The Most and Least Expensive European Capitals
![The Most and Least Expensive European Capitals The Most and Least Expensive European Capitals](https://images.pineqone.com/Euro coins and banknotes (cropped).jpg)
Budgeting is an essential part of pretty much everyone's travel planning process. Having a good estimate of expenses
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the cost of eating out in Europe's capitals, comparing prices of meals ranging from casual eats to fine dining. We'll uncover how budget-friendly destinations like Budapest and Prague stack up against the upscale dining scenes of cities like London and Bern.
We compare meal prices in all European capitals to see which cities offer the best bang for our buck.
The ranking is based on the average prices of a simple meal, or lunch menu, in an average restaurant. Since everyone's budget is different, we've also included the average prices of fast food meals, as well as what one should expect to pay when they treat themselves to a nice three-course dinner.
While the Big Mac index is a popular measure of gauging prices and purchasing power in a destination, we believe that the price of a common local dish is a better alternative. This is mainly due to the fact that not only is local food a vital part of one's trip, but also that, in some countries, fast food chains are actually on the pricier side!
Below is a chart which shows the average prices of basic meals in all European capital cities. It illustrates the stark differences in living standards, and we trust that it provides some useful insights to the cost-aware travellers. We'll get into further detail for each city below.
All prices are per person. Please note that we've excluded the capitals of Transcontinental countries because they fall into different regions in our classification.
![All European Capitals sorted from least to most affordable](https://images.pineqone.com/Europe Capitals Prices - 2024-04-11.jpg)
Without further ado, let's dive right in and check out each capital!
1. Pristina
![Pristina Pristina](https://images.pineqone.com/NEWBORN Monument.jpg)
The capital of Kosovo comes at position 1 with an average price for a meal of around $5.58.
Top attractions in Pristina include Newborn monument, Skanderbeg Square, Ethnological Museum.
Planning a trip to Pristina?
Check out our Pristina destination guide
2. Sarajevo
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina comes at position 2 with an average price for a meal of around $6.18.
Top attractions in Sarajevo include Baščaršija, Latin Bridge, Sarajevo Tunnel.
Planning a trip to Sarajevo?
Check out our Sarajevo destination guide
3. Skopje
![Skopje Skopje](https://images.pineqone.com/Skopje 2014 - Archeological Museum of Macedonia by night.jpg)
The capital of North Macedonia comes at position 3 with an average price for a meal of around $7.09.
Top attractions in Skopje include Old Bazaar, Matka Canyon, Stone Bridge.
Planning a trip to Skopje?
Check out our Skopje destination guide
4. Podgorica
The capital of Montenegro comes at position 4 with an average price for a meal of around $7.57.
Top attractions in Podgorica include Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Millennium Bridge, Independence Square.
Planning a trip to Podgorica?
Check out our Podgorica destination guide
5. Chișinău
![Chișinău Chișinău](https://images.pineqone.com/Ansamblul Catedralei „Nașterea Domnului” 8.jpg)
The capital of Moldova comes at position 5 with an average price for a meal of around $7.62.
Top attractions in Chișinău include Nativity Cathedral, National Archaeology & History Museum, Ștefan cel Mare Central Park.
Planning a trip to Chișinău?
Check out our Chișinău destination guide
6. Prague
![Prague Prague](https://images.pineqone.com/Prague 07-2016 View from Old Town Hall Tower img3.jpg)
The capital of Czech Republic comes at position 6 with an average price for a meal of around $8.42.
Top attractions in Prague include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague astronomical clock.
Planning a trip to Prague?
Check out our Prague destination guide
7. Kyiv
![Kyiv Kyiv](https://images.pineqone.com/80-391-0151 Kyiv St.Sophia's Cathedral RB 18 2.jpg)
The capital of Ukraine comes at position 7 with an average price for a meal of around $8.47.
Top attractions in Kyiv include Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Mother Ukraine.
Planning a trip to Kyiv?
Check out our Kyiv destination guide
8. Belgrade
![Belgrade Belgrade](https://images.pineqone.com/Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade, exterior in 2006.jpg)
The capital of Serbia comes at position 8 with an average price for a meal of around $9.22.
Top attractions in Belgrade include Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade Fortress, Nikola Tesla Museum.
Planning a trip to Belgrade?
Check out our Belgrade destination guide
9. Warsaw
![Warsaw Warsaw](https://images.pineqone.com/Plac Zamkowy,widok z góry,Warszawa.jpg)
The capital of Poland comes at position 9 with an average price for a meal of around $9.39.
Top attractions in Warsaw include Palace of Culture and Science, Royal Castle, Warsaw Rising Museum.
Planning a trip to Warsaw?
Check out our Warsaw destination guide
10. Bratislava
![Bratislava Bratislava](https://images.pineqone.com/Bratislava, Hrad, Slovensko.jpg)
The capital of Slovakia comes at position 10 with an average price for a meal of around $9.73.
Top attractions in Bratislava include Bratislava Castle, Blue Church, Devín Castle.
Planning a trip to Bratislava?
Check out our Bratislava destination guide
11. Minsk
![Minsk Minsk](https://images.pineqone.com/Babrujskaja, Minsk.jpg)
The capital of Belarus comes at position 11 with an average price for a meal of around $10.17.
Top attractions in Minsk include National Library of Belarus, Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, Belarusian National Arts Museum.
Planning a trip to Minsk?
Check out our Minsk destination guide
12. Tirana
![Tirana Tirana](https://images.pineqone.com/Tirana - Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej) - by Pudelek.jpg)
The capital of Albania comes at position 12 with an average price for a meal of around $10.71.
Top attractions in Tirana include Skanderbeg Square, Pyramid of Tirana, National History Museum.
Planning a trip to Tirana?
Check out our Tirana destination guide
13. Bucharest
![Bucharest Bucharest](https://images.pineqone.com/Ateneul Roman.jpg)
The capital of Romania comes at position 13 with an average price for a meal of around $10.88.
Top attractions in Bucharest include Romanian Athenaeum, King Michael I Park, Arcul de Triumf.
Planning a trip to Bucharest?
Check out our Bucharest destination guide
14. Budapest
![Budapest Budapest](https://images.pineqone.com/Budapest-Parliament-0001.jpg)
The capital of Hungary comes at position 14 with an average price for a meal of around $11.03.
Top attractions in Budapest include Hungarian Parliament Building, Széchenyi thermal bath, Buda Castle.
Planning a trip to Budapest?
Check out our Budapest destination guide
15. Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria comes at position 15 with an average price for a meal of around $11.14.
Top attractions in Sofia include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, National Palace of Culture.
Planning a trip to Sofia?
Check out our Sofia destination guide
16. Zagreb
![Zagreb Zagreb](https://images.pineqone.com/Zagreb (29255640143).jpg)
The capital of Croatia comes at position 16 with an average price for a meal of around $12.15.
Top attractions in Zagreb include Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, Ban Jelačić Square.
Planning a trip to Zagreb?
Check out our Zagreb destination guide
17. Madrid
![Madrid Madrid](https://images.pineqone.com/Palacio Real de Madrid-2019 (1).jpg)
The capital of Spain comes at position 17 with an average price for a meal of around $12.99.
Top attractions in Madrid include Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Parque del Buen Retiro.
Planning a trip to Madrid?
Check out our Madrid destination guide
18. Lisbon
![Lisbon Lisbon](https://images.pineqone.com/Lisbon (36831596786) (cropped).jpg)
The capital of Portugal comes at position 18 with an average price for a meal of around $12.99.
Top attractions in Lisbon include Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, Jerónimos Monastery.
Planning a trip to Lisbon?
Check out our Lisbon destination guide
19. Riga
![Riga Riga](https://images.pineqone.com/House of Blackheads (Riga).jpg)
The capital of Latvia comes at position 19 with an average price for a meal of around $13.08.
Top attractions in Riga include House of the Blackheads, Riga Central Market, Freedom Monument.
Planning a trip to Riga?
Check out our Riga destination guide
20. Vilnius
![Vilnius Vilnius](https://images.pineqone.com/Vilnius old town by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg)
The capital of Lithuania comes at position 20 with an average price for a meal of around $13.18.
Top attractions in Vilnius include Gediminas' Tower, Vilnius Cathedral, Church of St. Anne.
Planning a trip to Vilnius?
Check out our Vilnius destination guide
21. Tallinn
The capital of Estonia comes at position 21 with an average price for a meal of around $13.39.
Top attractions in Tallinn include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn Old Town, Kumu.
Planning a trip to Tallinn?
Check out our Tallinn destination guide
22. Stockholm
![Stockholm Stockholm](https://images.pineqone.com/Panorama of Stockholm - August 2020.jpg)
The capital of Sweden comes at position 22 with an average price for a meal of around $13.71.
Top attractions in Stockholm include Gamla stan, Vasa Museum, Stockholm City Hall.
Planning a trip to Stockholm?
Check out our Stockholm destination guide
23. Ljubljana
![Ljubljana Ljubljana](https://images.pineqone.com/Ljubljana castle 4.jpg)
The capital of Slovenia comes at position 23 with an average price for a meal of around $13.91.
Top attractions in Ljubljana include Ljubljana Castle, Dragon Bridge, Triple Bridge.
Planning a trip to Ljubljana?
Check out our Ljubljana destination guide
24. Berlin
![Berlin Berlin](https://images.pineqone.com/Museumsinsel Berlin Juli 2021 1 (cropped).jpg)
The capital of Germany comes at position 24 with an average price for a meal of around $14.07.
Top attractions in Berlin include Brandenburg Gate, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, East Side Gallery.
Planning a trip to Berlin?
Check out our Berlin destination guide
25. Athens
![Athens Athens](https://images.pineqone.com/Attica 06-13 Athens 50 View from Philopappos - Acropolis Hill.jpg)
The capital of Greece comes at position 25 with an average price for a meal of around $14.52.
Top attractions in Athens include Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Parthenon.
Planning a trip to Athens?
Check out our Athens destination guide
26. Andorra la Vella
The capital of Andorra comes at position 26 with an average price for a meal of around $14.63.
Top attractions in Andorra la Vella include Casa de la Vall, Església de Sant Esteve.
Planning a trip to Andorra la Vella?
Check out our Andorra la Vella destination guide
27. Helsinki
The capital of Finland comes at position 27 with an average price for a meal of around $14.73.
Top attractions in Helsinki include Suomenlinna, Helsinki Cathedral, Linnanmäki.
Planning a trip to Helsinki?
Check out our Helsinki destination guide
28. Rome
![Rome Rome](https://images.pineqone.com/Colosseum in Rome, Italy - April 2007.jpg)
The capital of Italy comes at position 28 with an average price for a meal of around $16.35.
Top attractions in Rome include Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain.
Planning a trip to Rome?
Check out our Rome destination guide
29. Vienna
The capital of Austria comes at position 29 with an average price for a meal of around $16.35.
Top attractions in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Belvedere.
Planning a trip to Vienna?
Check out our Vienna destination guide
30. San Marino
![San Marino San Marino](https://images.pineqone.com/Guaita Fortress, Passo delle Streghe, Città di San Marino, San Marino - panoramio.jpg)
The capital of San Marino comes at position 30 with an average price for a meal of around $17.72.
Top attractions in San Marino include Guaita, Monte Titano, Three Towers of San Marino.
Planning a trip to San Marino?
Check out our San Marino destination guide
31. Amsterdam
![Amsterdam Amsterdam](https://images.pineqone.com/North facade of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (3).jpg)
The capital of Netherlands comes at position 31 with an average price for a meal of around $18.95.
Top attractions in Amsterdam include Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark.
Planning a trip to Amsterdam?
Check out our Amsterdam destination guide
32. Paris
![Paris Paris](https://images.pineqone.com/The Eiffel Tower August 15, 2011 N02.jpg)
The capital of France comes at position 32 with an average price for a meal of around $19.16.
Top attractions in Paris include Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris.
Planning a trip to Paris?
Check out our Paris destination guide
33. Oslo
![Oslo Oslo](https://images.pineqone.com/14-09-02-oslo-RalfR-370.jpg)
The capital of Norway comes at position 33 with an average price for a meal of around $19.17.
Top attractions in Oslo include Akershus Fortress, Oslo Opera House, Viking Ship Museum.
Planning a trip to Oslo?
Check out our Oslo destination guide
34. City of Brussels
![City of Brussels City of Brussels](https://images.pineqone.com/Grand Place Brussels Belgium Travel Europe.jpg)
The capital of Belgium comes at position 34 with an average price for a meal of around $19.66.
Top attractions in City of Brussels include Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace of Brussels.
Planning a trip to City of Brussels?
Check out our City of Brussels destination guide
35. Valletta
![Valletta Valletta](https://images.pineqone.com/Malte, La Valette, co-cathédrale St Jean.jpg)
The capital of Malta comes at position 35 with an average price for a meal of around $19.78.
Top attractions in Valletta include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Planning a trip to Valletta?
Check out our Valletta destination guide
36. Copenhagen
![Copenhagen Copenhagen](https://images.pineqone.com/Boats at Nyhavn, Copenhagen, 20220616 1937 6628.jpg)
The capital of Denmark comes at position 36 with an average price for a meal of around $20.19.
Top attractions in Copenhagen include Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle.
Planning a trip to Copenhagen?
Check out our Copenhagen destination guide
37. Luxembourg
![Luxembourg Luxembourg](https://images.pineqone.com/Burg Vianden 2009.jpg)
The capital of Luxembourg comes at position 37 with an average price for a meal of around $20.5.
Top attractions in Luxembourg include
Planning a trip to Luxembourg?
Check out our Luxembourg destination guide
38. Reykjavík
![Reykjavík Reykjavík](https://images.pineqone.com/Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavík, Iceland (Unsplash).jpg)
The capital of Iceland comes at position 38 with an average price for a meal of around $20.68.
Top attractions in Reykjavík include Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa.
Planning a trip to Reykjavík?
Check out our Reykjavík destination guide
39. Dublin
![Dublin Dublin](https://images.pineqone.com/St Patrick's Cathedral Exterior, Dublin, Ireland - Diliff.jpg)
The capital of Ireland comes at position 39 with an average price for a meal of around $21.64.
Top attractions in Dublin include St Patrick's Cathedral, Library of Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse.
Planning a trip to Dublin?
Check out our Dublin destination guide
40. London
![London London](https://images.pineqone.com/London - London Tower Bridge - 140806 171049.jpg)
The capital of United Kingdom comes at position 40 with an average price for a meal of around $25.01.
Top attractions in London include Big Ben, British Museum, Buckingham Palace.
Planning a trip to London?
Check out our London destination guide
41. Bern
![Bern Bern](https://images.pineqone.com/Central Bern from north.jpg)
The capital of Switzerland comes at position 41 with an average price for a meal of around $25.73.
Top attractions in Bern include Zytglogge, Old City, Zentrum Paul Klee.
Planning a trip to Bern?
Check out our Bern destination guide
42. Monaco
![Monaco Monaco](https://images.pineqone.com/Panorama von Monaco-La Turbie.jpg)
The capital of Monaco comes at position 42 with an average price for a meal of around $26.68.
Top attractions in Monaco include Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino, Prince's Palace of Monaco.
Planning a trip to Monaco?
Check out our Monaco destination guide
43. Vaduz
![Vaduz Vaduz](https://images.pineqone.com/Schloss Vaduz (2009).jpg)
The capital of Liechtenstein comes at position 43 with an average price for a meal of around $28.19.
Top attractions in Vaduz include Vaduz Castle, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein National Museum.
Planning a trip to Vaduz?
Check out our Vaduz destination guide
We hope you found this information useful. If you have any comments or suggestions, let us know!