When I started traveling, I quickly realized that not all destinations treat your wallet the same way. Some places offer incredible experiences at budget prices, while others demand serious planning if you don’t want to overspend. Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and Iceland often top global cost-of-living rankings, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. With the right strategy, even the priciest countries can feel within reach.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 13 countries known for extremely high travel costs. For each one, I’ll share the average daily budget, the reasons behind those high prices, a few personal money-saving tips, and even some cheaper alternatives that capture a similar vibe. By the end, you’ll know where your dollars (or euros) stretch less and how to make the most of them.
Switzerland
Switzerland has a way of humbling your wallet the moment you land. A train ticket from the airport into Zurich might already feel like a small splurge, and that’s before you’ve even checked into your hotel. The country consistently ranks among the most expensive in the world, and it doesn’t take long to see why everything from mountain-view chalets to a simple coffee can cost double what you’d expect elsewhere. That said, the landscapes here are so breathtaking that the price tags sometimes fade into the background.
When I traveled through Switzerland, I realized quickly that the trick is to base yourself in smaller towns instead of big hubs like Zurich or Geneva. I stayed in Interlaken and Grindelwald, where I still had easy access to the trains but paid less for a guesthouse room. Grocery stores like Coop and Migros became my best friends I’d grab sandwiches and fruit for the day, saving proper meals for a splurge now and then. The beauty of Switzerland is that its best attractions are free: alpine lakes, glacier hikes, and rolling green valleys don’t cost a thing.
If you want the feel of Switzerland without the same costs, consider Austria or Slovenia. Both have stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and hearty food, but they won’t leave you with the same bill shock.
Norway
Norway is magical, but it comes with a reputation: it’s one of the toughest places in Europe for your budget. From $12 beers in Oslo to pricey fjord cruises, it’s easy to see where your money goes. Yet, when you’re standing at the edge of Geirangerfjord or watching the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle, it suddenly feels worth it.
I found that the biggest cost-saver was choosing experiences carefully. Instead of booking expensive fjord tours, I hopped on the public ferries that locals use, which still gave me those jaw-dropping views. I stayed in Airbnbs with kitchens and cooked my own meals, which also let me shop in local markets and try Norwegian ingredients on my own terms. Hiking is another lifesaver in Norway whether it was Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) or the Lofoten Islands, the trails were free and often the highlight of my trip.
If Norway stretches your budget too thin, you can capture similar rugged beauty in Sweden’s smaller cities or even in the Scottish Highlands, where the landscapes are just as dramatic and the costs far more forgiving.
Iceland
Iceland feels like stepping into another world, but it comes with a price tag to match. Almost everything is imported, from fresh fruit to clothing, which pushes up the costs of meals and daily essentials. Accommodation is limited, especially outside Reykjavik, and prices reflect the demand.
On my trip, I quickly learned that flexibility is the key. Renting a camper van was one of the smartest moves I made it became both my transport and my accommodation, and it gave me the freedom to explore the Ring Road at my own pace. Grocery shopping at chains like Bonus or Kronan helped me avoid spending $30 on a casual lunch. The good news? Iceland’s biggest draws waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, hot springs tucked away in the countryside are completely free. I could spend hours wandering from one natural wonder to another without spending more than a few dollars on gas.
If you’re looking for something that feels similar but less costly, the Faroe Islands or even Northern Ireland can deliver moody cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and windswept beauty at a fraction of the price.
Denmark
Copenhagen has a way of charming you before you even realize how much you’ve spent. Between cozy cafés, Michelin-star restaurants, and boutique hotels along Nyhavn, your travel budget can vanish quickly. Denmark’s strong economy and high wages mean that costs for visitors are high too.
When I spent time there, I leaned heavily on the Copenhagen Card, which bundled unlimited transit with free entry to museums and attractions. It felt pricey upfront but saved me a surprising amount by the end. I also discovered that bakeries were my best dining hack freshly baked smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) cost far less than a sit-down restaurant meal and tasted just as satisfying. The city itself is easy to explore on foot or by bike, and wandering through neighborhoods like Vesterbro or along the canals became some of my favorite (and cheapest) memories.
If you want the feel of a European city with Nordic flair but a lighter price tag, Estonia or Poland are fantastic options. Tallinn and Gdansk, for instance, offer historic charm, good food, and walkable city centers without the Copenhagen costs.
Australia
Australia’s challenge isn’t just its distance from the rest of the world it’s how quickly costs stack up once you’re there. Long flights aside, the country’s major draws like the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru often involve expensive tours or flights, and big-city stays in Sydney or Melbourne don’t come cheap either.
That said, there are plenty of ways to experience Australia without draining your wallet. On my visits, I often used budget airlines like Jetstar for domestic flights, which saved both time and money compared to long drives. Staying in family-run motels outside the main cities gave me a more personal experience at better prices. And I’ll never forget the free coastal walks, like the Bondi to Coogee trail in Sydney stunning views, lively local energy, and not a cent spent.
If Australia feels out of reach, consider South Africa or Thailand. Both offer incredible wildlife, beaches, and outdoor adventures, with the added bonus that your money stretches much further.
New Zealand
New Zealand is the kind of place that makes you forget about money until you sit down at a café in Queenstown or start pricing out adventure tours. Because it’s so remote, a lot of goods are imported, which drives up costs, and the demand from international visitors doesn’t help either.
When I traveled there, I realized quickly that transportation was one of the biggest expenses. Renting a camper van ended up being the best decision because it doubled as my accommodation, and there’s nothing like waking up to a sunrise over Lake Tekapo or parking near a trailhead in Fiordland. For those who prefer buses, InterCity is reliable and far cheaper than flights. I also learned that New Zealand’s most magical experiences are free the hiking trails are legendary. Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or exploring the tracks around Wanaka didn’t cost me a thing, yet they became the highlights of my trip.
If you want that same sense of wild, untouched nature without the steep costs, Patagonia in Chile and Argentina offers a similar blend of mountains, glaciers, and epic trails. It’s less polished than New Zealand but every bit as jaw-dropping.
Singapore
Landing in Singapore feels like stepping into a city of the future sleek skyscrapers, spotless streets, and a sense of order you don’t find in many places. But that polish comes at a price. Hotel rooms are notoriously expensive, dining can add up if you stick to restaurants, and attractions like Marina Bay Sands or Sentosa aren’t exactly budget-friendly.
That said, Singapore is one of those cities where you can control how much you spend if you know where to look. I spent most of my mealtimes at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat, where a steaming bowl of laksa or a plate of chicken rice costs just a few dollars. For getting around, the MRT system is spotless and efficient, and the Singapore Tourist Pass made it even cheaper to explore across several days. Some of my favorite moments didn’t cost a cent watching the evening light show at Gardens by the Bay, wandering the neighborhoods of Little India and Chinatown, or simply walking along the river at night.
For a lower-cost alternative, hop over to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has plenty of modern glitz, while Penang offers some of the best street food in Asia, all at a fraction of the price.
Japan
Japan has a reputation for being expensive, and while it’s possible to travel on a budget, the costs sneak up on you, especially once you start riding the bullet trains or staying in Tokyo’s central neighborhoods. That said, Japan is one of those destinations where even small splurges feel worthwhile.
On my trip, transportation was the biggest challenge. I bought a regional JR pass instead of the national one, which saved money while still giving me access to the routes I needed. Food, surprisingly, was easier to manage convenience stores like Lawson and 7-Eleven sell bento boxes and onigiri that are cheap, fresh, and genuinely delicious. I also loved the set lunches (teishoku) that restaurants offer during the day they give you a full meal at a fraction of dinner prices. Business hotels became my go-to for accommodation: clean, compact, and affordable compared to boutique stays.
If you’re looking for a destination with the same mix of deep tradition and futuristic energy but lower prices, South Korea is a great option. Seoul, in particular, offers temples, neon nightlife, and street food markets without quite the same financial hit.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is designed for luxury. Glittering skyscrapers, giant malls, and resorts that feel like palaces it’s no wonder the country makes the list of most expensive places to visit. Hotels are some of the priciest I’ve ever seen, and dining out in the big cities can get steep quickly. Add in excursions like desert safaris or trips to observation decks, and your budget disappears fast.
But here’s the secret: not everything in the UAE has to be a splurge. I visited in the peak of summer, when hotel prices dropped dramatically, and while the heat was intense, it gave me a chance to experience the city at a fraction of the usual cost. The metro in Dubai is another saver, cheap, clean, and far less stressful than taxis. Some of my favorite experiences were free: watching the Dubai Fountain show in front of the Burj Khalifa, strolling along Jumeirah Beach at sunset, or exploring the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood.
If the UAE feels too polished and pricey, Oman is a wonderful alternative. It has desert landscapes, mountains, and traditional souks, but with a more relaxed and affordable vibe.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a classic destination for travelers, but London alone is enough to drain a budget quickly. Between pricey hotel rooms, theater tickets, and transport, you might feel like your pounds are slipping through your fingers. Even outside of London, popular spots like Edinburgh during festival season or the Lake District in summer can push costs high.
When I visited, the Oyster Card (and later contactless daily fare caps) made a huge difference for getting around London without spending a fortune on single tickets. I also leaned into the city’s best feature: its world-class museums and galleries, which are free. From the British Museum to the Tate Modern, I spent entire afternoons exploring without paying a cent. Accommodation was trickier, but staying in smaller cities like Bath, York, or even Brighton gave me a more affordable base while still offering a lot to see and do.
If you love the UK but want a slightly softer hit to your budget, Ireland and Portugal both deliver history, castles, and coastal scenery with friendlier prices.
Monaco
Monaco feels like another world entirely. Walking around Monte Carlo, I couldn’t help but notice the rows of supercars parked casually along the marina and the sheer number of yachts bobbing in Port Hercule. It’s no surprise that this tiny principality is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Everything from hotel rooms to a simple cup of coffee feels inflated, partly because space is limited and partly because the country caters to the ultra-wealthy.
When I visited, I quickly realized that staying overnight in Monaco wasn’t realistic for my budget. Instead, I based myself in Nice and took the short train ride in for day trips. It let me soak in the glamour without paying Monaco prices. I spent time wandering the Old Town, watching locals play boules in the square, and climbing up to the Prince’s Palace for sweeping views of the coast all free activities that made me feel part of the city without emptying my wallet.
If you love the idea of the Riviera but not the price tag, towns like Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Antibes give you the same Mediterranean beauty, with pastel buildings and sea views, at a fraction of Monaco’s cost.
Finland
Finland doesn’t get talked about as much as its Nordic neighbors, but when I visited, I found it just as costly. Helsinki hotels can be pricey, and the further north you go, especially into Lapland the more expensive things get. Once you start adding activities like husky sledding, reindeer rides, or Northern Lights tours, your budget disappears quickly.
That said, I also discovered quieter ways to enjoy Finland. In Helsinki, I loved taking the public ferries out to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress, for just a few euros. In summer, cabin rentals in the countryside were a great way to cut costs, especially if you cooked your own meals. Saunas, which are a huge part of Finnish culture, were often included in guesthouses or public facilities for little to no cost. And the long summer days meant I could spend hours outdoors walking through forests, by lakes, or simply enjoying the clean, calm streets of Helsinki.
If Finland stretches your budget too far, the Baltic states, especially Latvia and Lithuania offer charming capitals, historic architecture, and natural escapes at much friendlier prices.
Sweden
Sweden surprised me. I expected it to be pricey, and it was, but it also felt a little easier to manage compared to Norway. Stockholm and Gothenburg were where I felt the pinch the most: hotels in the city centers were steep, and dining out could add up quickly. But like with many Scandinavian countries, I found that some of the best experiences didn’t cost anything at all.
During my time in Stockholm, I made the most of “dagens lunch” deals fixed-price lunches offered at restaurants during the day. They often included a main dish, salad, and coffee for half of what I’d pay at dinner. I also stayed in Airbnbs outside the very center, which gave me more space and let me experience local neighborhoods. Walking around the city was another joy; Stockholm is spread across islands, and strolling along the waterfronts gave me views that no tour could match.
For a lower-cost alternative, I’d recommend heading to Poland. Cities like Gdansk or Krakow have rich history, vibrant cultural scenes, and plenty of charm, but the prices are much easier to manage.
Conclusion
Visiting some of the most expensive countries in the world taught me a valuable lesson: cost doesn’t always equal value. Yes, Switzerland’s train rides will dent your budget, and a hotel in Singapore might make you wince, but these places also offer experiences that you simply can’t find elsewhere. What makes the difference is how you travel, whether you’re happy to cook your own meals, stay in smaller towns, or lean into the free experiences that every country offers.
When I plan my trips now, I try to decide where I want to splurge and where I can save. Maybe I’ll spend big on one incredible meal or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, but then I’ll balance it with hiking, picnics, or free cultural experiences. That balance keeps travel exciting without making it feel impossible.
