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Giza — are widely visited and fall under Level 2 advisories. 

Depending on how you want to spend your time, travel costs in Egypt can be as low as $25 per day, though it is also possible to spend significantly more if you are looking for a luxurious getaway. Notably, however, even high-end hotels can be found at great rates. For example, Luxor's five-star Jolie Ville Resort & Spa costs as little as $87 per night during the week. In Cairo, hostels like Wake Up! Cairo provide lodging for as low as $3 nightly during weeknight stays. On the other end of the spectrum, The Nile Ritz-Carlton runs about $300 nightly on weeknights, which — as noted earlier — is still affordable for a Ritz property.

Trains, taxis, and buses are inexpensive nationwide, making it easy to get from place to place. Traveling from Cairo to Luxor (or vice versa) by train usually costs about $2-$5. Most of Egypt's historic attractions and destinations also deliver major adventure without major prices. Entrance fees to iconic sites are typically affordable — especially compared to rates for sites like Westminster Abbey in London and Chicago's Willis Tower SkyDeck. For instance, entry to the Giza Plateau costs roughly $15, visiting the second and third pyramids costs around $6, and exploring Cairo's famous Coptic Church and Cave Church is free. Even four-day Nile River cruises can be had for as little as $324 per guest.

India has long been considered one of the cheapest countries for global travelers. For the budget-conscious, few places offer such a range of cultural, historical, and natural experiences at such low daily costs. Even travelers on shoestring budgets can explore incredible sites and scenery for as little as $30-$40 a day. Those looking for a more luxurious experience will still be pleasantly surprised by the value, with upscale trips running around $150 a day per person. 

Lodging is one of the main things that makes India so cost-effective. Across much of the country, guesthouses are incredibly inexpensive. In Jaipur, the Vinayak Guest House costs $9 per night, while Rishikesh offers the Sonu Guest House and Hostel for $7, both for weeknight stays. Even high-end hotels like New Delhi's Hyatt Regency have weeknight rates as low as $115.

Food in India is also remarkably affordable. A traditional thali meal — a filling banana-leaf platter consisting of curries, rice, bread, and vegetables — is usually priced between $2 and $4 in local eateries. Transportation across India is also inexpensive. Indian Railways is the best way to traverse the nation, with tickets typically priced no higher than $15 — even for trips that span hundreds of miles. Because India is the world's seventh-largest country by area, domestic flights are also sometimes necessary depending on one's travel itinerary, and these often run around $60. Experiences are also inexpensive here. For example, entry to the legendary Taj Mahal costs just $18.

Morocco sits decidedly among the best value-for-money destinations in the world. It offers an experience that feels luxurious — think gorgeous scenery and architecture that will make you feel like you're on a movie set — without the high price tag often associated with other luxe destinations like the French Riviera or Dubai. Accommodation is where many travelers first notice the savings in this North African nation. In popular cities like Marrakech and Fez, beautifully restored Moroccan riads — traditional residences built around interior courtyards — now operate as guest houses that charge under $100 a night. Riad Rêve De Samir and Riad Al Jazira, both in Marrakech, are excellent options in the $80-per-night range. Even upscale hotels are relatively inexpensive. In Casablanca, select five-star hotels like Le Méridien and Mövenpick Hotel are often priced under $100 during the week.

Food costs are equally appealing for those traveling on a budget. Street vendors and local markets offer delicious, inexpensive options, while neighborhood restaurants serve traditional meals like couscous — a staple of Moroccan cuisine — and grilled meats with spiced vegetables for about $7 per meal. Travelers who want to get from city to city on a budget should use the ONCF national train system, or book "grand taxis," which are cars that travel specific routes each day. 

What really sets Morocco apart, however, is the affordability of premium activities. Luxury camp experiences in the Sahara, which often include meals, are often priced between $70 and $140 a night, and hammam spa treatments are dramatically cheaper than comparable wellness experiences in Switzerland, long considered a European wellness hotspot.

Albania is an affordable European escape for those interested in a Mediterranean vibe without Amalfi Coast prices. Located between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is a budget-friendly nation with plentiful beaches, historic towns, and mountain scenery at a much lower overall cost than nearby Italy. The price of accommodations here will blow away most American travelers. In coastal towns, hotel rooms and guesthouses often run under $75 per night, even during the summertime peak. For example, Ksamil's well-reviewed Hotel Villa Adrian costs $61 on weeknights in early June, while Sarandë's beachfront Hotel Piccolino is $67 on weekdays during the second week of May. 

When it comes to food costs, local restaurants across Albania typically charge a wildly affordable $5 to $10 per meal, often consisting of meats, crusty breads, soups, and Balkan specialties like qifqi (herb-spiced rice and egg balls). Street food is also popular, and you'll want to make sure to try sufllaqe (Albanian gyros), usually priced around $1.50. Transportation is also budget-friendly. Buses and minibuses, called furgons, connect cities throughout the country for just a few dollars a ride, making it easy to explore like a local. Even a cross-country trek is often priced around $20.

That said, perhaps the best part of traveling here is that many of Albania's best experiences cost absolutely nothing. Specifically, Berat is a must-see inland city that's home to the ancient (and free to explore) Berat Castle. Other notable must-dos that won't cost a dime include swimming in the Adriatic, wandering ancient towns like Gjirokastër ("The City of 1,000 Steps"), and hiking mountain trails for awesome views.

The bulk of the information here was taken from high-authority travel blogs that offer specific budget-friendly guidance for each destination. Sites like Never Ending Footsteps, Wander on Less, Kendyl Travels, Trip.com, Get Your Guide, Viator, and TripAdvisor were used. Additionally, the author relied heavily on current pricing from Google Travel and specific hotel and restaurant websites in each destination. For some destinations, like Indonesia and Mexico, they also used their own firsthand knowledge from past trips.