Good to know: these are the cheapest countries in Europe for eating out
Colleagues Louise and Rick came back from their holiday in Albania positively buzzing. The cheapest (and most fun) destination at the moment, they enthused. So, add it to the bucket list. But we’re lucky, because research shows that there are even more European countries where you can stay very affordably — and especially eat out.
It’s nice to hear that for once: we don’t have to spend a fortune everywhere to enjoy ourselves a little.
The most expensive European destinations
The study, conducted by Ferry GoGo, looked at the average price of a three-course dinner for two. Luxury establishments and chip shops were excluded; the focus was on dinners at midrange restaurants. What is the average price of a three-course dinner for two in Europe? €56.
Personally, I find that surprisingly reasonable. Especially when you consider that in Switzerland, you pay an average of €113.49 for such a dinner… Yep, Switzerland is by far the most expensive country in all of Europe for eating out. The Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva take the crown: there, you’ll pay €123.62 for a casual dinner. It’s also better to avoid Scandinavia if you’re watching your pennies. Denmark comes in second, with an average price of €100, and Norway in third, at €87.49.
Here you pay the least for eating out
Now for the most interesting question: where should we go for a reasonably affordable dinner? Eastern Europe and the Balkans! In other words, head towards Albania. Louise and Rick were right: Albania is cheap. You pay €39.88 there for a three-course dinner for two. But it can be even cheaper — the only question is whether you really want to pack your bags and head that way. The absolute cheapest country in Europe for eating out is Ukraine. There, a three-course dinner for two costs €22.77. Well, that’s not really an option right now, I’d say.
Other very cheap European countries for eating out include North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. You pay €24.33 and €25.55 respectively for a three-course dinner with your dining companion. That doesn’t surprise me: these countries also appear on the list of European places where you can drink beer most cheaply. I also hear that the scenery there is absolutely stunning. Let’s go!
And our favourite countries?
And what about our favourite holiday destinations? Italy and France are just above average. There, you pay an average of €60 if the two of you order a three-course menu. Spain and Greece are below that: a three-course dinner for two costs an average of €50 there. Portugal is the cheapest of Europe’s popular destinations. What will you spend there when eating out? An average of €40. Not bad, right?
In the Netherlands, by the way, we pay an average of €70.00 for a three-course menu for two. That is indeed above the average prices in our southern and eastern European neighbours (apart from Switzerland, of course). At least you have a good argument for dragging your +1 abroad on holiday after all. And if not, you can always add that VAT on accommodation in the Netherlands has risen sharply this year as an extra argument…
Also read:
- In this European country, you pay the least for a cappuccino
- Beer is most expensive in these European cities
- The best European destinations for cheese lovers
Source: Ferry GoGo
