The 13 Friendliest Cities in the World (and How Much They Cost to Visit)
Chantelle KincyWho says that you can’t buy happiness? Well, in the friendliest cities in the world, a smile is as free as the air we breathe, but knowing the cost of visiting can help you plan for all those joy-filled moments.
Determine where these smile capitals are and how much you’ll need to budget for. Whether you’re a frugal adventurer, urban explorer, or just a curious traveler, pack your bags and best grin!
Istanbul, Turkey
Average daily cost: $50 for mid-range travelers
Where East meets West, and history shakes hands with modernity, Istanbul entices every traveler with its rich tapestry and warm, multi-lingual hugs. And for just $50 a day? That’s what we call a deal sweeter than Turkish delight!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Budget: $86 per day | Including flights: $104 per day
Zip through the energetic streets, get wrapped up in the warmth of the local welcomes, and unwrap some fantastic street food – all without breaking the bank. Your wallet will thank you, and your heart will beg to stay.
Arkaneh, a local, says via Quora, “A budget traveler can expect to spend around $20–30 per day on food, accommodation, and transportation in Vietnam, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50–70 per day. Of course, these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on your specific itinerary and travel style.”
Hanoi, Vietnam
Budget: $40 per day | Mid-range: $65 per day
Can you hear the city’s heartbeat? It’s pulsing with vibrant life and friendly faces. Plus, you can afford to lose yourself in the Old Quarter more than once with those prices. Just follow the scent of Pho!
Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Budget: $25-40 per day | Mid-range: $60 per day
Tomb Raider vibes, anyone? Channel your inner Lara Croft or Indiana Jones, exploring ancient wonders and making friends. All at a cost that says, “Adventure is not overrated!”
Maco Y., who lives in Cambodia, mentions via Quora, “If you’re a backpacker, you can stay in Sihanoukville for about $20 per day if you’re very careful with your money. This would mean staying in a dorm room and having very little entertainment.”
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Budget: $30 per day | Mid-range: $60 per day
Elephants and spices and massages, oh my! Chiang Mai is your go-to haven for friendly locals and elephant pants that won’t drain your pockets. Spoiler alert: You can extend your stay indefinitely.
Redditor AJReal says, “Chiang Mai is the cheapest place I’ve lived. You can easily do a basic lifestyle with $800 per month.”
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Budget: $25 per day | Mid-range: $40 per day
Want a side of spiritual awakening with your travel? Ubud’s is where Zen meets zest at a price, manifesting the millennial dream. And yes, that includes avocado on everything.
According to Budget Your Trip, prices can fluctuate when dining in Ubud, but on average, you’re looking at around $12 (Rp189,959) per day for food.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Budget: $30 per day | Mid-range: $50 per day
Slow down by the Mekong River, sip some potent Lao coffee, and eat their excellent sticky rice. The friendly vibes here come as naturally as the beautiful sunsets—and nearly as cheap!
A coffee connoisseur named Jen Burns says via Quora, “The staple food of Lao is steamed sticky rice, which is eaten by hand. The Lao eat more sticky rice than any other people in the world. I also love their coffee so much!”
Kotor, Montenegro
Budget: $40-60 per day | Mid-range: $75 per day
Nestled between mountains and sea, Kotor’s soul-stirring vistas are matched only by its townsfolk’s smiles. All that charm at this price point? We’re sold.
“One of my favorite countries so far. That coastline surrounded by mountains, with all these beautiful little stone towns in between, is so unique, especially seeing as the costs haven’t yet caught up with places like Dubrovnik nearby.” says JanSuza, a Redditor.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Budget: $30 per day | Mid-range: $65 per day
Cobblestone streets, heart-melting haciendas, and friendliness hotter than the local jalapeños—get it all without selling a kidney!
A local tip from Quora user Mahi: Jalapeños are a kind of hot chili pepper. You can eat 30 pounds of jalapenos if you can tolerate the heat. If you eat more than that, you may have some physical problems.
Lisbon, Portugal
Budget: $60 per day | Mid-range: $80 per day
Tram rides, stunning tiles, and to-die-for pastries. Lisbon’s infectious laugh is heard in the Fado tunes floating through the air, and it’s surprisingly affordable to join the chorus!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Budget: $50 per day | Mid-range: $85 per day
Tango in the streets, feast on empanadas, and swap stories with the locals. BA’s heart beats loud and proud, and dancing to its rhythm doesn’t cost a fortune.
Former Traveler Henry’s Tip (Via Quora): Argentina is grappling with intense inflation, causing their currency to lose value rapidly, sometimes even daily. To navigate this, I recommend watching your currency conversions and opting for a credit card when possible for the most favorable “official” exchange rate.
Cusco, Peru
Budget: $20 per day | Mid-range: $100 per day
Have you ever met a llama as friendly as a golden retriever? Now’s your chance! Cusco is your high-altitude hub for fun, frolics, and frugal living.
Redditor Xenor says, “Go to Machu Pichu. You will likely regret not going if you don’t. I regret skipping Rainbow Mountain on my trip to Cusco, which was in 2016. I took the train to Machu Pichu at the time. It was easy and safe. I’m not sure if it still is these days.”
Udaipur, India
Budget: $25 per day | Mid-range: $50 per day
Where every sunset feels like it’s straight out of Bollywood, and every local treats you like a star. Udaipur’s dose of friendliness? Priceless. What is the cost of experiencing it? Pennies.
GoIndigo mentions that in 2009, Udaipur was named the world’s best city by a renowned magazine. Udaipur is a captivating destination known for its enchanting lakes, majestic palaces, picturesque mountains, charming rooms, and tiger gardens. Explore the royal palaces transformed into opulent hotels, adding a touch of grandeur to your stay.
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