Of eight popular cities, Bali is the cheapest at about $80 per person per day for a mid-range trip, and New York is the most expensive at about $363. That means a mid-range day in New York costs about as much as 5 days in Bali. The figures are averages of what travellers spend per person per day.
The ranking
| City | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | Accommodation share (mid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bali | $29 | $80 | $239 | 46% |
| 2. Bangkok | $37 | $99 | $281 | 47% |
| 3. Istanbul | $61 | $151 | $352 | 46% |
| 4. Tokyo | $67 | $179 | $511 | 42% |
| 5. Dubai | $115 | $289 | $751 | 59% |
| 6. London (budget/luxury estimated) | $109 | $292 | $831 | 58% |
| 7. Paris | $111 | $298 | $844 | 58% |
| 8. New York | $131 | $363 | $1,101 | 48% |
All costs are per person per day on the ground, with accommodation based on sharing a double room. Flights are not included.
What the ranking tells you
Southeast Asia stands out: a mid-range day in Bali or Bangkok costs less than a budget day in New York, London or Paris. Istanbul and Tokyo sit in the middle, and the four big global cities cluster near the top, with accommodation taking more than half of the daily cost.
Money-saving tips
- Match the city to your style. Your daily budget goes much further in Bali or Bangkok, where mid-range costs less than budget travel in the big Western capitals.
- Cut the biggest line first. In every city on the list, accommodation is the largest cost, so sharing a room or staying a little further out saves the most.
- Remember the flight. A cheap city can still be an expensive trip if the flight is long; calculate your Bali budget with your own fare to compare full trips.
Want the details for one city? Read how much a week in New York costs, or our Dubai vs Istanbul cost comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these cities is the cheapest to visit?
Bali, at about $80 per person per day for a mid-range trip.
Which is the most expensive?
New York, at about $363 per person per day mid-range.
Why are some figures marked "estimated"?
For London, the budget and luxury totals are our own estimates, worked out from the mid-range breakdown. All other figures are averages of what travellers spend.
Do the daily costs include flights?
No. They cover accommodation, food, local transport, activities and extras on the ground. Add your own flight price in the calculator.
London budget and luxury figures are our own estimates; see How we calculate costs. Estimates only. Last updated November 2026.
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