20: Jakarta, Indonesia
Backpacker index: $25.70
Crowded and sprawling, most people only end up staying in Jakarta for a few hours on a layover but if you enjoy shopping and nightlife, then this place is for you.
19: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Although it’s the capital city, it ranks poorly in the things-to-do-or-see department. For the purposes of our list, however, we’ll say that the capital is representative of the whole country. Basically everything here is affordable.
Backpacker index: $25.31
18: Sofia, Bulgaria
Although it isn’t one of Europe’s most obvious destinations, even backpackers can afford some luxury here.
Backpacker index: $25.12
17: Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is one of the cities where people with money can splurge but people on a budget can get more than they need.
Backpacker index: $24.88
16: Bucharest, Romania
One of Europe’s cheapest large cities, what Bucharest lacks in popularity it makes up for in affordability.
Backpacker index: $24.68
15: Bangkok, Thailand
Everything from flights to hotels is affordable here and caters to tourists. Just about the only pricey thing is the wine.
Backpacker index: $24.25
14: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Although it is generally more expensive than Vietnam and more akin to Thailand, Phnom Penh will still seem extremely cheap to visitors.
Backpacker index: $23.75
With a reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most charming cities, Luang Prabang is also the country’s top tourist destination.
Backpacker index: $23.52
Definitely worth a visit thanks to numerous nearby sites, hotels and food can still be found for a bargain.
Backpacker index: $23.32
Known for its high altitude and pleasant weather, Quito is a popular stop for tourist traveling around South America.
Backpacker index: $23.15
Known as the world’s highest capital city (de facto), La Paz has historically been harder for tourists to access due to being high in the Andes (like Quito), but lately it has proven itself as an excellent spot for a budget vacation.
Backpacker index: $22.87
Although it’s probably a better idea to spend time in smaller and more interesting cities, by international standards Delhi is still quite cheap.
Backpacker index: $22.60
With a reputation as the most mellow capital city on Earth, Vientiane is a cheaper alternative to Bangkok .
Backpacker index: $20.23
Surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city after Bangkok, and like Vientiane, yet another alternative. You can get a room in a really nice 3 star hotel for the price of a hostel bed in Europe.
Backpacker index: $19.38
As long as you’re not planning on climbing Mount Everest, visiting this beautiful Himalayan city will definitely not bust your budget.
Backpacker index: $18.89
Not the most popular tourist destination even by European standards, if you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path and you’re the adventurous type, Kiev awaits you.
Backpacker index: $18.55
It’s not a city, but a state that contains several cities as well as some amazing beaches. Although its more expensive than other places in India, if you’re coming from out of the country, this place is still a bargain.
Backpacker index: $17.75
Although it’s one of the more expensive cities in Vietnam it’s still extremely cheap and most of the main attractions are free.
Backpacker index: $17.36
Located in the traditional northern part of the country, food and drink is very affordable. Full meals cost between 2 and 3 dollars.
Backpacker index: $17.05
Next to Kathmandu, this is where all the tourists go when visiting Nepal. And for good reason. It’s beautiful, picturesque, and super cheap.
Backpacker index: $16.65
