Some European cities are dramatically expensive. Here's the honest take.
Tier 1 — most expensive
- Zurich: Switzerland's most expensive. €350+/day baseline.
- Geneva: Same level.
- Reykjavík: €300-€450/day. Iceland uniformly expensive.
- Oslo, Bergen: Norway expensive.
- Stockholm, Copenhagen: Pricey but more reasonable than Switzerland/Norway.
Tier 2 — expensive
- London: £200-£300/day comfortable.
- Paris: €220-€350/day.
- Amsterdam: €230-€350/day.
- Venice peak: €350+/day.
- Santorini peak: €350-€600/day caldera-side.
How to do expensive cities anyway
- Hostels and apartments: Save 50-70% vs hotels.
- Self-catering: Supermarket lunches + dinner out.
- Walking + transit: Skip taxis.
- Free attractions: Museums in London, parks everywhere.
- Off-season: 30-50% price cuts.
How to keep costs sane
- Lunch as main meal: Set lunches 30-50% cheaper than dinner.
- Pre-buy transit cards.
- Avoid airport-area hotels for non-flight nights.
- Cook one meal/day.
Skip if budget-conscious
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland — wait for higher-budget trips. Wonderful but burns through savings fast.
For specific budget context see cities by budget.