The Cheapest Destinations for 2016 Revealed

Posted by Doug Murray on May 17, 2016

Every year, the website Price of Travel ranks world cities according to how affordable they are to budget travellers. The 2016 Backpacker Index looks at the price of a dorm bed in a hostel, three budget meals, two rides on public transportation, one paid visit to a cultural attraction and three cheap beers to tell you how much money you’d need to get by each day. Naturally, a few extra bucks will give you added luxury for an unforgettable trip. All prices in US dollars.

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    20. Krakow, Poland

    Krakow was one of the first cities to make it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. While Krakow is Poland’s most popular city for tourists to visit, it’s still budget-friendly and you can make do with $25.34 per day.
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    19. La Paz, Bolivia

    The world’s highest capital city is an interesting mix of the traditional, the colonial and the modern and, according to Price of Travel, it’s one of the most affordable cities to visit in South America. A suggested minimum daily budget would be $25.07.
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    18. Hoi An, Vietnam

    Atmospheric Hoi An is especially popular for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Touristy restaurants are more expensive but if you opt for a more authentic local experience, a daily budget of $24.98 will be sufficient.
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    17. Manila, Philippines

    According to Price of Travel, the low-end hotels in Manila tend to be very, very basic but you can get good deals at mid-range establishments. You can experience this sprawling, frenetic city for as little as $24.90 per day.
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    16. Mumbai, India

    Price of Travel suggests that you stay in Mumbai for two days or so, since hotels are generally quite expensive here. However, everything else is cheap and it’s possible to stay in Mumbai for only $24.72 a day.
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    15. Bucharest, Romania

    The Romanian capital is off the tourist radar, which means that you can get by for as little as $24.42 a day. There’s plenty to see here too, with a fascinating mix of centuries-old architecture, communist-era drabness and modern sophistication.
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    14. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    Cambodia is fast becoming the new travel hot spot in Southeast Asia and while high-end hotels in the capital aren’t much cheaper than elsewhere in the region, Price of Travel says that mid-range hotels can still offer great bargains. You can visit for $23.75 a day if you budget wisely.
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    13. Delhi, India

    Even though you can get by on $23.53 a day, the Indian capital is also one of the country’s most expensive cities, according to Price of Travel. The website suggests that you stay for only a few days to see the main sights, which include the Red Fort, the Qutub Complex and Humayun’s Tomb.
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    12. Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Price of Travel says that Colombo is charmless but the suggested daily budget of $23.19 is valid for the rest of Sri Lanka too. Still, you can easily escape the traffic and pollution without leaving the city, for instance by strolling along the Galle Face Green Promenade.
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    11. Cairo, Egypt

    While Cairo has plenty of businesses catering to the luxury-travel market, Price of Travel says that you can get by on $23.03 if you avoid the tourist traps. Since the 2011 revolution in Egypt, many package tourists have been opting for other destinations, bringing down prices in Cairo.
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    10. Luang Prabang, Laos

    Historic Luang Prabang is the most popular tourist city in Laos but still remains laid-back compared to other cities in Southeast Asia. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, French colonial villas, Buddhist temples, waterfalls, caves and wildlife sanctuaries, all for a daily budget of $22.73.
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    9. Quito, Ecuador

    Another one of the first cities to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is also the world’s second highest capital city. Explore its cobbled Spanish colonial streets for $22.20 per day.
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    8. Kiev, Ukraine

    For European history and culture without the price tag, head east. The Ukrainian capital is one of Eastern Europe’s oldest cities, with architectural treasures to match, while its Soviet past adds a completely different dimension. You can visit for $21.14 per day.
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    7. Vientiane, Laos

    Off the beaten track and even a little sleepy, the capital of Laos is the place to escape to if you want to kick back, relax and enjoy the views of the Mekong River. According to Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index, you’ll need a daily budget of $19.94 but you can get by on even less if you opt for the local rice wine instead of beer.
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    6. Kathmandu, Nepal

    Nepal’s historic capital is home to Buddhist temples and colourful festivals but its stunning setting in the Kathmandu Valley makes it a good base for adventure sports too. A day in Kathmandu will set you back as little as $19.71.
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    5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Its cool mountain setting, abundance of green spaces and many temples and museums make Chiang Mai a great alternative to frenetic Bangkok or Thailand’s touristy beach destinations. It’s cheap, too, requiring a budget of only $18.84 per day.
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    4. Goa, India

    India’s party island is actually quite expensive compared to many of the country’s lesser known destinations but you can still enjoy the beach lifestyle for $18.48 a day. Price of Travel says that prices do go up during peak travel times, like around Christmas and New Year’s.
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    3. Saigon, Vietnam

    Officially called Ho Chi Minh City, what was once the capital of South Vietnam is now a bustling, modern city that also has interesting museums and relics from the Vietnam War. Even though it’s one of the most expensive destinations in Vietnam, you can still get by on $18.25 per day, according to Price of Travel.
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    2. Hanoi, Vietnam

    The Vietnamese capital is developing quickly but still offers a fascinating look into the country’s traditions as well as its French colonial and Communist past. Ancient temples and peaceful parks add to the mix, all for only $17.08.
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    1. Pokhara, Nepal

    Nepal’s second largest city is a popular base for adventurous spirits wanting to trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region and also offers temples, museums and spiritual retreats. According to Price of Travel, your daily budget here can be as little as $15.80.
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