Want to find the cheapest places to travel? You’re in the right spot.
Welcome to our annual report on the world’s most affordable travel destinations! We’ve updated our rankings for 2022, and we even have a new number one, but we’ll get to that in a bit!
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Finding cheap vacation ideas can be frustrating. Getting the best travel deals typically takes hours of time-consuming research, including comparing hotels, finding cheap flights, and considering your meal options. And this is after you’ve spent weeks researching where to go.
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So, we’ve taken the top 100 travel destinations in the world and ranked them according to price. You’re welcome.
Before we get started, though, don’t forget to grab our free travel checklist! It’s a great tool to help you get organized and save money on your next big trip. Just click the button below to get it now. (You’re welcome again!)
to Travel: Destinations #1–#10
Without further ado, here’s our list of the cheapest places to travel in the world for 2022.
1) Hanoi, Vietnam
Average Cost: $19.75/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World For the first time ever, Hanoi has managed to grab the top spot on our list of cheap places to travel. As the capital of Vietnam, the city is a cultural hub full of museums and important places of interest. The hectic Old Quarter is definitely something you don’t want to miss. Ho Chi Minh City’s mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake are also popular spots for tourists.
2) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Average Cost: $19.83/day
Known as Saigon before the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is home to a vibrant arts scene and loads of French colonial architecture. Many visitors enjoy spending time in the energetic Ben Thanh Market, where street vendors serve up local flavors at a price that can fit inside anyone’s budget.100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Those seeking quieter spaces will enjoy wandering through the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the war that span thousands of miles. It’s also worth noting that Ho Chi Minh City ranks in the top 6 cheapest places to travel for food and beverage prices, while it comes in at #2 for the cheapest places to stay.
3) Pattaya, Thailand
Average Cost: $27.51/day
Sure, there are plenty of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy in Pattaya, Thailand. However, what people really come here for is the beach. Situated on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya’s is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find anywhere. The area is also famous for its lively nightlife and excellent shopping. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Best of all, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to stay here. Pattaya ranks 4th on our list for the cheapest places to stay and 11th in daily food costs.
4) Phuket, Thailand
Average Cost: $28.34/day
Do you love cheap vacation spots that are home to beautiful mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches? Traveling to Phuket, Thailand, may be for you. Although some luxury travel options are available, one of the best things about this island is that you don’t have to mortgage the house to stay here.100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World There are plenty of 3- and 4-star accommodations from which to choose. In fact, of all the travel destinations we’ve surveyed, Phuket ranks #1 for the cheapest hotel costs. As with other places in Thailand, the nightlife here won’t disappoint you either.
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5) Samui, Thailand
Average Cost: $29.18/day
Samui, Thailand, continues the run for Thailand and is also the first of 20 new destinations to make our list. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World The second-largest island in Thailand, Samui (a.k.a. “Ko Samui”), has become a bustling tourist destination. Resorts, bungalows, and private villas grace the palm-lined beaches. Visitors should also check out the famous Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple.
6) Bangkok, Thailand
Average Cost: $30.06/day
Bangkok ranks as the cheapest place to eat in our survey. That, in combination with its affordable hotels, helps the city land solidly inside our top ten for this year. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World The relatively high cost of beverages is the only thing keeping it from moving higher. Renowned for its exciting nightlife and entertainment, Bangkok isn’t just a party town. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the city’s amazing religious sites, including the Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. There’s also the Grand Palace, the Wat Arun Temple, and some serious shopping for you to enjoy.
7) Krabi, Thailand
Average Cost: $31.05/day
You know those beautiful photos of the jagged limestone cliffs you see on Instagram? Most of those are pictures of Thailand, and many of them come from Krabi province. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Located just across the bay from Phuket, Krabi is a super cheap vacation idea. While it may cost a few bucks to get over there, Krabi ranks in the top 10 for both meals and accommodations. With those types of prices, Krabi has definitely been added to our bucket list!
8) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Average Cost: $31.42/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Chiang Mai is one of the most interesting places to travel in Thailand and one of the world’s best bargain vacations. Chiang Mai offers the 5th-cheapest food prices and the 9th-most affordable accommodations of any destination on our list. Located in the mountains of northern Thailand, the city is home to countless Buddhist temples and sacred religious sites. Nature and wildlife tours are also popular excursions in Chiang Mai.
9) Delhi, India
Average Cost: $36.70/day
Delhi scores high marks for its low prices across the board, which helps keep it in the top 10 on our list of the world’s cheapest places to travel. With an estimated 30.7 million inhabitants living in the metropolitan area, the city is also huge. Delhi is home to a ridiculous amount of important sacred and religious sites. At just 3.5 hours away by car, it’s also a decent starting point to explore the Taj Mahal. Be sure to check out the Chandni Chowk bazaar and the Red Fort as well.
10) Cusco, Peru
Average Cost: $37.24/day
Rounding out our top 10 cheapest destinations in the world is Cusco, Peru. A newcomer to our list, Cusco also snags the distinction of being the cheapest place to travel in South America. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World This mountain town was once the capital of the Incan Empire and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city features well-preserved archeological sites as well as some great examples of Spanish colonial architecture.
Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #11–#20
11) Istanbul, Turkey
Average Cost: $41.42/day
For more than 2,000 years, Istanbul has straddled the continents of Europe and Asia, making it one of the most important and culturally rich cities in the world. It is literally the point on the map where east and west collide. Thankfully, it is still one of the cheapest places to visit, too. Prices for hotels, food, and beverages all rank within the top 20 of our list.
12) Antalya, Turkey
Average Cost: $43.93/day
Moving from the city to the beach, Antalya is a Turkish resort city located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. It’s also one of the cheapest vacation spots in the world. Known for its beaches and Old Harbor, the city serves as the gateway to Turkey’s “Turquoise Coast,” named for the beautiful blue waters that are found there.100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World But beaches aren’t the only thing that Antalya has going for it. The area is home to museums, ancient Roman ruins, and a variety of waterfalls that give Antalya a certain splash appeal.
13) Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Average Cost: $46.20/day
Sharm El-Sheik is an Egyptian resort town located on the Siani Peninsula and sitting directly on the Red Sea. The inviting sandy beaches and clear waters make this a great spot to kick back and relax. 100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World If you’re more adventurous, get up close and personal with a diverse array of sealife while enjoying a diving trip to Ras Muhammad National Park. When you’re done, be sure to grab a drink and a bite to eat while strolling along the promenade at Naama Bay.
14) Cairo, Egypt
Average Cost: $46.70/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World If checking out some ancient Egyptian ruins is more your speed, Cairo may be the place for you. Luckily, if you enjoy budget travel, it still ranks as one of the cheapest places to travel in the world. While you’ll want to visit Tahrir Square and several of the city’s museums and mosques, Cario’s biggest tourist attraction is the nearby location of Giza, home of both the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
15) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Average Cost: $47.47/day
Known throughout the world for its incredible beaches and nightlife, Rio de Janeiro is also one of the most affordable places to visit. Lucky for tourists, the pandemic appears to have made things even cheaper. Food prices have dropped in Rio, moving from the middle of the pack pre-pandemic to the top 25 today. Hotels have also gotten cheaper, ranking inside the top 20, while Rio ranks a stellar #9 for beverage prices. In addition to visiting Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, you’ll want to check out the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue towering over the city from the mountains above. While attending the city’s Carnival festival (the world’s largest) may be on your bucket list, remember that prices during this time of year are significantly more expensive.
16) St. Petersburg, Russia
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CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from the original)Average Cost: $48.34/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Serving as its capital for more than 200 years, St. Petersburg is one of the best places to travel in Russia. The city has a more European feel than other cities in the country, and that goes beyond just the architecture. St. Petersburg is filled with dozens of museums, churches, and historic sites. Prices for hotels in St. Petersburg are also the cheapest of any European city you’ll find on our list. Coming in as the 5th-cheapest city for hotels is the main reason St. Petersburg tops our list as the cheapest European city to visit in 2022.
17) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average Cost: $50.76/day
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city itself is instantly recognizable because of the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. Although Kuala Lumpur has plenty of notable sites, touring the Batu Caves makes for a great day trip outside the city.
18) Mexico City, Mexico
Average Cost: $52.26/day
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and, by our numbers, the cheapest place to travel in North America. With world-class museums, incredible architecture, and historical sites, Mexico City is a religious and cultural mecca that deserves a spot on your budget travel destination list. While you’re there, take a day trip to the famed Aztec temple of Teotihuacan, known as the “Pyramid of the Sun.” If you’re traveling with the kids, a stop at Six Flags Mexico may also be in order.
19) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Average Cost: $53.18/day
Continuing it’s rise in both popularity and our rankings, Buenos Aires jumped inside the top 20 on our list of the cheapest places to visit. Tourists will find Buenos Aires to be one of South America’s most cosmopolitan areas. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s famous presidential palace. The Teatro Colon, a 2,500-seat opera house, is also worth a visit.
20) Zhuhai, China
Average Cost: $54.25/day
Neighboring Macau, but significantly less expensive, is the thoroughly modern Chinese city of Zhuhai. While Macau offers more adult-themed entertainment (like casinos), Zhuhai can be considered more family-friendly. In addition to golf courses and parks, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is one of the most popular attractions here. Thankfully, adults can still take advantage of the sites in nearby Macau, but at a fraction of the cost.
Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #21-#30
21) Lima, Peru
Average Cost: $55.35/day
As the capital of Peru, Lima is the nation’s largest city. Hotel prices in Lima rank inside the top 40. However, food and beverage prices speak to every budget traveler’s heart, ranking 14th and 24th, respectively. While spending time in Lima’s well-preserved town center is enjoyable, taking a trip to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu is a must while in Peru.
22) Hurghada, Egypt
 100vw, 735px” data-lazy-src=”https://i2.wp.com/clubthrifty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cheapest-places-hurghada-735×408.jpg” /><figcaption>Credit: <a href=)
Aligatorek via Wikimedia Commons, [CC BY-SA] (cropped from original)Average Cost: $55.79/day
Hurghada is the third Egyptian destination to make our list of the 25 cheapest places to travel. Located on the Red Sea, Hurghada’s sandy beaches occupy roughly 25 miles of coastline. Still, beaches and scuba diving aren’t all the city has to offer. This resort town is also known for its restaurants, nightclub scene, and even it’s old town, known as El Dahar.
23) Beijing, China
Average Cost: $59.41/day
For 2022, Beijing moves up 9 spots to #23 on our list of cheap places to travel. Although the city is roughly 3,000 years old, the Chinese capital offers an excellent blend of ancient and modern sites. Inside Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are a must. You should also be sure to make the 1.5-hour drive to the Great Wall of China while you’re there. Don’t miss it.
24) Cancun, Mexico
Average Cost: $59.76/day
Warm weather? Check. Beautiful sandy beaches? Check. Fantastic nightlife? Cancún has it all. Even better, it is one of the cheapest places to travel in North America. While you can find super-cheap hotels, if you want to stay in the hotel zone along the beach (and you definitely do), you’ll end up paying significantly more. Still, that’s right in line with most hotels throughout North America and Europe. Meals here still rank #45 overall, and prices for an adult beverage rank just outside the top 25 of all the destinations listed here. So, if you’re looking for cheap beach vacations, Cancun should be near the top of your list.
Related: Cancun Travel Guide
25) Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Average Cost: $60.43/day
Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and is Islam’s holiest site. Millions of Muslims descend upon the city each year during the Hajj pilgrimage, making their way to the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in all of Islam. Be aware that only Muslims are allowed to enter this sacred city. Non-Muslims could be fined or deported for trying to pass through.
26) Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Average Cost: $61.66/day
Located south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is the crown jewel of Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Famous for its incredible sandy beaches and thriving coral reefs, this exciting city is more than a simple beach town. Lively 5th Avenue and the city’s close proximity to several Mayan archeologial sites makes Playa del Carmen a great and cheap vacation destination for almost any type of traveler.
>>Related: Playa del Carmen Travel Guide
27) Osaka, Japan
Average Cost: $66.03/day
Osaka may be the 3rd largest city in Japan, but it makes the biggest jump forward on this year’s list, ranking as the 27th cheapest city in the world for 2022. The city is most famous for its popular entertainment district, but it is also packed with museums, a stunning castle, and a family-friendly aquarium. Universal Studios Japan is also located here.
28) Busan, South Korea
Average Cost: $66.85/day
Busan is the second-most populous city in South Korea, but don’t believe for a second that it takes a backseat to the capital city of Seoul. Here, you can wander through the bustling international market or go ice skating inside the world’s largest department store. Want to hit the beach? Busan has got that too. Haeundae Beach boasts nearly a mile of beautiful sandy beaches,es, while Gwangalli Beach offers a quieter respite from the city (and beautiful views of the evening lightshow at Gwangan Bridge).
29) Prague, Czech Republic
Average Cost: $66.93/day
When searching for affordable European holidays, be sure to put Prague near the top of your list. Why? For starters, it’s one of the cheapest placess to travel in Europe, according to our methodology. Known for its cheap beer, affordable hotels, and reasonable meal prices, Prague is a great place to hang out. Sure, there is plenty to see, like visiting the Old Town Square and Prague Castle, but simply soaking up the atmosphere is the city’s main attraction.
30) Marrakech, Morocco
Average Cost: $67.57/day
Located in western Morocco, Marrakech is an important economic and cultural center in North Africa. As a former imperial city, one of the most popular things to do here is to tour the palaces and their gardens. Also consider getting lost in the chaotic streets of Medina, the walled medieval city within the city,, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located relatively close to both the mountains and the desert, nature and wildlife tours are also popular.
Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #31-#40
31) Kiev, Ukraine
Average Cost: $68.67/day
Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kiev is more than just the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the most important cultural, educational, and industrial hubs in all of Eastern Europe. Packed with beautiful churches and a thriving street art scene, this city will delight art, history, and architecture lovers alike. Although political tensions in the region are currently running extremely high, be sure to put Kiev back on your travel bucket list once the tensions subside.
32) Seoul, South Korea
 100vw, 735px” data-lazy-src=”https://i2.wp.com/clubthrifty.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cheap-places-to-travel-seoul-735×408.jpg” /><figcaption>Credit: yeowatzup (Cheonggyecheon, Seoul, South Korea) [<a href=)
CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons (cropped from original)Average Cost: $69.46/day
South Korea’s largest city, Seoul, is widely considered to be one of the world’s top cultural and economic hubs. Blending ancient cultures and architecture with modern skyscrapers and entertainment, Seoul provides a unique mix of the past meeting the present. In addition to visiting the area’s numerous palaces and temples, be sure to check out the incredible views at nearby Bukhansan National Park.
33) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Average Cost: $69.49/day
If beautiful beach vacations are more your thing, Punta Cana may be a great fit for you. As one of the cheapest places to travel in the Caribbean, Punta Cana is an attractive option for budget travelers from the United States and Canada. With spectacular sandy beaches, relatively affordable prices, and the incredible turquoise waters of the Caribbean, this place is sure to help you relax.
34) Sapporo, Japan
Average Cost: $69.97/day
Known across the world for its beer, the Japanese mountain city of Sapporo is also one of the world’s most affordable travel destinations. Skiers come for the magnificent slopes while ice scupltors from around the world transform the city into a winter wonderland during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Check out the city’s fantastic museums, catch a game at the Sapporo Dome, and sample a local dish called “kegani” (hairy crab) while you’re there!
35) Budapest, Hungary
Average Cost: $70.96/day
Central and Eastern Europe are full of cheap vacation ideas, and Hungary is one of the cheapest countries to visit. Budapest, the nation’s largest city and capital, is a delight for tourists—both for its sightseeing and the fact that it’s easy on their pocketbook. While food, hotel, and beverage prices are some of the cheapest you’ll find in all of Europe, taking a short cruise through town on the Danube River is something you’ll never forget.
36) Fukuoka, Japan
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Average Cost: $72.22/day
Situated on the northern coast of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka, Japan, is known for more than just its beaches. It is a popular destination for shopping, boasting the enormous Canal City Hakata shopping center. You’ll also want to explore Fukuoka’s historic ancient temples and check out the view from the Fukuoka Tower observation deck, Japan’s tallest seaside tower.
37) Taipei, Taiwan
Average Cost: $72.64/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Taipei, Taiwan, ranks as the 37th-cheapest city in the world for 2022. With incredible night markets and tons of street food, Taipei is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The city is also home to a host of temples and museums for tourists to enjoy. Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan National Park make for great day trips from the city.
38) Moscow, Russia
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Average Cost: $74.87/day
Speaking of cheap places to travel, in terms of value, Russia’s capital city is one of the best places to visit in Europe. While you’ll definitely want to spend time visiting the Red Square and the Kremlin, Moscow is also a major cultural hub. Wander around the city’s cadre of art and history museums before catching a performance from the Bolshoi Ballet.
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39) Macau, Macau
Average Cost: $75.74/day
Like its neighbor,, Hong Kong, Macau is an autonomous region of China located on the country’s south coast. As a former Portuguese territory, the area features a mix of cultural influences and tastes. The area is also home to several mega casinos, earning the nickname “100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Las Vegas of China.” Unlike other areas known for their showy nature, food and hotel prices in Macau rank relatively affordable on our list. However, prices for adult beverages are more in line with what you’d find in Western Europe and North America.
40) Porto, Portugal
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Average Cost: $77.20/day
100 Cheapest Places to Travel in the World Slipping barely inside the top 40 of our cheapest places to travel list is Porto, Portugal. Located on Portugal’s northwestern coast, this city is known for its majestic bridges, cobbled streets, and port wine. While prices for accommodations and meals are some of the best you’ll find in Western Europe, beverage prices rank as some of the cheapest in the world. Porto ranks a solid 31st overall in the beverage category. We’ll drink to that!
Cheapest Places to Travel: Destinations #41-#50
41) Tokyo, Japan
Average Cost: $77.56/day
Tokyo is another ultra-modern city that finds itself on our list. Although finding cheap places to travel in Asia is pretty easy, Tokyo ranks among the most expensive in the region. Still, Japan’s largest city is relatively affordable compared to many places in Europe and North America. With that said, Tokyo is one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, ranking 15th overall on Euromonitor’s Top City Destinations Index for last year.