Is Europe still affordable in 2026?It’s the #1 question I get. With inflation hitting popular hubs like Paris and Rome, travelers are rightfully worried about their wallets. But after exploring the continent for over a decade, I can tell you: the budget-friendly Europe you’re looking for still exists…you just have to know where to look.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve visited 40 European countries, tracking price changes from the Balkans to the Baltic. Based on my recent trips and current economic data, I’ve ranked the most affordable cities that don’t sacrifice culture for cost.