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Prices for tourist in Europe's most popular cities range from amazing bargains to astonishingly expensive. Now in its 10th year, the Europe Backpacker Index is designed to help you sort out the cheapest European cities and make an accurate budget for when you visit Europe.

Once again, inflation was very low throughout almost all of Europe, so nominal prices on a local level barely moved during 2019. Exchange rates were also unusually stable through the year as well, so Europe continues as a slight bargain by historical standards for those of us with US Dollars.

The Brexit fiasco has kept the British Pound nicely low, so England and Scotland continue as bargains for most of us, at least compared to most of the last ten years or so.

How the Backpacker Index works

Prices for most things (hostels, transportation, attractions) are fixed and certain, but prices for a “budget lunch” or a pint of beer can vary depending on where you go. Still, our estimates are based on a lot of research, and should be very close if not right on.

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Costs for each city

• One night in the cheapest bunk at the least expensive hostel with a good location and good reviews (Note: In summer hostel prices might be higher than listed below)
• Two public transportation rides per day
• One paid/famous attraction per day (Every city is loaded with free things to do for budget-conscious travelers, but here we take the average cost of a major attraction in each city for each day.)
• Three “budget” meals per day (We took our minimum meal price and added 20% to make it more realistic for a longer trip).
• Three cheap, local beers (or wine) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.

Europe Backpacker Index for 2020

From cheapest to most expensive

1 – Bucharest, Romania

Definitely not Romania's most charming town, Bucharest's Old Town gets decent reviews but the rest of the city struggles to appeal to tourists. Fortunately, those that make the effort to come will at least be rewarded with low prices all around, which certainly help make up for the other frustrations of visiting. And that huge parliament building is worth a look. Hostels seem to be getting cheaper lately, so it's even more appealing for the backpacker set. Many visitors skip the capital and head to Brașov in Transylvania, which is lovely and is also a bit less expensive.

• Currency: Romanian leu
• Best cheap hostel: The Midland Hostel = 38.80/night
• Transportation: 5.00
• Meals: 45.60
• Drinks/Entertainment: 15.00
• Attractions: 12.00
• Daily Backpacker Index: RON116.40 – US$27.13/day

Lees verder op: www.priceoftravel.com/1979/european-backpacker-index/