I have spent years traveling across this beautiful continent. My wishlist on the website is always full of affordable and extraordinary accommodations. I prefer to stay in special places that come with a story to tell. Everyone wants to find the Best Affordable Airbnb Europe has to offer. I do too. Quite frankly, when I look back on a trip, I do not remember the thread count of the sheets. I remember the golden hour dinner on a tucked-away terrace in Lisbon. I remember the way the air felt in a Romanian forest. Choosing the right stay means I can stretch my budget toward the moments that really matter. It is about making every euro count.
First of all, I must share my biggest secret for finding a bargain. I use the Airbnb long stay discount. When I book a stay of 28 days or longer, it is considered a long-term stay. I have seen monthly discounts as high as 50% off the normal price. This is a win for me and the host. It is less work for them because they do not have to coordinate cleanings for multiple guests. Additionally, I save hundreds of dollars on fees. For example, in Seville, a monthly rate can save you over $700 compared to booking week by week. On top of that, I always reach out to the host directly. I ask if they are flexible on the price. I once saved $600 per month just by asking. It never hurts to try. My philosophy is simple. Just ask.
The Magic of Eastern Europe
If you are seeking a real bargain, you must look east. Cities in central and eastern Europe offer some of the best value for money. Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a historic gem. I found it to be one of the cheapest hotspots at around £22 per person per night. The iconic Stari Most bridge is a sight you will never forget. Similarly, the city of Sibiu in Romania is incredibly affordable at £28.
I found a treehouse in Bulzeștii de Sus, Romania that was absolute magic. It sits right in the middle of the forest. Mountains surround you on every side. I do not want to pay 200 euros for a night in a treehouse. However, this one was only €45. The bedroom view is stunning. Total peace.
Poland is another favorite of mine for budget travel. I saw a simple cabin in Darżkowo for just €24 a night. It is the perfect place to go off-the-beaten-track. It even has wifi in the remote woods. Later, I visited Warsaw, which is the major hub for travelers. It is a sight to behold with grand palaces and charming streets. You can find Airbnbs there for about $80 per night on average. Krakow is also a great choice at around $89. The city is one of the best values overall in Europe. It has the Wieliczka salt mine and a lovely main square.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is another must-see adventure. It is often listed as the cheapest city in Europe for an Airbnb. I found the average price to be only £23.60 per night. The name of the city means “the place of warmth”. This is because of the sulfuric hot springs. You can soak in the thermal baths for a small price. Afterward, you must try the local cheese bread called khachapuri. It is a gooey, cheesy delight with an egg yolk in the middle. Plus, a good bottle of Georgian wine will only cost you about £3.
Hidden Mediterranean Treasures
I love the Mediterranean, but it can be expensive. Therefore, I look for “dupes” or alternative cities. Istanbul is a fantastic example. It is uniquely split between Asia and Europe. Airbnbs here are often 61.77% cheaper than hotels. I found the average nightly rate to be about €40.46. It is an endless playground with delicious food and wondrous cultural sites.
In Greece, I skip the pricey islands like Mykonos. Instead, I look at Thessaloniki or Athens. In Athens, the price of an Airbnb can be half the cost of a hotel room. I found stays for around €62.13 per night. On top of that, you can visit the Peloponnese peninsula. The town of Vytina has crisp mountain air and stone mansions for about £71. It is a pastoral idyll.
Italy also has hidden gems if you stay away from the main tourist tracks. I found an authentic castle tower in Umbria for only €50 a night. The interior is charming and old-fashioned. It is close to Tuscany and even has a pool. This is definitely one of the best airbnbs in europe for couples who want romance without the high cost. For those who love the sea, Molfetta in Puglia is a steal. I saw a flat with original stone ceilings and a sea-facing balcony for roughly $150. It is a hidden gem with authentic Italian vibes.
Portugal offers great value too. Aveiro is known as the “Venice” of Portugal. It has canals and gondola-like boats. I found stays there for about £97. Additionally, Évora is a vibrant university city with Roman temples. You can find a place there for £95. If you want something eco-friendly, there is a serene studio in the Algarve for $96 a night. It is restorative and quiet.
Northern Magic and Scandinavian Secrets
Many people think Scandinavia is too expensive. However, I have found some incredible deals there. In Oslo, Norway, I saw a nice little home just outside the capital for €23 per night. It has an amazing view of the water. The city center is only 12 minutes away by bus. Even more amazing, you can rent a whole island in Norway for under €50 a night. It is a cute little cabin on a personal island. When the tide is high, you have to row there. It is the ultimate romantic getaway.
Sweden is also full of remote, little cabins. I found one in the south of Sweden for €37. You feel like the only person on the planet. Another cabin in Jönshyttan was only €29 a night. It is ideal for people who love to fish or seek peace.
In Finland, you do not have to pay a lot for luxury. I found a gorgeous cabin at a lakeside with its own private sauna for €39. You can take a dip in the lake or go out in your own boat. On the contrary, if you want something very unique, you can stay in Greenland. It is part of Denmark and part of Europe. A cute house in Nuuk costs about €55 a night. The interior is simple, but the scenery is everything.
Iceland is usually pricey. Though, I found a modern design location in Akureyri for €135. Compared to other places in Iceland, this is actually reasonable. It is a nice place to call your own for a night.
Western Europe Budget Finds
France is the champion of European short-term rentals. It has the most available beds on the continent. I found a typical French stone house in the south of France for only €25 a night. It is heavenly. Additionally, you can live in a yurt in the south of France for €70. It has a cozy wood burner for wintertime. In the city of Besançon, I saw stays for £66. It has a 17th-century citadelle and beautiful river views.
Ireland is known for its charm. I found a lovely Irish cottage in Feakle for €40 a night. It is the perfect base for a trip through the country. Scotland also has great options. I saw a pretty little cabin surrounded by trees for €34. It is only 40 kilometers from Edinburgh.
The Netherlands can be tricky, but I found a 19th-century stable that is now an atmospheric B&B. It has art-studio charm and costs $113 per night. The hosts are known for their warm hospitality. It is a unique way to see the country beyond the usual tourist trails.
Understanding the Market Trends of 2026
The market for rentals has changed a lot lately. Between 2019 and 2023, the total revenue grew by 72%. The average daily rate (ADR) also climbed. In 2019, the average was EUR 74, but by 2023, it was EUR 112. This is an increase of over 50%. Despite this, Airbnbs are still often much cheaper than hotels. In cities like Istanbul, you save over 60% by choosing a rental. In Paris, you can save nearly €100 per night compared to a hotel.
France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany are the powerhouses. They account for 70% of all overnight stays. France alone recorded 44.5 million overnights in 2023. This means there is a lot of supply, but also a lot of competition. I recommend booking at least a month or two in advance. The good rentals go fast.
I also look at the density of rentals. Croatia has the highest density per person. There are about 136 beds per 1,000 inhabitants there. This is great for travelers because there are many options. However, some places are starting to limit licenses to protect local communities. It is a delicate balance between tourism and local life.
Practical Tips for Your Budget Stay
When I search for the best airbnbs in the world, I use filters. I always look for a kitchen, a washer, and wifi. Having a kitchen is a huge money saver. I can cook my own meals instead of eating out for every dinner. On top of that, I read a lot of reviews. I prefer “superhosts” because they are reliable communicators.
I also pay attention to the fees. The cleaning fee is the same whether you stay for two days or a month. This is why staying longer in one place is so much cheaper. You only pay that fee once. Additionally, the service fee percentage often goes down for more expensive, longer bookings.
Finally, I pack strategically. I keep my luggage lightweight to avoid extra fees. I roll my clothes instead of folding them. It saves space and time. Plus, I always check for free activities in the city. Many museums have free days if you research ahead of time.
FAQ
Where is Airbnb the cheapest in Europe?
I found that Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the cheapest hotspot at just £22 per person per night. Tbilisi, Georgia is another incredible bargain where you can find stays for £23.60.
Which countries have the cheapest Airbnb?
My research shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Ukraine, and Macedonia are the most affordable. Poland is also a great choice with stays in Warsaw averaging about $80 per night.
What is the cheapest country to rent in Europe?
Georgia stands out as a top contender for low costs and affordable adventures. Turkey also offers amazing value. Quite frankly, Airbnbs in Istanbul are 61.77% cheaper than local hotels.
Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in Europe?
Tbilisi is beautiful and very affordable for travelers. Krakow, Poland is another lovely city that offers one of the best values overall in Europe. On top of that, Istanbul is an endless playground with delicious food and deep history.
Which country is the cheapest to stay in Europe?
Bosnia and Herzegovina tops the list for individual nightly rates. Romania is also very cheap. For example, the city of Sibiu costs only £28 per person.
Concluding words
I have found that a great stay does not require a huge budget. My experiences show that looking to Eastern Europe or choosing smaller villages in France and Spain can save hundreds of euros. I recommend using the 28-day discount and talking directly to hosts to get the best deals.
Europe offers a story in every stone tower or forest cabin. You just have to look for them. These Best Affordable Airbnb Europe options prove that luxury is about the experience, not just the price.
