Navigating Europe as a backpacker involves balancing incredible experiences with realistic budgets. Here’s a comparative look at Granada, Spain, and Oslo, Norway, to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Granada is significantly more budget-friendly than Oslo. For many European cities, backpackers typically spend €35-55/day. Granada often allows travelers to stay within the lower to mid-range of this estimate, around €40-60/day. Oslo, however, is one of Europe’s most expensive cities; a realistic backpacker budget starts from €80-120/day, even with careful spending.
What are the Accommodation Costs?
Accommodation for backpackers in most European cities typically ranges from €15-30 for a dorm bed.
- Granada: Hostels often fall within the lower half of this range, generally €18-28/night (estimated).
- Oslo: This is a significant exception. Expect hostel dorms in Oslo to be considerably higher, often starting from €35-60/night and potentially more during peak season.
How Much Does Food Cost?
Food expenses vary greatly but backpackers typically budget €10-20/day for food in many European cities.
- Granada: You can eat very affordably. Tapas culture means free small bites with drinks are common, and a full meal at a local restaurant might cost €8-15. Grocery shopping is also inexpensive. Expect to spend €15-25/day on food.
- Oslo: Food is a major expense. Even budget-friendly options like supermarket meals or simple takeaway can be costly. A casual restaurant meal might start from €20-35. Expect to spend €40-70/day on food, even while self-catering for some meals.
What About Local Transportation Costs?
Local transport in European cities generally costs €5-10/day if you utilize it regularly.
- Granada: The city center is very walkable. Public buses are efficient and inexpensive, with single tickets typically around €1.40 (estimated). A daily transport budget of €3-7 is often sufficient.
- Oslo: Public transport is efficient but pricey. Single tickets are expensive, and day passes, while offering better value, still contribute significantly to the daily budget. Expect to allocate €10-20/day for transport if using it frequently.
How Do Seasons Affect Prices?
General seasonal patterns apply to both cities. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights than the high summer season, and often more comfortable weather. Winter can see lower prices, especially in Granada, though Oslo might still maintain higher costs due to demand for indoor activities.
Which City Offers More Free Activities?
Both cities offer free experiences like parks, walking tours, and window shopping. For finding free amenities like public restrooms, Wi-Fi, or water fountains, platforms like AllInMap can be helpful in either destination. However, the cost of paid attractions and general living means your overall experience of accessing free activities will feel more constrained by budget in Oslo than in Granada.
