What Is the Cheapest Country in the World to Visit? 20 Budget-Friendly Destinations

Bangladesh and Pakistan are among the cheapest countries in the world to visit on a strict backpacker budget. Other affordable destinations include India, Malawi, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Nepal. Depending on where you stay, what you eat, and how you travel, you may be able to explore some of these countries for around $15 to $35 per day, excluding international flights.

However, the cheapest country in the world depends on your travel style and the costs you include. A country with cheap food and accommodation may still cost more to reach than a nearby destination.

In this guide, you’ll find 20 affordable countries, estimated daily budgets, local food costs, accommodation options, and practical ways to save money. The figures are rough backpacker-budget estimates for planning, not guaranteed prices. Check current local costs before booking your trip.

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Which Is the Cheapest Country in the World?

Bangladesh and Pakistan are strong contenders for the cheapest country in the world to visit if you rely on local transport, simple guesthouses, and inexpensive local meals. Bangladesh can be especially affordable for travelers who explore beyond expensive tourist services, while Pakistan offers low-cost food and accommodation in many areas.

There is no single winner for every traveler. Your final costs depend on your departure city, visa requirements, travel dates, accommodation choices, and planned activities.

For a fair comparison, this article focuses on budget travelers who use local transport, choose simple accommodation, and eat mainly at affordable local restaurants.

The 20 Cheapest Countries to Visit in the World

The following countries offer a range of affordable travel options. Their estimated daily budgets focus on basic travel costs rather than luxury stays, expensive tours, or international flights.

Rank	Country	Estimated daily budget
1	Bangladesh	15–25
2	Pakistan	15–25
3	Moldova	18–30
4	Malawi	20–30
5	India	20–30
6	Laos	25–35
7	Cambodia	25–35
8	Ethiopia	25–35
9	Vietnam	25–35
10	Nepal	25–35
11	Sri Lanka	25–40
12	Kyrgyzstan	25–40
13	Indonesia	25–40
14	Georgia	25–40
15	Bolivia	25–40
16	Philippines	30–45
17	Nicaragua	30–45
18	El Salvador	30–45
19	Honduras	30–45
20	Bulgaria	30–45

These ranges are broad planning estimates for budget travel. Actual prices can fall outside them, especially in capital cities, popular beach areas, remote regions, and peak travel seasons. Some countries also require extra spending on permits, tours, or long-distance transport.

1. Bangladesh

Estimated daily budget: 15–25

Bangladesh is a strong choice for travelers who want to spend very little while exploring a country with a rich culture and a busy local life. Local food, public transport, and simple guesthouses can help keep daily expenses low.

Dhaka offers historic buildings, markets, and traditional river travel. You can also visit the Sundarbans, explore old towns, or head towards Cox’s Bazar for its long sandy beach.

To save money, eat at busy local restaurants, use public transport where practical, and choose accommodation based on recent reviews. Travel between distant regions can take time, so leave room in your budget for longer journeys.

2. Pakistan

Estimated daily budget: 15–25

Pakistan is another strong option for travelers searching for the world’s cheapest country to visit. Local meals, buses, and basic guesthouses can be affordable, while the country offers mountain scenery, historic sites, busy cities, and traditional markets.

Islamabad is a useful starting point for trips into the northern regions. Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Gilgit-Baltistan attract visitors with mountain views, lakes, and outdoor activities. Lahore is a good choice for historic architecture and local food.

Costs can rise in remote mountain areas, especially when you need private transport, a guide, or special permits. Check current travel advice and local conditions before visiting specific regions.

3. Moldova

Estimated daily budget: 18–30

Moldova is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe. It offers a different experience from the continent’s more expensive tourist destinations, with wine regions, quiet countryside, local markets, and historic sites.

Chisinau makes a practical base for exploring the country. You can visit parks, museums, traditional restaurants, and nearby wineries. Local buses and shared transport can help reduce travel expenses.

Moldova is a good option if you want to explore Europe without paying the prices found in many popular Western European destinations. Still, check accommodation costs and transport schedules before planning a route through smaller towns.

4. Malawi

Estimated daily budget: 20–30

Malawi offers lakeside scenery, small towns, nature trips, and opportunities to meet local communities. Lake Malawi is one of its main attractions, with beaches, boat trips, and places to relax.

Budget travelers can reduce costs by using local transport, staying in simple guesthouses, and eating at small restaurants. Some lakeside areas offer inexpensive stays, although prices vary by location and season.

Wildlife parks and guided activities can add to your daily spending. If you want to keep your trip affordable, decide which tours matter most and plan the rest of your days around low-cost outdoor activities.

5. India

Estimated daily budget: 20–30

India offers a wide range of travel experiences at different price levels. You can explore historic cities, mountain towns, beaches, temples, markets, and rural areas without needing a luxury travel budget.

Delhi and Jaipur are popular starting points for historic sites and local food. Other options include Varanasi, Kerala, Goa, and the mountain regions of northern India.

Food and public transport can be inexpensive, but costs vary widely across this large country. Choose accommodation carefully, use trusted transport options, and leave room for entry fees and longer train journeys.

6. Laos

Estimated daily budget: 25–35

Laos is a good option for travelers who enjoy nature, relaxed towns, waterfalls, and river scenery. Luang Prabang is known for its temples and traditional streets, while Vang Vieng attracts visitors with its outdoor activities and mountain views.

Local meals and simple guesthouses can be affordable. You can also save money by walking around town and choosing a few activities instead of booking tours every day.

Transport between destinations may take longer than expected. Plan your route before booking accommodation, especially if you want to visit smaller towns or areas outside the main tourist routes.

7. Cambodia

Estimated daily budget: 25–35

Cambodia offers historic temples, local markets, rural landscapes, and a growing range of budget accommodation. Siem Reap is a popular base for visiting Angkor, while Phnom Penh offers museums, markets, and a look at the country’s history.

Local meals and guesthouses can keep daily costs low. However, major attractions such as Angkor’s temple complex require extra spending, so include entrance fees in your trip budget.

Traveling outside the busiest tourist areas may help reduce accommodation costs. Compare transport prices before booking, and allow enough time to explore without rushing between destinations.

8. Ethiopia

Estimated daily budget: 25–35

Ethiopia offers historic sites, highland scenery, traditional markets, and a distinct food culture. Addis Ababa is the main international gateway, while Lalibela is known for its rock-hewn churches and other historic sites.

Local meals can be inexpensive, and simple hotels may cost less than accommodation in many popular tourist destinations. However, transport between regions can be slow, and some excursions require guides or organized tours.

Check current travel conditions carefully before choosing your route. Some areas may have restrictions or safety concerns, and these can affect both your plans and your total spending.

9. Vietnam

Estimated daily budget: 25–35

Vietnam is one of the best-known affordable destinations for backpackers. It combines historic towns, large cities, beaches, mountains, and a wide range of local food.

Hanoi is a useful starting point for northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay and mountain areas. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City offers busy markets, museums, and access to the Mekong Delta. Hoi An is another popular stop for its old town and nearby beaches.

Street food, local buses, trains, and hostel accommodation can help you stay within a modest budget. To avoid spending too much on transport, choose a route that moves through nearby destinations rather than crossing the country repeatedly.

10. Nepal

Estimated daily budget: 25–35

Nepal attracts travelers with mountain views, historic temples, local markets, and hiking routes. Kathmandu is a common starting point, while Pokhara offers lake views and access to popular trekking areas.

Simple guesthouses and local meals can keep costs down. Public buses are often cheaper than private transport, although journeys may take longer and comfort levels vary.

Trekking requires a separate budget for permits where applicable, guides, equipment, transport, and other route costs. A basic city visit will usually cost less than a trip involving several days in the mountains.