💶 How Much Should You Budget for a Trip to Europe? (Real Traveler Tips & Daily Costs)

Europe is a dream destination for many travelers—but how much should you really budget for a European trip in 2025? Whether you’re backpacking solo, traveling as a couple, or planning a family vacation, we’ve gathered real insights from seasoned travelers to help you plan your finances smartly.

Let’s break it down by daily costs, regional differences, and real-life examples.

📊 What’s a Reasonable Daily Budget for Europe?

A good rule of thumb:
$150–$250 USD per person per day is comfortable for mid-range travelers, covering accommodations, meals, local transport, and activities.

Here’s a breakdown of average daily costs:

✈️ Flight costs vary widely and aren’t included above—but expect around $600–$1,200 USD round-trip from the US depending on season and destination.

📍 Cost Differences by Country

Europe is not one-size-fits-all. Here’s what to expect from some popular regions:

💰 Expensive Countries:

• Switzerland, Norway, Sweden
• Expect $250+ per day
• Transport and eating out are costly
• Buy transit passes (like the Swiss Travel Pass) to save money
• Grocery store food is surprisingly affordable

💬 “Trains and gondolas in Switzerland were crazy expensive, but grocery prices were actually cheaper than California!”

🧀 Mid-Range Countries:

• France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands
• Around $150–$200/day
• City center stays and restaurant meals can add up
• Museum passes and public transport help save money

💬 “In Paris, we had beautiful meals with wine for €100 total as a couple—and no tipping like in the US!”

🏛️ Affordable Countries:

• Italy, Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria
• $100–$150/day is more than enough
• Amazing food, charming stays, and rich culture for less
• Bakeries and local food spots are cheap and delicious

💬 “In Greece, your money goes further—breakfasts from bakeries, fresh seafood, and beach views for a fraction of the cost.”

🧳 Real-World Traveler Budgets

Here’s how real people spent their money:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Couple in Rome:
  “$250–$300/day total, including wine with dinner and daily gelato.”
• 👩 Solo traveler in Paris (2012):
  “Survived a week on $200, walking everywhere, eating baguettes and cheese, and living my best life.”
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Family of 3 in Austria:
  “Dinner with drinks cost us about $150. Some days $100, others $200. It balanced out.”
• 🧭 Long-term traveler (36 countries):
  “I averaged $180 AUD/day over 7 months, including everything—super doable.”

🚉 Where Does the Money Go?

Let’s break down the biggest trip costs:

🏨 Accommodations:

• Hostels: $20–$60/night
• 3-star hotels: $80–$150/night
• Airbnbs: Varies by city and season

🥘 Food:

• Local cafes & bakeries: €5–€15
• Sit-down meals: €15–€30 per person
• Wine in France: Incredibly affordable!

💬 “Wine in France was so cheap, we couldn’t believe the quality for the price.”

🚍 Transportation:

• Local transport: $5–$20/day
• Intercity trains: $20–$100/trip
• Passes (like Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass) save money if you’re moving around a lot

💡 Budget Tips from Travelers

• 🍴 Eat like a local—picnic with grocery store food and bakery snacks
• 🎟️ Pre-book attractions and museum passes online (many closed Mondays!)
• 🚆 Use Eurail, Interrail, or city passes for public transport
• 🛌 Stay slightly outside tourist hotspots for better prices
• 💳 No need to tip—many countries include service charges or don’t expect tips
• 🏖️ In touristy beach areas like Capri or Positano, expect extra fees (e.g. $100/day for beach chairs)

✅ Final Takeaway: Is $200/Day Enough?

Yes—$200/day per person is more than enough in most parts of Europe for a comfortable, enjoyable trip. It might not go far in Switzerland or Norway, but in places like Greece, Italy, or Portugal, you’ll likely underspend.

Plan smart, splurge occasionally, and don’t stress if some days are pricier than others. Europe is incredibly diverse, and with thoughtful planning, it can be affordable and unforgettable.