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Backpacking Budget by Country 2025: Daily Costs Ranked

Compare daily backpacking costs by country including accommodation, food, transport, and activities for budget travelers in 2025.

By Editorial Team
  • backpacking
  • budget
  • country comparison
  • 2025

Backpacking Budget by Country 2025: Daily Costs Ranked

Backpacking is the cheapest way to see the world, but daily costs vary enormously by country. A day in Thailand costs less than a dinner in Switzerland. This guide ranks backpacking budgets by country and region for 2025.

Methodology

Our daily estimates include:

  • Hostel dorm bed or budget guesthouse
  • Street food and one casual restaurant meal
  • Local transport (buses, metro, shared taxis)
  • One paid attraction or activity
  • A small contingency

They do not include intercity transport or alcohol, which vary by itinerary and personal choice.

Cheapest Countries ($15-30/day)

CountryDaily Budget
India$15-25
Vietnam$20-30
Nepal$15-25
Indonesia (outside Bali)$20-30
Bolivia$20-30
Cambodia$20-30
Laos$20-30

Budget-Friendly ($30-50/day)

CountryDaily Budget
Thailand$30-45
Philippines$30-45
Malaysia$35-50
Mexico$35-50
Colombia$30-45
Turkey$30-45
Egypt$30-45
Morocco$35-50
Poland$35-50
Romania$30-45

Mid-Range ($50-80/day)

CountryDaily Budget
Portugal$55-75
Greece$50-70
Czech Republic$50-70
Hungary$45-65
Argentina$50-70
South Africa$50-70
China$50-70
Taiwan$55-75

Expensive ($80-120/day)

CountryDaily Budget
Spain$70-100
Italy$75-100
Germany$80-110
France$85-120
UK$80-120
Japan$70-100
Australia$80-110
New Zealand$80-110

Very Expensive ($120+/day)

CountryDaily Budget
Switzerland$150-200
Norway$140-180
Iceland$130-170
Denmark$120-160
USA (major cities)$120-160

Using Our Calculator

Our trip cost calculator includes a backpacking mode. Select countries, duration, and travel style. It outputs total budget, broken down by category.

Stretching Your Budget

  • Cook your own meals when possible
  • Use overnight buses/trains to save accommodation
  • Walk instead of taking taxis
  • Stay in hostel dorms, not private rooms
  • Travel in shoulder or low season
  • Use local SIM cards instead of roaming

Regional Rankings (Daily Average)

  1. Southeast Asia: $25-40
  2. South Asia: $20-35
  3. Central America: $35-50
  4. Eastern Europe: $40-60
  5. South America: $40-60
  6. East Asia: $50-80
  7. Western Europe: $80-120
  8. Scandinavia: $130-180
  9. Oceania: $80-110
  10. North America: $100-150

The Bottom Line

Your money goes furthest in Southeast Asia and South Asia. A three-month trip in Southeast Asia costs roughly the same as three weeks in Scandinavia. Use our calculator to match destinations with your budget and trip length.

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