Do you want your travel budget to last longer? This infographic ranks 96 countries by the cost of a vacation.
One fascinating insight is that there are attractive European destinations, as well as several Asian and African countries, where it is really cheap to visit.
TL;DR
- Egypt is the most affordable vacation destination, with a cost rating index of 24.
- Bermuda, Monaco, and the Cayman Islands are the top-most expensive travel destinations in the world, far exceeding Sweden’s baseline index of 100.
The data used in this visualization comes from Forex.se.
The FOREX Holiday Index shows how much it costs to go on holiday in 96 countries compared to Sweden, which has an index of 100.
The index compares average prices for, among other things, mid-range or three-star hotels, restaurant visits, and taxis.
It’s based on average prices as of June 2025.
Note: The latest forex.se methodology shows they also factor in food and drink for two people as part of the affordability metrics.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Rank | Country | Cost Index (Sweden=100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 1 | Egypt | 24 |
| 2 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 2 | India | 27 |
| 3 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 2 | Nepal | 27 |
| 4 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 4 | Pakistan | 30 |
| 5 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 5 | Indonesia | 32 |
| 6 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 6 | Cambodia | 33 |
| 7 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 6 | Vietnam | 33 |
| 8 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 8 | China | 34 |
| 9 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 8 | Malaysia | 34 |
| 10 | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | Monica Ebunoluwa | 20/04/2026 02:35 PM | 10 | Philippines | 35 |
As you can see, Asia and Africa are among the most affordable destinations to travel to in 2025.
However, stronger tourism infrastructure and higher living costs make Western Europe a pricier region.
Even if a destination has a low index overall, some costs may still be higher than in a country with a higher index.
In India, for example, a fast-food visit can cost more than in Malaysia. This means that indices should be seen only as indicators of price levels.
An index shows a price trend and compares price levels over a specific period. This means that price changes (say, for hotels, restaurants, and taxis) can affect the index over time.
Why is Egypt the Cheapest?
Egypt ranks among the top budget destinations in 2025.
Low prices are a result of competitive tourism deals amid recovery from past unrest. Accommodation starts at $5 for dorm beds, while street food averages under $5 per meal.
Favorable conditions continue to make Egypt an affordable destination despite modest inflation in 2025. A one-week trip can cost around $210 for budget options, excluding flights.
Food stands out as the most affordable element, with local dishes priced at $1 to $2 each.
The Most Expensive Destinations
Bermuda’s remote Atlantic location makes transportation and imports costly, with import duties of approximately 20-25% that raise prices on food, hotels, and other essentials.
Monaco comes next, primarily due to its small size and luxury real estate.
The absence of income taxes attracts the wealthy, driving up hotel and dining costs. Its density and focus on luxury mean daily expenses for budget travelers are around $100-150.
Even in the Cayman Islands, there is reliance on imports, which are taxed at about 20%.
Sources:
Forex.se | Neverendingfootsteps | iEgyptTravel | Dhgate | RadicalStorage | CaptainMarvins | MeNews247