Planning a backpacking trip to Europe? Belgrade and Oslo offer vastly different experiences, especially for your wallet. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Belgrade is significantly more budget-friendly. A backpacker’s estimated daily spend in Belgrade could range from €30-47. This typically breaks down to accommodation (€15-25), food (€10-15), and local transport (€5-7). In contrast, Oslo is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. A budget traveler might expect to spend €48-65+ per day, with accommodation (€25-30 for budget options), food (€15-25), and transport (€8-10). Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, placing Belgrade comfortably within, and Oslo pushing, the higher end of this range.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Belgrade offers numerous affordable hostel options, with beds generally ranging from €15-25 per night for well-rated establishments. In Oslo, finding budget accommodation requires more searching. While hostels can be found, expect to pay at the higher end, typically €25-30 per night for a bed in a dormitory, even for basic options.
Where Can Backpackers Eat More Affordably?
Belgrade is a culinary delight for budget travelers. Meals at local bakeries, markets, or traditional restaurants (kafanas) often cost €5-10. Groceries are also very inexpensive. Oslo, however, has high food prices. Even budget-friendly meals like a simple lunch can cost €15-20, and groceries are notably more expensive than in Belgrade. For context, meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities.
What About Transportation Costs?
Getting around Belgrade is very cheap. A daily public transport pass usually costs around €4-6, offering unlimited rides on trams, buses, and trolleybuses. Oslo’s public transport system is efficient but pricier. A 24-hour public transport ticket generally costs €8-10, with single rides also being significantly more expensive than in Belgrade.
Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?
Belgrade boasts many free attractions, including numerous parks, the historic Belgrade Fortress, and vibrant street art. Free walking tours are widely available, and museums often have low entry fees. Oslo offers stunning natural beauty, with free access to parks, fjords, and hiking trails. However, museum entry fees and other attractions tend to be considerably higher. AllInMap can help identify free amenities in both destinations.
Does Seasonality Affect Prices Differently?
Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer for both cities, as demand for accommodation and some tours decreases. However, Oslo experiences a more dramatic price increase during peak summer (June-August) due to popular festivals and long daylight hours attracting many tourists. Belgrade also sees summer crowds, but its underlying affordability means price fluctuations are generally less severe.
