A new study by AirDNA, a platform specialising in short term rental data analysis, maps Europe’s cheapest and most expensive destinations for 2026, based on average daily rates (ADR), length of stay, availability and booking patterns.
Europe’s cheapest destinations
North Macedonia tops the list of the most affordable countries, with an average nightly cost of just €39.81.
Most travellers book their accommodation around two weeks before their trip and stay an average of 4.4 nights. Skopje and Lake Ohrid are among the most popular destinations, with the latter attracting tourists looking for a more affordable alternative to pricier European lake destinations.
Kosovo ranks second, with an average nightly cost of €41.63.
The country records the shortest booking window in Europe, with travellers securing accommodation just seven days before arrival. According to AirDNA, most visitors include Kosovo as part of broader Balkan trips rather than as a standalone destination.
Moldova follows, with an average price of €45.49 per night.
Although still relatively low profile on the global tourism map, the country is attracting increasing numbers of visitors and records high occupancy rates in short term rentals. Travellers mainly choose Chisinau and stay an average of 5.4 nights, one of the longest stays in Europe.
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina complete the list of the most affordable destinations, with average daily costs of €51.17 and €56.33 respectively.
In Serbia, Belgrade remains the most popular city, though many visitors also travel to wine regions and natural parks along the Drina River. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, tourists mainly choose Sarajevo and Mostar.
Europe’s most expensive destinations
At the other end of the scale are Europe’s most expensive destinations, where short term accommodation prices often exceed €180 to €200 per night.
Monaco tops the list and remains one of the most expensive travel destinations worldwide.
Although AirDNA did not disclose an average daily rate for the principality, it notes that visitors must book well in advance, with an average planning period of 63 days. Demand rises sharply during major events such as the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Iceland and Andorra
Iceland ranks second among the most expensive countries.
In Reykjavik, the average nightly rate reaches €209.90, reflecting the country’s continued popularity as a year round destination for nature and adventure travel. Iceland also records the longest booking window in Europe, with travellers booking around 73 days in advance.
Andorra is also among the most expensive destinations, attracting visitors for both winter sports and summer hiking in the Pyrenees.
The average nightly cost stands at €188.57, although prices drop significantly outside the main tourist resorts.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Switzerland continues to rank among the most expensive countries in Europe, with an average daily rate of €184.26.
Travellers stay an average of 4.6 nights and plan their trips several weeks in advance, indicating a higher cost destination requiring more preparation.
The United Kingdom is also included on the list, with an average short term rental price of €175.79 per night.
Notably, the most expensive areas are not necessarily London. According to the study, higher prices are recorded in regions such as Suffolk and Gloucestershire, as well as in Edinburgh, where the average cost exceeds €220 per night.
Source: Euronews
