For many travelers in Europe, the price level for hotels and restaurants is a decisive factor when choosing a travel destination. A recent evaluation by the Federal Statistical Office shows significant price differences in European countries: While guests in parts of Southeastern Europe pay only about half of the German prices for overnight stays and meals, travelers in Northern Europe often have to pay considerably more. Budget-conscious travelers are discovering new favorites for their summer vacation due to this price gap.

The most important things at a glance

• In North Macedonia, hotels and restaurants can save up to 48 percent compared to Germany.
• Iceland remains the leader in high prices, with almost a 50 percent markup compared to German prices.
• Switzerland's prices are also about double the German level.
• In Poland and the Czech Republic, prices are 12 and 30 percent lower than in Germany, respectively.
• Italy and Croatia offer a savings of 2 and 9 percent respectively for hotels and gastronomy.

Southern Europe attracts with affordable offers.

Those who want to enjoy their vacation time between olive trees and azure waves will find particularly favorable conditions in Southeast Europe. In North Macedonia, travelers pay on average only about 52 percent of the German price for a hotel night or an extensive menu at a restaurant. Bulgaria also offers a comparable saving with 47 percent lower prices. The classic holiday destinations Spain and Portugal attract with savings of 22 to 30 percent. In Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, connoisseurs can also look forward to a noticeably lower price level – according to official statistics, costs there drop by 18 to 20 percent compared to Germany.

High prices in the north and with the neighbors

It's a completely different story for those suffering from wanderlust who yearn for Scandinavian landscapes. Those spending their summer vacation in Iceland pay, on average, 49 percent more for accommodation and restaurant visits than in Germany. Norway and Denmark are not far behind: typical prices here rise by 43 and 29 percent, respectively, compared to German levels. Traveling to neighboring countries is not always financially worthwhile: in Switzerland, guests need to budget almost double for food and hotels compared to here, while Belgium and the Netherlands are also noticeably higher, by 13 and 14 percent, respectively. An exception is made for the neighbors in the east: in Poland and the Czech Republic, savings of up to 30 percent can be achieved.

"With these differences, travelers can not only better plan their destination but also use their vacation budget more effectively," explains a spokeswoman for the Federal Statistical Office.

Background: Strong regional price differences in Europe

The determined price differences are based on a current survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office with a cut-off date of April 2026. The analysis is based on average prices for hotel overnight stays and restaurant visits in 38 European countries. In addition to country-specific living costs, higher wages, transport costs, and an overall high price level contribute significantly in the higher north. In Southwestern Europe, lower salaries, lower taxes, and often cheaper regional products have a dampening effect on prices in the hospitality and catering sectors.

Important questions on the topic

Which countries score the most with budget-conscious consumers?Above all, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, and the Czech Republic offer favorable conditions for accommodation and food.

Where is the price difference compared to the German level the greatest?The island and Switzerland charge almost double what is paid in Germany for hotels and restaurants.

Is a vacation in classic travel countries like Italy or Spain worth it from a financial perspective?Hotels and restaurants there also offer significant savings, with Italy at 2 percent and Spain at 22 percent below German prices.

The new calculations make it clear: those who want to save on their family travel budget during the summer time should take a close look at their choice of destination. Particularly lesser-known Balkan countries or established destinations like Spain can offer especially attractive prices this year – while Scandinavia, as a dream destination, maintains its price.