When planning a backpacking trip, understanding a city’s cost profile is key. Here’s a balanced comparison between Belgrade, Serbia, and Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on what matters most to budget travelers.
Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget?
Belgrade (Serbia) is generally the more budget-friendly destination for backpackers. Its non-Eurozone status contributes to lower overall costs. Tallinn (Estonia), while still more affordable than many Western European capitals, typically requires a higher daily spend due to being in the Eurozone and having a higher cost of living. Backpackers typically spend €35-55 per day in many European cities; Belgrade would likely fall towards the lower end of this estimate, with Tallinn in the mid-to-higher range.
What Are the Typical Accommodation Costs?
For backpackers, accommodation is often the largest expense. A bed in a dormitory in European hostels typically ranges from €15-30 per night.
- Belgrade: Hostel prices are generally competitive and often found at the lower to mid-range of this European estimate.
- Tallinn: Hostel accommodation usually falls within the mid-to-higher part of this range, reflecting its Eurozone prices.
How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?
Backpackers often budget €10-20 per day for food, combining supermarket purchases, street food, and occasional budget restaurant meals.
- Belgrade: Meals at local restaurants and cafes are often very affordable, with main dishes potentially starting from €5-10. Groceries and local markets offer excellent value.
- Tallinn: Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 or more, consistent with many other Eurozone countries. Supermarket prices are generally higher than in Belgrade.
What About Local Transportation Costs?
A daily budget of €5-10 for local transportation is common for many European cities, covering public transport passes or multiple single tickets.
- Belgrade: Public transport (trams, buses) is efficient and generally inexpensive, likely falling at the lower end of the €5-10 daily budget.
- Tallinn: Public transport is also efficient and affordable. Daily passes or tickets might be slightly more expensive than in Belgrade but remain within the typical €5-10 range.
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers?
For both cities, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months (June-August). These shoulder seasons also often provide pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter can also be very affordable but brings colder temperatures.
For travelers looking to maximize savings, resources like AllInMap can help identify free amenities such as public parks, free walking tours, and open-access Wi-Fi spots in both Belgrade and Tallinn.
