When you’re planning a trip, it's really important to know how much different places cost. Popular tourist cities and less-known spots can have very different prices, which affects how much money you’ll need.

Where to Stay

• Popular Tourist Cities: Cities like New York and Paris can be pricey! A hotel room might cost between $200 and$500 each night, depending on when you visit and where you stay.
• Hidden Gems: On the other hand, places like Tbilisi or Porto can have hotel prices from just $50 to$150 a night for similar comfort.

Eating Out

• Popular Tourist Cities: If you eat at fancy restaurants, you might spend over $100 for one meal. A study showed that, in these big cities, you could spend about$50 to $70 on food each day if you have a moderate-budget.
• Hidden Gems: In cities like Chiang Mai or Sofia, you might only spend around $15 to$30 on meals per day. Plus, you can find tasty street food and small local cafes that are really affordable.

Getting Around

• Popular Tourist Cities: Public transport can be costly. For example, a subway pass in London might cost about $200 a month, and taking taxis can add up fast.
• Hidden Gems: In smaller towns, you can rent a bicycle or take the local bus for just $5 a day. That’s a much cheaper way to explore!

Fun Activities

• Popular Tourist Cities: Visiting famous places can be expensive! Tickets to museums or theme parks might cost from $20 to over$100. For instance, a ticket to the Louvre is about $17.
• Hidden Gems: Many must-see spots in hidden gems are free or pretty cheap. You can enjoy local parks, markets, or historical landmarks for little to no cost (like $5 to$10).

When to Travel

• High Season: Prices usually go up when a lot of people travel. For example, flights to popular places can increase by $300 to$500 during busy summer months.
• Off-Peak Season: If you travel during less busy times, especially to hidden gems, you can save up to 40% on flights and hotel rooms.

Final Thoughts

By looking at the costs of popular tourist cities versus hidden gems, you can plan better and stick to your budget. Discovering these differences can help you find cool experiences without spending a lot. Doing your homework on where to go and when to go can lead to big savings, making your travels more fun and affordable!