Deciding between Copenhagen and Granada for your backpacking adventure involves weighing cultural experiences against budget realities. Both offer unique charms, but their cost structures differ significantly.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Granada generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Copenhagen. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities.
- Granada (Estimated): A budget traveler can realistically expect to spend €30-55 per day. This includes accommodation, food, and local transport.
- Copenhagen (Estimated): Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. A budget traveler should prepare for €55-90+ per day.
What are the Accommodation Costs?
Hostel prices vary by season, with spring and fall often offering better rates than summer.
- Granada (Estimated): Hostel dorm beds typically range from €15-25 per night. Finding options at the lower end of this spectrum is common.
- Copenhagen (Estimated): Hostel dorm beds are significantly more expensive, generally ranging from €25-45 per night, even for basic options. Quality hostels can exceed this range.
How Much Do Meals and Food Cost?
Food costs are a major differentiating factor, with Granada being notably more affordable.
- Granada (Estimated): Backpackers can budget around €10-20 per day for food. This includes groceries for self-catering, cheap street eats, and taking advantage of Granada’s famous free tapas culture (where a drink purchase often includes a small, complimentary dish). Meals at local restaurants can cost as little as €8-15.
- Copenhagen (Estimated): Expect to spend €20-35 per day on food for a budget traveler. Groceries from supermarkets are essential for cost savings, as eating out is expensive. A basic fast-food meal might be €10-15, while a sit-down meal at a modest restaurant easily starts from €20-25.
What are the Local Transportation Costs?
Walking is often the cheapest and best way to explore both cities, but public transport is available.
- Granada (Estimated): Daily transport costs could be €3-8, or even less if you primarily walk. Single bus tickets are inexpensive.
- Copenhagen (Estimated): Public transport (buses, trains, metro) is efficient but pricey. Daily transport costs are estimated at €8-15, though daily passes can offer better value for extensive travel. Biking is a popular, cost-effective alternative.
How Can Backpackers Save Money?
In both cities, but especially in Copenhagen, utilizing free activities and amenities is key. AllInMap can assist in finding free public toilets, Wi-Fi hotspots, and water refill stations. Cooking your own meals from supermarket ingredients, walking or biking, and looking for free walking tours are universal budget-saving tips. Remember that seasonal variations mean spring and fall typically offer slightly lower prices and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
