Choosing between Catania, Sicily, and Edinburgh, Scotland, for your backpacking trip involves weighing significantly different cultural experiences and budget implications. Both cities offer unique appeal, but their costs for travelers diverge.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget? For backpackers, Catania generally offers a much lower daily budget compared to Edinburgh. While backpackers typically spend an estimated €35-55/day in many European cities, Catania often allows travelers to stay closer to the €30-45/day range. Edinburgh, reflecting general UK pricing, is typically more expensive, with daily budgets more likely in the €55-80/day range, especially during peak seasons.
- Catania Estimated Daily Breakdown:
- Accommodation (hostel dorm): €15-25
- Food (budget meals/street food): €10-15
- Transport (local bus/walkable): €3-5
- Edinburgh Estimated Daily Breakdown:
- Accommodation (hostel dorm): €25-45
- Food (budget meals/supermarket): €15-25
- Transport (local bus/walkable): €5-10
What Are Typical Accommodation Costs for Backpackers? Hostel dorm beds in European cities generally range from €15-30/night. In Catania, backpackers can expect to find hostel beds towards the lower end of this range, typically estimated between €15-25/night. Prices may increase during summer or local festivals. Edinburgh is a significantly more expensive city for accommodation. Hostel dorm beds are usually higher than the European average, often estimated between €25-45/night, with prices surging considerably during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
How Much Should I Budget for Food? For budget-conscious backpackers, food expenses typically range from €10-20/day in many European destinations, focusing on self-catering, street food, or inexpensive local eateries. Catania excels in affordable, delicious food. Backpackers can easily budget €10-15/day by enjoying local arancini, pizza al taglio, panelle, and fresh produce from markets. Meals at a casual trattoria might start around €8-15. Edinburgh requires a higher food budget. While supermarkets offer cost-effective options, eating out is generally pricier. Backpackers should budget an estimated €15-25/day for a mix of supermarket provisions and budget takeaways. Pub meals are often more, starting from around €12-€18.
What About Local Transportation Costs? Many European cities offer public transport for €5-10/day, or are largely walkable. Catania’s city center is largely walkable, and public bus tickets are inexpensive, typically estimated around €1-2 for a single journey or €3-5 for a daily pass. Edinburgh is also very walkable, especially its Old Town and New Town. Its efficient bus system (Lothian Buses) offers single fares estimated around £1.80-£2.00 (approx. €2.10-€2.40) and day tickets estimated around £4.50-£5.00 (approx. €5.30-€5.90), making it slightly more expensive than Catania.
When is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers? Generally, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer lower prices and fewer crowds than the peak summer months across Europe. For Catania, these shoulder seasons provide pleasant weather and more affordable rates for accommodation and flights. Summers can be hot and pricier. For Edinburgh, visiting during the shoulder seasons is highly recommended to avoid the high prices and intense crowds of the summer festival season (especially August). Winter can be cheaper but colder.
Remember to utilize resources like AllInMap to discover free amenities and attractions, helping you save money in both cities.
