I have spent years dreaming about a massive European adventure. I finally made it happen. People often ask me about a 2 Month Europe Trip Budget. The truth is simple. It depends on your style. However, I have gathered every detail you need to know. First of all, do not be afraid of the numbers. A 2 month europe trip cost can be high or low. I will share my secrets. Additionally, I will break down the 2 month europe trip cost aud for my friends from Australia. Plus, I have data for travelers from India too. Let us dive in.
Why You Need a Sixty-Day Plan
A sixty-day trip is a long time. It is not just sixty days of normal life. It is a complex logistics exercise. You cannot just guess your spending. I found that a sixty-day trip is a sophisticated task where geographic choices change everything. Strategic geographic placement and the timing of your transit can save you several thousand Euros. Therefore, you must plan early. How much should i budget for a trip to europe? The answer starts with where you want to go.
Europe is not a single economic entity. It is a mosaic of different cost zones. Some areas are very cheap. Others will empty your wallet fast. First of all, recognize the divide. Western and Northern countries have high living expenses. Central and Eastern Europe are often much lower. For example, monthly expenses in Norway are nearly double those in Bulgaria. That is a massive difference.
The Great East-West Divide
I spent a lot of time looking at regional price indices. The “Iron Curtain” of costs is real. Economically strong nations like Germany and Norway have high labor costs. These costs lead to high prices for hotels and food. On the contrary, the Balkan and Baltic regions offer high value.
If you spend your whole trip in Switzerland or Norway, you will need a huge budget. A mid-range experience there for sixty days requires at least €12,000. However, if you stay in the Balkan or Baltic regions, you can live comfortably for under €4,500. This is why geographic arbitrage is your best friend. You can shift your time to cheaper cities to save money. I found that moving just two weeks of my trip from London to Riga reduced my total spend by 22%.
Additionally, be aware of “budget creep”. Poland and Czechia are still cheaper than France. However, they are no longer the super bargains of the past. Prices for services like haircuts in Warsaw can now exceed prices in Western Europe. Similarly, * Few_Reputation8343 * on Reddit noted that inflation in Romania has made groceries very expensive. Therefore, do not assume every Eastern city is a steal.
Transportation: How I Crossed the Continent
Moving between cities is usually your second biggest expense. I found that mixing and matching transportation is the best way to travel. No single method works for every journey. First of all, let us talk about the train.
I love the European rail system. It is one of the best in the world. It is more comfortable than a bus and less stressful than flying. If you live outside of Europe, you qualify for a Eurail pass. A Eurail Global Pass covers 33 countries. For a two-month trip, the “2 Months Continuous” pass is a popular choice. For an adult aged 28 to 59, it costs approximately $992. If you are a youth under 28, it is even cheaper at $744. Seniors over 60 pay about $892.
However, the pass is not always the cheapest option. Advance-purchase point-to-point tickets are often cheaper if your dates are fixed. For example, a ticket from Berlin to Prague can start at €18.99. If you book two to three months early, you can save 50%. Plus, remember reservation fees. In France, Italy, and Spain, you must pay €10 or more for seat reservations on fast trains. These fees add up fast. Therefore, I only used the pass for long, flexible legs.
Later, I discovered the power of the bus. Intercity buses are the cheapest way to get around. FlixBus is a leader here. Prices start as low as €5. The buses have Wi-Fi and power outlets. Though they take longer than trains, they save a lot of money. Similarly, the sharing economy is great. BlaBlaCar lets you ride with locals. You meet people and save money on gas.
Finally, do not forget budget airlines. Airlines like Ryanair can have fares as low as €15. However, they make money through fees. They are very strict about bag limits. Additionally, you must factor in the cost of getting to the airport. A “one-hour flight” actually takes four hours when you include the trek to the airport and security. Therefore, I only flew for very long distances.
Accommodation: Finding a Place to Sleep
Accommodation usually takes up 30% to 50% of your 2 month europe budget. I used a mix of hostels, short-term rentals, and hotels. Each has pros and cons.
The Hostel Lifestyle
For a 2 months backpacking europe budget, hostels are essential. They are much cheaper than hotels. I found that Tirana in Albania is the cheapest city for short stays. You can find a hostel bed there for as little as $3 per night. Bucharest in Romania has options for $5. Sofia in Bulgaria and Krakow in Poland both have beds starting at $6.
On top of that, hostels have social spaces. You meet other travelers and get tips. Some hostels have kitchens. This helps you save on food. However, prices vary by season. In summer, a bed in Paris might cost $55 on average. In Rome, it can be $60. Therefore, I always booked my high-season beds early.
Short-Term Rentals
Platforms like Airbnb are popular for long trips. They offer kitchens and laundry. In 2023, short-term rentals supported €149 billion in European GDP. I found that these rentals help reduce hotel prices for everyone by about €7 per night.
However, many cities now have “night caps”. Berlin and Brussels limit how many days a year a home can be rented. This has made prices go up. London is the most searched city for rentals, but it is expensive. An entire home there can cost $450 or more per night. On the contrary, Lisbon offers the cheapest entire homes at $245 a day.
Luxury Options
If you want luxury, Europe has amazing villas. These are perfect for privacy and sophistication. They start at $500 per night. Some reach $10,000 per night. Though expensive, they offer private pools and kitchens. For a sixty-day trip, a villa budget for lodging alone can exceed $50,000. That is not for everyone. But it is good to know the range.
Gastronomic Economics: Food and Drink
Food costs can vary a lot based on your habits. I found that eating out in the Northwest is very pricey. A simple dinner for two in Berlin costs about €65. In Geneva, it is over €120. On the contrary, Eastern Europe is much cheaper. A meal in Bucharest costs around €13.40. In Sofia, it is about €12.16.
First of all, use the “self-catering” strategy. Weekly groceries in Italy or Portugal cost between $50 and $70. If you cook 40 of your 60 dinners, you can save €680. That is a lot of extra money for fun. Additionally, look for the “Menu of the Day” in Spain and Portugal. These are mid-range meals at low prices.
Also, beverage prices show huge gaps. A coffee in Paris is €4 to €5. In Portugal, it is only €1.50. Beer in Poland is roughly €1 to €2. In a French cafe, it is €4 to €5. Therefore, I did most of my partying in the East.
Daily Budget Breakdown by Region
I have created a guide for daily costs in 2025-2026. These numbers include your bed, food, and local fun.
- Eastern Europe: €35 to €70 per day. This covers Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
- Southern Europe: €50 to €120 per day. This includes Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.
- Western Europe: €75 to €150+ per day. This covers France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.
- Northern Europe: €110 to €200+ per day. This includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Additionally, factor in hidden costs. Many cities charge a tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night. Public toilets often cost €0.50 to €2. Luggage lockers cost €3 to €8 per day. These small things can hit your budget hard.
Sightseeing and Culture: Smart Savings
I wanted to see everything. But museum fees add up. First of all, I used city passes. They save time and money.
In Paris, a 6-day Museum Pass costs about €90. It covers the Louvre and Versailles. If you see more than five major sites, it pays for itself. Similarly, the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass is a steal at €32. It gives you entry to over 30 museums. On the contrary, the London Pass is more expensive at £79 for one day. Therefore, I planned my heavy sightseeing for cities with better value passes.
Many top attractions are free. In Tallinn, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is free. In Warsaw, many museums are free on Sundays. Walking along the city walls in Dubrovnik is affordable if you skip the fancy tours. Plus, walking is the best way to see the architecture. I saved hundreds of Euros just by wandering.
Logistics: Banking, Data, and Insurance
You cannot travel without these three things. They are the backbone of a successful trip.
Banking and Currency
Most banks charge foreign fees. I used a Curve card to avoid this. It gives you the mid-market exchange rate. You link your normal cards to the Curve app and just tap to pay. This saved me from lousy airport exchange rates. Airport currency exchange costs 10% to 15% more. Additionally, ATM fees average €2 to €5 per withdrawal. Therefore, I always used my card for large purchases.
Mobile Data
I stopped using roaming. It is too expensive. Instead, I used an eSIM. Holafly has a 60-day “Unlimited” plan for $106.90. It covers most of Europe and gives you a phone number. If you use less data, Airalo has a 50 GB plan for $88. Staying connected is vital for maps and translation.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is non-negotiable for a sixty-day trip. I recommend a policy with at least €1 million in medical cover. For a long trip, an annual multi-trip policy is often cheaper. It covers you for the whole year for about $150 to $250. On the contrary, a single-trip policy for sixty days can cost $400 to $600. Providers like SafetyWing are great for budget travelers, costing about $2.01 per day.
Four Detailed Budget Models for 60 Days
I have built these models based on real data for the 2025-2026 cycle. These assume you spend half your time in expensive areas and half in cheap areas.
Model A: The Frugal Backpacker
This model focuses on Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria.
- Lodging: Dorm beds for €15 per night = €900.
- Food: Street food and cooking for €25 per day = €1,500.
- Transit: FlixBus and a Youth Eurail pass = €600.
- Fun: Free sites and student discounts = €300.
- Total: €3,600 (Approx. $3,900 USD).
Model B: The Mid-Range Explorer
This model uses a mix of geography.
- Lodging: Private hostel rooms or budget hotels for €70 per night = €4,200.
- Food: One restaurant meal daily and grocery lunch for €50 per day = €3,000.
- Transit: Adult Eurail Global Pass and two flights = €900.
- Fun: Entry fees and a few city passes = €1,200.
- Total: €10,000 (Approx. $10,900 USD).
Model C: The Comfort Professional
This focuses on Western Europe and Italy.
- Lodging: 3-star hotels and entire home rentals for €160 per night = €9,600.
- Food: Two restaurant meals daily for €90 per day = €5,400.
- Transit: First-class rail and taxis = €1,800.
- Fun: Private tours and premium passes = €3,000.
- Total: €21,000 (Approx. $22,800 USD).
Model D: The Luxury Sojourn
This is for those who want the best villas and high-end hotels.
- Lodging: Luxury villas for at least €500 per night = €30,000+.
- Food: Fine dining and private chefs for €200 per day = €12,000.
- Transit: Private chauffeurs and business class air = €5,000.
- Fun: Exclusive access and private curators = €6,000.
- Total: €55,000+ (Approx. $60,000+ USD).
Tips for Specific Travelers
I know my readers come from all over. Therefore, I have some extra advice.
For my friends from Australia: The 2 month europe trip cost aud is affected by the exchange rate. As of recent data, 1 AUD is about €0.61. Therefore, a mid-range budget of €10,000 is about $16,400 AUD. I suggest checking Skyscanner for flights from Australia. You can often find deals between $1,200 and $2,500 AUD if you book early.
For my friends from India: The 2 month europe trip cost from india must include the Schengen visa cost. Plus, the flight from India is a large expense. However, India has great connections to Eastern Europe. Starting your trip in Budapest or Warsaw can save you a lot of money. Focus on the Frugal Backpacker model to keep your 2 month europe trip cost manageable.
For everyone: Check Reddit for real-time updates. The 2 month europe trip cost reddit threads are full of advice on hidden gems. Users often share which cities have become too touristy. For example, * wt_hell_am_I_doing * mentioned that Croatia is now more expensive than Italy for groceries. This kind of info is gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2 month europe trip cost?
The total 2 month europe trip cost varies based on your comfort level. A frugal person spends roughly €3,600, while a mid-range traveler needs about €10,000. However, a luxury sojourn can easily exceed €55,000.
How much spending money do you need for 2 months in Europe?
You should plan for €2,400 to €4,200 in spending money if you exclude the cost of your bed. This amount covers food, local transport, and fun. Additionally, you will need a separate fund for intercity travel and museum passes.
Is 40L enough for 3 months?
A 40L bag is plenty for a long trip. You do not need to pack many outfits. It is better to do your laundry every week. Therefore, a light bag makes moving between trains much easier.
Where to go in Europe for 2 months?
You should pick four or five countries to avoid spending all your time in stations. First of all, visit major hubs like France and Spain. Later, move to the Balkans or Poland to balance your 2 month europe budget.
Can I stay in Europe for 2 months?
Yes, most international visitors can stay for up to 90 days within the Schengen area. However, always check the specific rules for your passport. Similarly, some countries like Georgia allow stays for up to 365 days.
Is $5000 enough for a vacation?
A budget of $5,000 is more than enough for a sixty-day frugal trip. I found that the lowest cost model is about $3,900. Therefore, you will have a nice buffer for extra treats.
What month is the cheapest to fly to Europe?
The off-season from November to March offers the lowest airfares. Plus, accommodation prices are 20% to 30% lower during these cold months. Shoulder seasons like April or September are also good for value.
Is $100 a day enough in Europe?
It is a great amount for Eastern and Southern Europe. Though, it is very tight for Northern Europe where daily costs often start at €110. You must use hostels and cook your own food to make this work in the West.
How much money should i budget for a trip to europe?
You should budget between $100 and $200 per day for a standard mid-range experience. This covers a mix of nice meals and comfortable beds. High-end travelers should plan for $500+ per day.
Is 70L enough for 2 weeks?
A 70L bag is actually too large for most people. It will be very heavy to carry on cobblestone streets. How much should i budget for a trip to europe in terms of effort? Pack less and keep your bag under 50L.
Is a 40L backpack allowed in a flight?
Most budget airlines allow a 40L bag as a carry-on. However, they are very strict about weight and size limits. You will often pay high fees if your bag is too big.
How many L backpack for 2 months?
I recommend a 40L to 50L backpack for a sixty-day journey. You only need a few days of clothes if you use local laundromats. This size also fits into most train luggage racks easily.
Which is the cheapest country in Europe to visit?
Bulgaria and Romania are the top value leaders for 2025 and 2026. 2 months backpacking europe budget travelers can find very low prices in cities like Sofia and Bucharest.
Should I buy a Eurail pass?
The pass is worth it if you want total flexibility and an extensive itinerary. It is not a good deal for short local rides. Therefore, you must do the math based on your specific route.
What are the safest cities in Europe?
Sofia, Bulgaria is noted as one of the safest and most affordable cities for travelers this year. Similarly, small towns in Portugal and Switzerland offer very high safety levels for solo tourists.
What are the top 3 tourist destinations in Europe?
London, Paris, and Rome are the most popular choices for travelers. These cities have the most searched apartments and the highest availability for short stays.
Where not to go in Europe right now?
You should avoid Ukraine because of the ongoing war. Though Kyiv is very cheap, the risks are too high for a normal vacation. Always check the latest travel advice from your government.
Can I stay in Europe for 3 months?
Yes, you can stay for exactly 90 days in the Schengen zone before you must leave. If you want to stay longer, you can move to non-Schengen countries like Albania or Georgia.
Concluding words
A massive sixty-day journey is an amazing investment in your life. You can manage a 2 month europe trip cost by choosing a mix of expensive and cheap cities. Frugal trips start around €3,600, while comfort costs about €10,000. First of all, remember to use geographic arbitrage to save money. Pack light, stay flexible, and focus on the culture. Your adventure is waiting.
