Barcelona (Spain) and Budapest (Hungary) both offer incredible experiences for backpackers, but their cost profiles differ significantly. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you plan your adventure.

Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers? Budapest generally provides a much more budget-friendly experience for backpackers compared to Barcelona. While both cities can be explored affordably, your money will typically stretch further in the Hungarian capital.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare? In Budapest, estimated hostel dorm beds typically range from €15-30 per night, varying with season and location. In Barcelona, hostel dorm beds are generally more expensive, often ranging from €25-45 per night, particularly during peak tourist season or for prime locations.

What Are the Typical Food and Drink Expenses? Budapest offers more budget-friendly dining. A local meal can often be found for an estimated €7-15, with street food or market snacks costing €4-8. Alcoholic beverages are notably cheaper, often around €2-4 for a local beer. In Barcelona, expect to pay an estimated €10-20 for a casual meal or a “menu del día,” while tapas can quickly accumulate costs. Street food options are available, typically costing €5-10, and beers are generally €3-6.

How Do Transport Costs Differ? Budapest’s public transport system (metro, tram, bus) is efficient and more affordable. A single ticket is approximately €1.10 (around 350 HUF), and a 24-hour pass is about €5-6 (around 1650 HUF). Barcelona’s public transport is also excellent but pricier. A single metro ticket costs around €2.40, and a T-Casual 10-ride pass (transferable) is approximately €11.35. A 24-hour pass is about €10.

What is the Estimated Overall Daily Backpacking Budget? For a backpacker, a realistic estimated daily budget in Budapest might range from €35-65, covering accommodation, food, local transport, and some basic activities. In Barcelona, backpackers should generally expect to spend an estimated €55-90+ per day for a similar experience, with accommodation and food being the primary drivers of the higher cost. Spring and fall typically offer slightly lower prices than the busy summer months in both cities.

Are There Other Cost-Saving Tips? Beyond specific costs, backpackers can utilize tools like AllInMap to locate free amenities such as public restrooms, water fountains, and parks, helping stretch budgets further in both Barcelona and Budapest. Both cities also offer numerous free walking tours and parks for no-cost exploration.