Traveling the world doesn’t have to drain your savings. Some of the most unforgettable destinations are surprisingly affordable, offering rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences at a fraction of the cost of popular tourist hotspots. Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or just want your travel dollars to stretch further, this list is for you.
Using data from HelloSafe's travel budget ranking, we’ve compiled the 15 cheapest countries to visit in 2025. These destinations promise low daily costs without sacrificing adventure or charm. Let’s dive into each one and explore what you can do there, along with average costs for accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
The 15 Cheapest Countries to Travel to in 2025
Here’s a quick overview of the top 15 budget-friendly destinations, with their average daily budgets:
Rank | Country | Average Daily Budget |
|---|---|---|
1 | Laos | $15 |
2 | Kazakhstan | $19 |
3 | Rwanda | $20 |
4 | Ghana | $22 |
5 | Mongolia | $23 |
6 | Armenia | $24 |
7 | Burkina Faso | $25 |
8 | Georgia | $26 |
9 | Mali | $27 |
10 | Myanmar | $28 |
11 | Cuba | $29 |
12 | Moldova | $30 |
13 | India | $31 |
14 | Malawi | $32 |
15 | Nepal | $33 |
Now, let’s explore each country in detail.
1. Laos - $15 per day
Laos is a quiet country in Southeast Asia known for its natural landscapes and traditional culture. You can explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site with old temples, colonial buildings, and a daily morning alms ceremony for monks. The Mekong River runs through the country, offering boat trips to small villages or the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha statues. Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang has clear pools for swimming, and the Plain of Jars in the northeast features ancient stone structures that archaeologists still study. It’s a place for travelers who like nature and history without big crowds.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Budget hostels start at $5-10 per night; mid-range hotels go for $20-30.
Food: Street food and local eateries serve meals for $1-3—think sticky rice and spicy papaya salad.
Transport: Public buses and shared taxis cost $1-2 for short trips.
Activities: Temple and waterfall entry fees are $1-2; trekking tours range from $20-30 per day.
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2. Kazakhstan - $19 per day
Kazakhstan is a large Central Asian country with modern cities and wide-open spaces. Nur-Sultan, the capital, has new buildings like the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr, a giant tent-shaped mall. Outside the cities, Charyn Canyon offers hiking trails through deep red rock formations, and the Almaty area has lakes like Kolsai and Kaindy for outdoor trips. Turkistan is home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a key stop on the old Silk Road. It’s a mix of urban life and natural exploration.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15 per night; mid-range hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Local cafes serve hearty meals like beshbarmak for $3-5.
Transport: City buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Attraction fees range from $1-5; guided tours can cost $20-50.
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3. Rwanda - $20 per day
Rwanda is a small East African country with hills, lakes, and wildlife. Volcanoes National Park is famous for gorilla trekking, where you can see these animals up close in their forest habitat. Lake Kivu has beaches and boating options, while Kigali, the capital, offers markets, cafes, and the Genocide Memorial, which explains the country’s history from 1994. Nyungwe Forest is another spot for hiking and seeing chimpanzees. It’s a destination with a lot of nature and a growing tourism scene.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels range from $10-20 per night; mid-range hotels are $30-50.
Food: Local dishes like ugali and grilled meat cost $2-5 at roadside stalls.
Transport: Buses and shared taxis start at $1-2.
Activities: Park and museum fees are $5-10; gorilla permits are $1500 (discounts sometimes available).
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4. Ghana - $22 per day
Ghana is a West African country with a mix of history, nature, and coastal life. Cape Coast and Elmina have old castles from the slave trade era, now museums you can visit. In Accra, the capital, there are busy markets like Makola and nightlife with live music. Kakum National Park has a canopy walkway above the trees, and beaches like Busua or Labadi are good for relaxing or surfing. It’s a place to learn about the past and enjoy the present.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; mid-range hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Jollof rice or kebabs from street vendors are $1-3.
Transport: Tro-tros (minibuses) cost $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Entry to castles and museums is $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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5. Mongolia - $23 per day
Mongolia is a country of open plains and a nomadic lifestyle that’s been around for centuries. You can stay in a ger, a traditional tent, and visit the Gobi Desert to see sand dunes and old dinosaur fossil sites. Karakorum, once the Mongol Empire’s capital, has ruins and the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest in the country. The steppes are great for horseback riding or just taking in the huge, empty landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience something remote and different.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Ger camps and hostels start at $10-20; hotels are $30-50.
Food: Local meals like buuz (dumplings) cost $2-5.
Transport: Shared jeeps or buses for long trips are $10-20.
Activities: Site entry fees are $1-5; guided tours range from $20-50.
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6. Armenia - $24 per day
Armenia is a small country in the Caucasus with a long history and plenty of outdoor options. Yerevan, the capital, has museums, a big central square, and the Cascade, a huge outdoor staircase with art displays. Geghard Monastery, partly carved into a cliff, and Tatev Monastery, reached by a long cable car, are popular historical sites. Lake Sevan is a large lake surrounded by mountains, good for boating or picnics. It’s a spot for history fans and nature lovers alike.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; mid-range hotels are $30-50.
Food: Lavash wraps and khorovats (barbecue) cost $2-5.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Monastery and park fees are $1-5; tours cost $10-20.
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7. Burkina Faso - $25 per day
Burkina Faso is a West African country known for its cultural events and outdoor attractions. Ouagadougou, the capital, hosts FESPACO, a major film festival, and has markets selling crafts and food. Loropéni Ruins, a UNESCO site, are old stone structures from centuries ago, while Sindou Peaks offer hiking among unusual rock formations. Arly National Park has elephants and antelopes if you’re into wildlife. It’s a destination with a strong local identity and natural spots to explore.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Street food like riz gras costs $1-3.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Entry fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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8. Georgia - $26 per day
Georgia sits between Europe and Asia, offering a mix of history, food, and mountains. Tbilisi, the capital, has an old town with narrow streets, churches, and a fortress overlooking the city. The Kakheti region is known for its wineries, where you can try local grape varieties. Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave city you can walk through, and Svaneti has trails and old stone towers in the Caucasus Mountains. It’s a country with a lot to see and taste.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels are $30-50.
Food: Khachapuri and khinkali cost $2-5 at local spots.
Transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Entry fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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9. Mali - $27 per day
Mali is a West African country with a rich past tied to trade and empires. Timbuktu has old mosques and manuscripts from its days as a learning center, though it’s remote and worth the trip. The Dogon people live along the Bandiagara Escarpment, where you can visit their villages built into cliffs. The Niger River offers boat rides past fishing towns, and Bamako, the capital, has markets and live music. It’s a place for travelers interested in history and unique cultures.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Local meals like tô cost $1-3.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Entry fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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10. Myanmar - $28 per day
Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country with historic sites and natural scenery. Bagan is covered with thousands of old temples you can explore by bike or hot air balloon. Inle Lake has villages on stilts, floating gardens, and fishermen who row with their legs. Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda is a huge gold-covered temple, and Mandalay has palaces and hilltop views. It’s a country with a lot of traditional charm and quiet beauty.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Shan noodles or tea leaf salad cost $1-3.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Temple fees are $5-10; tours range from $20-50.
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11. Cuba - $29 per day
Cuba is a Caribbean island with a mix of old architecture, music, and beaches. Havana has colonial buildings, classic cars, and places like Old Havana Square to explore on foot. Trinidad is a smaller town with cobblestone streets and nearby Valle de los Ingenios, an old sugar plantation area. Viñales Valley has tobacco farms and caves, while Varadero offers long stretches of sand. It’s a spot for culture and relaxation with a retro feel.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Casas particulares (hostels) start at $10-15; hotels are $30-50.
Food: Ropa vieja or street pizza costs $2-5.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Museum fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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12. Moldova - $30 per day
Moldova is a small Eastern European country known for its wine and rural sights. Chișinău, the capital, has parks, Soviet-era buildings, and a central market for local goods. Cricova and Milestii Mici are huge underground wineries with tours and tastings. Orheiul Vechi has a monastery carved into a cliff and archaeological sites nearby, while Soroca’s fortress dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s a low-key place with history and a big wine scene.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Mamaliga and local wine cost $2-5.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Entry fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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13. India - $31 per day
India is a huge country with a variety of landscapes, cities, and traditions. Agra’s Taj Mahal is a famous marble tomb, while Jaipur has forts and palaces from its royal past. Kerala offers boat rides on backwaters lined with palm trees, and Varanasi is a spiritual hub with rituals along the Ganges River. The Himalayas in the north have towns like Manali for trekking. It’s a destination with something for every kind of traveler.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $5-10; hotels cost $20-30.
Food: Street chaat or thalis cost $1-3.
Transport: Buses and trains are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Monument fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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14. Malawi - $32 per day
Malawi is a southern African country centered around Lake Malawi, one of the continent’s biggest lakes. The lake has clear water for swimming, fishing villages like Nkhata Bay, and islands you can visit by boat. Liwonde National Park is good for safaris with hippos and elephants, and the Zomba Plateau has hiking trails and views over the plains. Lilongwe, the capital, has markets and a nature sanctuary. It’s a relaxed spot with water and wildlife as the main draws.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $10-15; hotels cost $30-50.
Food: Nsima and fish cost $2-5.
Transport: Minibuses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Park fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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15. Nepal - $33 per day
Nepal is a mountainous country in South Asia with trekking routes and cultural sites. Kathmandu has old squares like Durbar with temples and palaces, while Pokhara is a base for trips into the Annapurna range. Chitwan National Park in the south has jungles with rhinos and tigers, and smaller towns like Bandipur offer a quieter look at local life. The Everest region is famous for its trails and mountain views. It’s a place for outdoor fans and history seekers.
Average costs:
Accommodation: Hostels start at $5-10; hotels cost $20-30.
Food: Dal bhat or momos cost $1-3.
Transport: Buses are $0.50-1; taxis start at $2-3.
Activities: Temple fees are $1-5; tours range from $10-20.
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Conclusion
These 15 countries prove you don’t need a fat wallet to see the world. From Laos’ serene rivers to Nepal’s towering peaks, each offers affordable adventures packed with culture and beauty. Grab an eSIM from Which eSIM, pack your bags, and start exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find affordable accommodation while traveling?
Finding affordable accommodation is easier than you might think with a little flexibility and research. Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays are some of the best budget-friendly options—think dorm beds in places like Laos or Nepal for just $5-10 per night. Use booking platforms like Hostelworld or Airbnb to compare prices, but don’t shy away from local deals—asking around once you arrive can sometimes uncover hidden gems. If you’re staying for a while, try negotiating a weekly or monthly rate to save even more. Plus, traveling during the off-season often means lower prices and fewer crowds, making it a win-win!
What are the best tips for eating cheaply on a trip?
Eating on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on tasty meals—especially in affordable destinations like India or Ghana, where street food can cost as little as $1-3 per meal. Stick to local eateries instead of touristy spots, and dive into the flavors at food stalls or markets. If your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking your own meals is a great way to cut costs. Look out for set menus or lunch specials at restaurants for extra value. Oh, and a pro tip: carry a reusable water bottle to refill for free instead of buying drinks on the go.
What are my options for getting around when traveling?
Getting around cheaply depends on your destination, but public transport is usually your best bet. In places like Kazakhstan or Malawi, local buses or shared taxis might only set you back $0.50-1 per ride. For shorter trips, walking or renting a bike is both affordable and a fun way to see the sights. In some destinations, like Nepal or Mongolia, you can even find budget-friendly guided tours that include transport. Planning a longer journey? Overnight buses or trains can save you both travel time and the cost of a night’s stay.
What kinds of free activities or attractions can I explore while traveling?
There’s no shortage of free fun if you know where to look! Hiking is a fantastic option—think Nepal’s Annapurna trails or Armenia’s national parks. Beaches in places like Malawi or Cuba offer a free day of sun and relaxation. You can also wander through local markets, explore historic neighborhoods, or visit temples and monuments that often have no entry fee. In destinations like Georgia or Mongolia, you might stumble upon ancient ruins or cultural festivals open to everyone. The trick is to soak up the local atmosphere and let your curiosity lead the way.
