The FOREX City Index 2026 compares the price levels in 85 popular cities. The index shows what a day on the town costs for two adults, excluding accommodation, based on typical holiday expenses.  

Stockholm serves as a baseline with index 100, a higher index means that the city is more expensive to visit, while a lower index shows that travel funds last longer. 

10 cheapest weekend getaways and cities in Europe 2026

Are you dreaming of a European weekend with a lot of experience for your money? The FOREX City Index shows that several cities in Central and Eastern Europe are significantly cheaper than classic weekend destinations like London and Paris. Polish cities like Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow are 25–32% cheaper than Stockholm. Belgrade offers prices that are around 45% lower. This allows you to prioritize experiences over costs – more restaurant visits, more sights and more spontaneity. The FOREX City Index shows that the most affordable and cheap weekend trips in Europe are:

Is Paris more expensive than Stockholm?

The FOREX tourist cart is around 18% more expensive in Paris than Stockholm. There are other weekend cities where money lasts longer, such as Prague and Barcelona, but Paris is significantly cheaper than Geneva and London. Even Athens and Rome offer more for their money than many people think. It combines history, culture and gastronomy with a more balanced price level than its reputation.

10 cheapest cities in the world to visit in 2026

More distant destinations are rarely associated with weekend getaways but offer fantastic and cheap city breaks. Asia continues to host the most affordable cities to visit and stay in. Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok are some of the favorites.

10 most expensive cities in the world to visit by 2026

What are the most expensive cities to visit in the world then? To prepare for your trip, it can be good to know what to expect in terms of costs on site. The USA again fills the list with several cities, but also several of our neighboring countries and Canada. Here it can be good to prepare your travel fund with cash in advance.

How expensive is it in the US?

The United States continues to attract with iconic cities, shopping, entertainment and world-class restaurants – but it shows in the wallet. 
 
New York, Miami and Las Vegas remain high in the index: 

  1. New York (70% more expensive than Stockholm) 
  2. Miami (55% more expensive than Stockholm) 
  3. Las Vegas (50% more expensive than Stockholm)

In addition to the higher restaurant prices in the United States, there is VAT and expected gratuity of about 20%. This affects the daily budget more than many travelers expect, especially if you eat several meals at a restaurant every day. 

City Index 2026 - Full list

Below you will find the full list of the cheapest to most expensive cities for a weekend and city trip. The FOREX Metropolitan Index compares average prices for, among other things, mid-range restaurants, bars, drinking culture, tourist taxes and various minor expenses.

Cash gives you better control over your travel budget

When traveling, it's easy to lose track of small expenses. An effective way to keep track of your budget is to use cash. In many countries, cash is still common – especially for paying tourist taxes, taxis, tips and small purchases.

By buying travel currency before departure, you avoid currency surcharges and withdrawal fees that are often added to card payments.

Our employees in FOREX stores will help you choose the right currency and advise you on what applies in the city you are traveling to – so you can focus on the experience, not the payment.

About the FOREX City Index 2026

The FOREX Metropolitan Index provides a price indication of what a day in each city might cost for two adults, excluding accommodation. The index is based on current price data from international cost databases and travel budget sources, including Numbeo, Expatistan and Livingcost.org, as well as complementary research into local taxes and tipping culture. All prices have been quality assured through comparisons between several sources and adjusted for realistic tourist behavior.

Index provides a price indication

The City Index is a tool for planning and inspiration. Even if a destination has a low overall index, some costs may be higher than in a city with a higher index. The index shows an average price level over a certain period and is affected by exchange rates, local taxes, inflation and seasonal variations. Actual costs may therefore vary depending on travel habits, restaurant choices and individual consumption patterns – but with the right preparation you will have better control over your travel budget and can make smarter decisions for your next weekend.