Greece ranks among the European countries with an average price per night exceeding 100 euros. Although the cost of renting an Airbnb-style accommodation in Greece is significantly lower than, for example, in Monaco, it is high enough that Greece does not rank among the cheapest destinations in Europe, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to AirDNA data, the highest average price per night is recorded in Monaco, at 417 euros, with Iceland—despite being far from the top—ranking second at 213 euros. Andorra rounds out the top three most expensive European countries under consideration at €189.
Several spots further down, specifically in 12th place, is Greece, with the average price per Airbnb-style accommodation at 141 euros.
On the other hand, the most affordable options are mainly found in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, with North Macedonia averaging 40 euros, Kosovo at 42 euros, and Tirana ranking as Europe’s cheapest capital at 43 euros per night.
For travelers on a tight budget, Eastern Europe offers the lowest base rates, while planning a trip outside the peak summer season in Mediterranean regions can save 30%–50% on accommodation costs alone.
As noted in AirDNA’s latest report, prices per night for short-term rentals vary by up to 10 times depending on the destination, while seasonal surcharges can add 50% or more to the cost of the same trip if taken two months later.
The picture in Eastern Europe
In general, however, Eastern and Southeastern Europe are emerging as the most attractive destinations for travelers on a tight budget, as accommodation prices remain significantly lower than those in Western Europe.
Albania has an average daily rate (ADR) of €56.80, while Bulgaria (€60.67), Romania (€62.68), and the Baltic countries also fall below the European average. Hungary and Poland offer affordable access to popular capitals such as Budapest and Warsaw.
The Balkan coasts are of particular interest. Tirana, as mentioned above, is the cheapest capital, while Durres offers Mediterranean beaches at significantly lower prices than Greece and Spain. In Montenegro, destinations such as Budva and Kotor remain competitive compared to other Mediterranean markets.
The survey also notes different travel behaviors: Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland rely more on last-minute bookings, while in Montenegro and Hungary, bookings are made earlier.
How much do prices rise in the summer
Significant price differences are also observed from season to season. According to AirDNA, Greece records the highest summer increase in accommodation prices in Europe. Average accommodation prices rise by 54.9% between June to August, from €112.64 in the off-season to €174.46 during the peak season, confirming the high demand pressure Greek destinations face in the summer.
Similarly, Croatia (+37.6%) and Portugal (+36.5%) also show significant seasonal increases.
In contrast, several European countries show minimal seasonal price increases, allowing travelers to visit popular destinations in July at essentially the same cost as in October.
Norway has the smallest summer price change in Europe (+0.5%), with the average summer price per night (ADR) standing at €128.95 compared to €128.28 during the rest of the year, as tourist demand is evenly distributed between winter and summer tourism.
Similarly, Belgium (+4.6%) and the Netherlands (+4.9%) show nearly stable prices year-round, thanks to steady demand for city-break trips to cities such as Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam.
At the city level, however, variations remain significant. Portimão in Portugal’s Algarve region shows the largest summer price increase in Europe, with ADRs rising by 71.6%, from €91.71 to €157.39. Mykonos follows with a 65.6% increase, as accommodation prices soar from €457.95 to €758.45 per night, while Marbella records a 57.3% increase.
In contrast, cities such as Prague, Hamburg, and Naples remain largely unaffected by seasonality, with increases of just 2%–3%, reflecting steady demand for cultural and urban tourism throughout the year.
In general
North Macedonia is the cheapest country in Europe with an average ADR of €39.81, followed by Kosovo, Moldova, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, all significantly below the European average.
The lowest airfares are mainly found in Central and Eastern European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, with particularly affordable flights to Prague, Budapest, and Warsaw.
Tirana is listed as the cheapest capital in Europe with an ADR of €42.73. Next are Chisinau (€46.06), Sarajevo (€52.68), Belgrade (€55.01), and Sofia (€55.62), offering affordable vacations and rich cultural experiences.
Finally, Budapest and Krakow stand out for short trips thanks to their combination of history, gastronomy, and lower costs compared to major Western European capitals.