Sail Croatia experts’ latest study compared the average costs of eating out in different restaurant categories in 10 most searched travel destinations in Europe by assessing data from 2023 Google Flights. For each destination, the study calculated prices of cheap eats, three course meals in a mid restaurant and a tasting menu in a Michelin star luxury restaurant for 1 person and then ranked cities by the affordability.
Budapest leads the ranking of the cheapest European cities for food lovers with an average meal price of $56.04. Notably, its cheap eats at $9.90 are the lowest among the top 10 cities, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.
Warsaw ranks as the 2nd cheapest city for dining out in Europe, following closely with an average meal price of $56.42. While slightly higher than Budapest, Warsaw’s fine dining options are almost identical in price, indicating strong competition between the two cities for affordable dining.
Barcelona takes the 3rd spot of the cheapest European cities for foodies with an average meal price of $58.77. Its fine dining options at a Michelin star restaurant are less expensive than both Budapest and Warsaw, offering a unique selling point for travelers looking for a luxury experience on a budget.
Paris, where the average meal price is $68.21 is 4th on the list of the cheapest European cities for food lovers. While its mid-range meals are comparable to Barcelona’s, its fine dining options are more expensive.Rome secures the 5th position as the cheapest European city for food lovers, with an average meal price of $71.84. It offers a balanced dining experience, with mid-range meals, falling between the cheaper options in Budapest and the more expensive ones in Amsterdam, perfectly balancing affordability and luxury.
Findings summed up, with additional information
| Capitals | Cheap eats | Mid range three course meal | Fine dining | Average meal price | Total Searches |
| Budapest | $9.90 | $22.50 | $135.73 | $56.04 | 131,200 |
| Warsaw | $10.00 | $25.00 | $134.26 | $56.42 | 82,500 |
| Barcelona | $15.00 | $32.50 | $128.81 | $58.77 | 145,800 |
| Paris | $16.00 | $33.00 | $155.64 | $68.21 | 214,300 |
| Rome | $16.00 | $38.50 | $161.01 | $71.84 | 113,100 |
| Madrid | $13.00 | $27.50 | $182.48 | $74.33 | 88,000 |
| Amsterdam | $17.05 | $38.50 | $179.26 | $78.27 | 216,200 |
| Dublin | $22.00 | $46.75 | $203.95 | $90.90 | 108,300 |
| Stockholm | $12.83 | $37.95 | $225.34 | $92.04 | 64,000 |
| London | $25.65 | $51.30 | $233.99 | $103.65 | 376,500 |
Madrid ranks 6th as the cheapest destination for food lovers, with an average meal price of $74.33. Its mid-range meals are cheaper than Rome’s, but fine dining is more expensive, making it a middle-of-the-road option for travelers. Amsterdam is the 7th cheapest destination for food lovers, with an average meal price of $78.27. Its mid-range meal prices are strikingly similar to Rome, suggesting some level of standard pricing in European mid-range dining.
Dublin is the 8th cheapest destination for foodies, with an average of $90.90 for dining out. Fine dining prices are the highest among all cities except London and Stockholm. This positions Dublin as a destination for those willing to splurge on gourmet experiences.
Stockholm is 9th on the list of the cheapest European cities for foodies, where meals average at $92.04. With its fine dining prices being the second highest, surpassed only by London, the city caters to those seeking a more expensive dining experience. London rounds off as the most expensive city for dining, with an average meal price of $103.65. Despite its high costs, it remains the most searched-for travel destination, emphasizing its appeal to travelers.
