20 Cheapest Countries for Backpackers

For budget-conscious travelers, choosing the right destination can transform a limited travel fund into months of extraordinary experiences. Across certain countries, the combination of low daily costs, established backpacker infrastructure, and rich cultural offerings creates perfect conditions for extended adventures without financial strain.

The global community of perpetual travelers has mapped these affordable havens where amazing meals cost just a few dollars and comfortable beds can be found for less than the price of a fancy coffee back home. The beauty of budget travel extends beyond mere savings.

Here is a list of 20 countries where backpackers can thrive on minimal daily budgets while experiencing authentic cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.

Vietnam

This Southeast Asian gem offers incredible value with daily budgets possible at $15-20. Street food culture reaches artistic heights with fragrant bowls of pho available for $1-2, while local “bia hoi” draft beer costs as little as 25 cents per glass.

The well-established backpacker trail runs from bustling Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, with affordable transportation options connecting mountain retreats, beach paradises, and floating markets. Dorm beds typically cost $5-8, with private rooms available for $10-15 in most locations.

Motorcycle rentals for $5-7 daily provide complete freedom to explore the stunning countryside and mountain passes.

Bolivia

South America’s budget champion combines otherworldly landscapes with remarkably low costs. The country’s geographic diversity offers everything from Amazonian jungles to the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni.

Basic accommodations average $5-10 nightly, while hearty set meals cost $2-3. The country’s modest tourism development compared to its neighbors creates more authentic experiences and lower prices across the board.

Three-day guided tours of the salt flats can be found for $100-130, a fraction of similar experiences elsewhere. High-altitude cities like La Paz offer cultural immersion alongside incredible mountain views.

India

The ultimate budget travel destination combines unparalleled cultural depth with astonishingly low prices, particularly away from major tourist centers. Resourceful travelers can manage on $10-15 daily, including accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Street food feasts cost $1-2, while basic but clean guesthouses charge $3-7 per night. The extensive rail network provides affordable transportation between vastly different regions, each offering distinct cuisines, traditions, and landscapes.

From Himalayan mountain towns to tropical southern beaches, the country offers extraordinary geographical diversity for extended exploration.

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Cambodia

Home to the magnificent Angkor temple complex, Cambodia delivers exceptional value beyond its famous archaeological sites. Dorm beds typically cost $3-5, with basic private rooms available for $5-10.

Street food and local restaurant meals range from $1-3, while draft beer often costs just 50 cents during happy hours that sometimes last all day. Efficient bus connections between major destinations keep transportation costs minimal.

The country’s developing tourism industry creates opportunities for deeper local connections than in more established destinations. Coastal areas offer idyllic island experiences at prices far below comparable destinations elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Nepal

This Himalayan nation provides access to the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery alongside incredibly affordable daily costs. Trekking—the country’s premier attraction—requires minimal outlay beyond park fees and modest teahouse accommodation costing $3-8 nightly.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, comfortable rooms go for $5-12, while satisfying meals rarely exceed $3-4. Multi-day guided treks with porters cost a fraction of comparable adventures elsewhere, with many routes requiring no guide at all for experienced hikers.

The relaxed visa policy allows stays up to 150 days annually, giving budget travelers time to explore everything from jungle wildlife reserves to ancient temple complexes.

Indonesia

This sprawling archipelago offers diverse experiences across thousands of islands, with costs varying widely but remaining generally excellent for budget travelers. Beyond tourist hotspots like Bali, islands such as Flores, Sumatra, and Sulawesi offer remarkable adventures at even lower prices.

Comfortable guesthouses typically cost $8-15, while local meals average $1-3. Transportation between islands requires planning, but rewards travelers with unique cultures and landscapes found nowhere else.

From world-class diving to active volcanoes and ancient traditions, the country provides remarkable value across numerous environments.

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Laos

This landlocked Southeast Asian nation maintains a laid-back atmosphere and lower tourism numbers than neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, resulting in authentic experiences at very reasonable prices. The slow pace perfectly suits budget travelers, with peaceful riverside bungalows available for $5-10 and local meals costing $2-4.

River transportation along the Mekong provides scenic and affordable connections between highlight destinations. The country’s Buddhist heritage created beautiful temples throughout, while French colonial influence appears in the architecture and cuisine of major towns.

Adventure activities like kayaking and trekking cost substantially less than in more developed countries.

Sri Lanka

This island nation delivers remarkable diversity within a compact area, making it ideal for backpackers seeking variety without extensive travel time or costs. Guest houses typically charge $8-15 for private rooms, while delicious rice and curry meals cost $2-4.

The efficient and scenic rail network provides both transportation and experiences, with the hill country routes ranking among the world’s most beautiful train journeys. From ancient ruins to picture-perfect beaches and mountain tea plantations, the country packs countless distinct environments into an area that can be traversed cheaply and efficiently.

Morocco

North Africa’s most backpacker-friendly destination combines exotic cultural experiences with surprisingly modest costs. Shared rooms in traditional riads start around $8-12, offering architectural beauty far beyond their price point.

Street food and market meals cost $2-4, with fresh bread, olives, and local produce available for picnic meals at even lower prices. Transportation between major destinations via public buses remains affordable, while shared taxis offer convenience for shorter journeys.

From the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and Atlantic beaches, the country provides remarkable diversity within relatively short distances.

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Georgia

This Caucasus nation has emerged as Europe’s best-value destination, offering stunning mountain scenery, ancient culture, and legendary hospitality at prices more similar to Southeast Asia than Western Europe. Comfortable hostel beds cost $5-10, while guest houses in mountain villages often charge just $15-20 for rooms including homemade breakfast and dinner.

The country’s renowned cuisine features hearty dishes typically costing $3-5, accompanied by excellent local wine at $1-2 per glass. Multi-day mountain treks through breathtaking landscapes can be undertaken independently with minimal expense. The combination of European-quality infrastructure with Asian-level prices creates extraordinary value.

Mexico

Away from resort areas, this North American country offers excellent value, with daily expenses often possible at $25-30. Colonial cities like Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and San Cristobal de las Casas provide cultural richness, beautiful architecture, and affordable living.

Street food culture reaches spectacular heights with legendary tacos, tamales, and tlayudas costing $1-2 per serving. Comfortable hostels charge $8-12 for dorm beds, while budget private rooms run $15-25.

The extensive bus network connects diverse environments from Pacific and Caribbean beaches to mountain highlands and canyon systems. Regional cuisines offer incredible variety across different states, each with distinctive culinary traditions.

Philippines

This archipelago of over 7,000 islands offers remarkable natural beauty and extremely friendly hospitality at prices well below most tropical destinations. Simple beachfront bungalows on less-developed islands can cost as little as $10-15, while hostel dorms in cities run $6-10.

Local transportation via jeepneys, tricycles, and ferries keeps moving costs minimal, though some patience is required for island-hopping journeys. Simple meals cost $2-3, with seafood feasts available for $5-7.

World-class diving, swimming with whale sharks, and island-hopping adventures can be arranged for a fraction of their cost in more established destinations.

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Pakistan

For adventurous travelers seeking road-less-traveled experiences, Pakistan offers extraordinary value alongside legendary hospitality and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Modest but comfortable accommodations typically cost $5-15, while filling meals rarely exceed $2-3.

The development of tourism infrastructure means that certain regions require more planning. Still, the rewards include dramatic mountain scenery along the Karakoram Highway and cultural experiences that are far from typical tourist routes.

Many travelers report frequent hospitality from locals, sometimes including free accommodation and meals from families eager to welcome visitors to their country.

Egypt

Home to some of the world’s most famous ancient monuments, Egypt offers budget travelers access to extraordinary archaeological sites alongside modest daily costs. Away from major tourist areas, comfortable accommodations run $10-20, while local meals cost $2-4.

Transportation via the country’s extensive train and bus networks remains affordable, connecting major sites along the Nile valley. The mandatory entrance fees for major archaeological sites constitute the largest expense for most backpackers, though extended stays allow these costs to be spread across more days.

Red Sea coastal areas offer excellent value for beach relaxation and world-class snorkeling.

Albania

This Balkan nation provides Mediterranean beaches and mountain landscapes at prices far below those of neighboring countries. Hostel beds cost $8-12, while private rooms in family-run guesthouses run $15-25, including generous homemade breakfasts.

Local restaurants serve huge portions of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and garden vegetables for $5-7. Public buses connect major destinations for minimal fares, while rental cars offer incredible value for accessing remote mountain villages and pristine beaches.

The combination of minimal Western tourism, genuine local welcome, and stunning, undeveloped coastline creates a budget-friendly Mediterranean experience impossible to find elsewhere in Europe.

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Ecuador

Straddling the equator with landscapes ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the Andean highlands and the Pacific coast, Ecuador packs remarkable diversity into a compact, affordable package. Comfortable hostel dorms cost $8-12, while basic private rooms run $15-20. Set lunch menus known as “almuerzos” offer multiple courses for $2-3, providing enough food that many backpackers skip dinner.

The country’s excellent transportation network connects diverse regions efficiently, with most bus journeys costing $1-2 per hour of travel. Adventure activities like mountain climbing, jungle tours, and surfing lessons cost significantly less than in more developed destinations.

Nicaragua

Central America’s largest country combines colonial charm, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful beaches with some of the region’s lowest prices. Basic but clean private rooms typically cost $10-15, while dorm beds run $6-10.

Local meals average $3-5, with street food options available for even less. The country’s smaller size makes transportation relatively straightforward, with most journeys costing $3-10. Adventure activities like volcano boarding, island exploration, and surfing provide excellent value.

The combination of established backpacker infrastructure and relatively low tourist numbers creates a welcoming environment for budget travelers.

Ukraine

Eastern Europe’s largest country offers remarkable value with beautiful cities, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture available at prices that seem impossibly low to Western visitors. Comfortable hostel beds cost $5-10, while basic private rooms run $15-25.

Transportation via the extensive rail network remains highly affordable, connecting major cities for $5-15, even on overnight journeys. Local restaurants serve hearty traditional meals for $3-6, while street food and supermarket picnics cost even less.

From the architectural treasures of Lviv and Kyiv to the Black Sea coastline and Carpathian Mountains, the country rewards budget travelers with experiences that would cost multiples elsewhere.

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Iran

For adventurous travelers willing to navigate visa requirements and banking limitations, Iran offers extraordinary cultural experiences at remarkably low prices. The country’s legendary hospitality often results in invitations for free meals or accommodation from locals eager to welcome visitors.

When paying, basic but clean guesthouses cost $10-20, while delicious meals typically run $3-5. The extensive bus and train network connects ancient cities, mountain villages, and desert landscapes affordably.

From breathtaking Islamic architecture to bustling bazaars and stunning natural landscapes, the country provides unforgettable experiences at prices that allow extended exploration.

North Macedonia

This small Balkan nation packs diverse experiences into a compact, affordable package perfect for budget exploration. The atmospheric capital, Skopje, and beautiful Lake Ohrid provide the main attractions, connected by cheap public transportation costing just a few dollars.

Hostel beds typically run $8-12, while private rooms in family-run guesthouses cost $15-25. Local restaurants serve generous portions of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and traditional specialties for $3-6. Hiking opportunities in multiple mountain ranges offer free adventures with stunning views and ancient villages.

The relative lack of international tourism ensures authentic experiences and lower prices than in more established European destinations.

The Value Equation

These budget-friendly destinations remind us that travel’s most meaningful experiences rarely correlate with high spending. In fact, economic necessity often pushes travelers toward local transportation, authentic eateries, and cultural immersion they might otherwise miss.

The global backpacker community has long understood that your money stretches further when following a simple formula: seek countries with lower costs of living, embrace local practices rather than tourist conveniences, and prioritize experiences over comforts. This approach transforms travel from an occasional luxury into a sustainable lifestyle accessible to anyone with the courage to step beyond their