Travel used to be all about finding those great spots where your money went a long way. Maybe it was a beach town with cheap bungalows or a buzzing city where dinner cost less than a coffee back home. But as more people discovered them, prices started creeping up. Yes, there are 13 cheap destinations that are getting too expensive.
Suddenly, that budget getaway doesn’t feel so light on the wallet anymore. It’s not that these places lost their charm, but they’ve definitely changed. This shift isn’t all bad, though. It just means travelers need to be a bit more aware and flexible. Knowing which destinations have become pricier helps you plan smarter and find new spots that still feel like a great deal. The world’s always changing, and so is travel. So before you book your next trip, it’s worth seeing where your money stretches and where it doesn’t.
Marrakech, Morocco
Once a favorite stop for travelers seeking an affordable taste of North Africa, Marrakech has seen prices rise steadily alongside its global popularity. The city’s riads, markets, and desert excursions now come with higher costs, especially in the busy medina. Luxury hotels and trendy restaurants have replaced many of the cheaper stays and local eateries that once defined the city’s charm. While it’s still full of color, culture, and energy, visiting Marrakech now requires a bit more budgeting. Those willing to explore beyond the main tourist areas can still experience its magic without spending too much.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali was once the go-to destination for travelers on a budget, known for its cheap guesthouses, street food, and scooter adventures. Over the years, its growing popularity has turned it into a hotspot for luxury resorts, beach clubs, and high-end dining. Areas like Canggu and Ubud now attract remote workers and influencers, pushing prices higher for everyone. While it’s still possible to find affordable spots, the island’s vibe has shifted from laid-back and cheap to trendy and costly. Bali remains beautiful, but travelers now need deeper pockets to enjoy what used to be a budget paradise.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside charm, Hoi An was once a haven for travelers looking for affordable comfort and culture. Over time, its growing fame has led to higher prices for accommodation, food, and souvenirs. The town’s popularity means more crowds and fewer cheap stays, though its atmosphere remains enchanting. While it’s still possible to explore on a modest budget, visitors will notice how much costs have climbed compared to just a few years ago. The mix of history, craftsmanship, and beauty still makes Hoi An worth visiting—even if it’s no longer a bargain.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Once known as a peaceful coastal town with affordable stays and quiet charm, Dubrovnik has transformed into one of Europe’s most expensive seaside spots. Its rise to fame after appearing in popular TV shows brought massive crowds, luxury cruise ships, and higher prices. Hotels, restaurants, and even basic tours now cost far more than they did a decade ago. While the old city walls and Adriatic views are still breathtaking, budget travelers often find it tough to stretch their money here. Visiting outside peak season or exploring nearby towns can help recapture some of that lost affordability.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Known for its energy, art, and food scene, Buenos Aires has long been a favorite for travelers seeking great value. However, inflation and economic swings have made prices unpredictable and often higher than expected. What was once a city where visitors could live well on little now feels more expensive, especially for foreigners. Despite the rising costs, Buenos Aires still captivates with its culture, music, and character. Savvy travelers who plan ahead and keep an eye on exchange rates can still enjoy the city’s spirit without spending too much, though it takes more effort than before.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon used to be one of Europe’s most budget-friendly capitals, with low-cost apartments, cheap public transport, and great local food. But as tourism boomed and digital nomads flocked in, prices for housing, dining, and attractions climbed fast. The city’s charm, colorful streets, and ocean views still draw crowds, but it’s harder to experience Lisbon on a tight budget now. Even locals feel the pinch as rent and restaurant costs keep rising. While it hasn’t lost its character, Lisbon has shifted from a quiet, affordable gem to a busy, modern city with a price tag to match.
Kraków, Poland
Want to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later when you're planning your trip!
Once a top pick for budget travelers in Europe, Kraków has seen a steady climb in prices as tourism has flourished. The city’s historic charm, lively squares, and cultural landmarks attract millions each year, pushing up the cost of hotels, dining, and tours. While still cheaper than many Western European cities, Kraków isn’t the low-cost gem it used to be. Visitors on a budget can still enjoy the city by exploring local eateries and staying outside the main tourist areas. Its history and atmosphere remain strong draws, even as affordability slowly slips away.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai was once the heart of affordable travel in Thailand, attracting backpackers and digital nomads with its cheap apartments, street markets, and relaxed pace. Over time, its popularity has driven up rent, food prices, and tourism costs. The city still has charm—beautiful temples, mountain views, and a creative community—but it’s no longer the ultra-cheap spot it once was. Cafés and co-working spaces have replaced many local hangouts, and prices reflect that shift. Chiang Mai remains a great place to visit or live, but travelers should expect to spend more than the old backpacker days allowed.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest used to stand out as one of Europe’s best-value destinations, known for its thermal baths, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife—all at low prices. But the secret’s out. Tourism has exploded, and with it, the cost of accommodations, attractions, and dining. The city still feels cheaper than Western Europe, but not by much. Popular districts near the Danube and ruin bars have become pricier, making backpacker budgets harder to stretch. Budapest still delivers great experiences, but travelers now need to plan carefully to enjoy the same adventures that once came at a fraction of today’s cost.
Reykjavík, Iceland
What used to be a stopover destination for affordable adventure seekers has turned into one of Europe’s priciest capitals. The surge in tourism over the past decade has driven up the cost of lodging, dining, and transportation. Even simple meals and short excursions now come with premium price tags. Despite the higher costs, Reykjavík continues to attract travelers drawn to its natural wonders, geothermal pools, and lively culture. Those who plan ahead and travel smart can still find ways to enjoy Iceland’s beauty without overspending, but the days of cheap Icelandic getaways are long gone.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague was once a dream for budget travelers—cheap beer, affordable hostels, and stunning architecture all in one place. But its growing fame as one of Europe’s prettiest cities has led to higher prices across the board. The Old Town and Charles Bridge are packed with tourists, and local businesses have adjusted their prices accordingly. While you can still find reasonable deals outside the main areas, Prague’s cost of travel, food, and lodging has risen steadily. It’s still an incredible destination, but no longer the low-cost escape it was a decade ago. The charm remains, the bargains don’t.
Cape Town, South Africa
Long known for its great value and stunning scenery, Cape Town has grown into a more expensive destination over the years. Tourism, real estate development, and global exposure have all contributed to rising prices for accommodation, dining, and activities. The city’s beaches, mountains, and vineyards still draw travelers from around the world, but costs can add up quickly. While it remains more affordable than many Western cities, it’s no longer the budget-friendly escape it once was. Careful planning and local insight can still help visitors enjoy Cape Town’s beauty without breaking the bank.
Tulum, Mexico
This once-sleepy beach town on Mexico’s Caribbean coast has evolved into a hotspot for luxury travelers and influencers. What started as a quiet, low-cost escape filled with small cabanas and beach bars now features boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and trendy nightlife. With popularity came higher prices, making Tulum one of the most expensive destinations in the region. While the beaches and jungle setting remain stunning, the laid-back, budget-friendly vibe has faded. Visitors can still find charm in its natural beauty, but they’ll need to plan carefully if they want to experience Tulum without overspending.
Cheap Thrills Now Come at a Price
Travel trends come and go, and prices always seem to follow. The places that were once great for stretching your budget might not be such a bargain anymore, but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. It just means being a little more creative when picking your next stop. There are always new corners of the world waiting to be explored that still give you that same thrill without draining your wallet.
So, if your favorite cheap getaway isn’t so cheap now, take it as a sign to look around. Maybe it’s time to try a different city, island, or mountain town that hasn’t hit the spotlight yet. The best trips aren’t always the ones everyone’s talking about; they’re the ones that surprise you. Keep your curiosity strong, your plans flexible, and your eyes open for the next perfect place that still feels like a hidden gem.
