Winter Travel: Cities With The Most Affordable And Expensive Prices

Inflation is changing the shape of travel. As war continues in Europe, the cost of everything is increasing, from a cup of coffee to a hotel room—but there are some cities where a trip can be a relative bargain.

In the summer, for example, Warsaw was half the price of a similar trip to Paris, with Krakow, and Sofia in Bulgaria also proving exceptional value during 2022.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently published its Worldwide Cost of Living Index for 2022. New York and Singapore were both joint first, with Tel Aviv, which was the most expensive in 2021, coming in at number 3.

The main reason for New York topping the list is the roaring inflation that has taken place this year—in New York, the cost of having lunch out has increased by 38% since 2021. San Francisco and Los Angeles are currently also some of the most expensive metropolitan areas globally.

The Trivago Hotel Price Index recently calculated where prices have risen the most—and it is Rome where the cost of a hotel room has risen by a staggering 38%. However, it isn’t just hotel rooms that must be paid for. The cost of a taxi, a pint of beer, a cocktail, lunch and dinner—these can all add up. In Istanbul, while the cost of a pint of beer has stayed relatively cheap, inflation in Turkey has increased the cost of most alcoholic drinks by 123%.

The Cities That Have Increased The Most In Price Since 2021

1. Istanbul, 138%
2. Singapore, 58%
3. Vancouver, 48%
4. Toronto, 46%
5. Reykjavik, 35%
6. Santiago, 32%
7. Madrid, 31%
8. Rio de Janeiro, 29%
9. Las Vegas, 23%
10. New York, Athens and Warsaw, 21%

The Cities That Have Increased The Least in Price Since 2021

1. Kuala Lumpur,-10%
2. Delhi, -8%
3. Dubai and Manila, -3%
4. Auckland, 1%
5. Bangkok, 3%
6. Johannesburg, 4%
7. Brussels and Miami, 6%
8. Tokyo and Zurich, 7%

Some travel agents recommend booking in advance for travel in 2023 and locking in prices by booking all-inclusive, which means you won’t be paying more for food and drinks, even if inflation continues to be a global issue.