Home may be wherever you lay your head, but how expensive it is can vary wildly depending on where on the earth that happens to be…and what level of comfort you need.
We’ve travelled far and wide to bring you the average cost of accommodation around the world. All prices are in US dollars with the local currency in brackets afterwards.
Australia
Australia has accommodation for all budgets, but it is advisable to plan ahead – especially through summer, over Easter, and during Australian school holidays.
- Hostel dorm bed: $27 (A$40)
- Double room in a basic motel: $68-102 (A$100–150)
- Double room in a B&B or hotel: $102-170 (A$150–250)
- Double room in a top-end hotel: from $170 (A$250)
Belize
In the main tourist areas, Belize offers a fair range of accommodations in most categories, whereas options become more limited away from the coast. It’s wise to plan ahead in high season.
- Camping or dorm bed: $5-20 (BZ$10–40)
- Double room in a budget hotel: $24-59 (BZ$50–120)
- Double room with private bathroom: $59-173 (BZ$120–350)
- Luxury accommodations per double: from $173 (BZ$350)
Croatia
Croatia is extremely popular in the summer, and good places book out well in advance during July and August. It’s also busy in June and September.
- Dorm bed: $15-42 (100–360KN)
- Tent site for two people: $15-64 (100–430KN)
- Double room in a hotel: $65-134 (450–900KN)
- Double room in a luxury hotel: from $134 (900KN)
Dominican Republic
Online room rates in Dominican Republic are usually the most affordable. If you’re visiting during the high season, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, booking early is essential.
- Budget room: $35 (RD$1500)
- Internet deal on all-inclusive accommodations: $55 (RD$2800)
- Beachfront resort: $200 (RD$10,23)
England
Securing your accommodation in England in advance is recommended, especially in summer, at weekends, and on islands where options are often limited. It’s best to book at least two months ahead for July and August.
- Dorm beds: $19-39 (£15–30)
- Double room in a midrange hotel or B&B: $85-170, London $131-262 (£65–130, London £100–200)
- Four-star hotel room: from $170, London from $262 (£130/£200)
France
From fairy-tale châteaux to boutique hideaways, France caters to every taste and budget. During high season, especially in August, it’s advisable to reserve in advance as the best options often fill up months ahead.
- Dorm bed: $20-33 (€18–30)
- Double room in a budget hotel: $99 (€90)
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $99-210 (€90–190)
- Double room in a top-end hotel: $210-388 (€190–350)
Greece
Making reservations in Greece during high season is essential as hotels can be fully booked well in advance. Many island hotels close during winter.
- Dorm bed and domatio (Greek B&B): less than $66 (€60)
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $66-166 (€60–150)
- Double room in a top hotel: from $166 (€150)
Hungary
In Hungary, a diverse range of accommodations is available. Booking a couple of months in advance for Budapest, Lake Balaton, and the Danube Bend during high season is advisable.
- Dorm bed: $10-21 (3000–6500Ft)
- Single/double private room: from $25-33 (7500/10,000Ft)
- Double room in a superior hotel: from $55 (16,500Ft)
Italy
Accommodation in Italy is incredibly varied, ranging from family-run pensioni and agriturismi (farm stays) to charming B&Bs, designer hotels, serviced apartments, and even rifugi (mountain lodges) for trekking enthusiasts. You can find luxurious country villas and castles, tranquil convents, and monasteries. It is wise to book in advance during high season, especially in popular tourist areas or during major events in cities.
- Dorm bed: $22-38 (€20–35)
- Double room in a budget hotel: $66-122 (€60–110)
- Double room in a hotel: $122-220 (€110–200)
- Double room in a four- or five-star hotel: $220 plus (€200)
Japan
Japan offers a wide range of accommodation, from inexpensive guesthouses to first-class hotels, as well as distinctive Japanese-style ryokan (traditional inns) and minshuku (guesthouses). Advance booking is highly recommended, particularly in major tourist destinations.
- Dorm bed: $27 (¥3000)
- Double room at a business hotel: $92 (¥10,000)
- Double room in a nice hotel: from $229 (¥25,000)
Kyrgyzstan
In rural Kyrgyzstan, homestays are the foundation of accommodation, with bed and breakfast (B&B) rarely exceeding 700som. There exists an approximate rating system of one, two, or three stars, but even some of the best options will likely have an outside toilet.
- Hostel dorm (Bishkek) or rural homestay: $5-10 (400–700som)
- Midrange hotel: $30–50 (2,095-3,490som)
- High-end or boutique hotel: $60–200 (4,190-13,970som)
Laos
Booking in advance is advisable in popular destinations like Luang Prabang and Vientiane during peak seasons from November to February and around Lao New Year in April.
- Cheap guesthouse room: $5–10 (44,253-88,503 lak)
- Air-con hotel room: $12–50 (106,200-442,503 lak)
- Boutique hotel or resort: $50–500 (442,503-4.4m lak)
Morocco
Accommodation in Morocco ranges from stylish riads to swanky resorts and beachfront hostels, with options like mud-brick kasbahs transformed into boutique hotels and nomad-style tents.
- Basic double room with shared bathroom: from $5 (Dh50)
- Hotel room: $41-83 (Dh400–800)
- Double in a city riad: from $104 (Dh1000)
New Zealand
Advance reservations are vital during peak tourist seasons: November through March (particularly local summer holidays from Christmas to late January), at Easter, and throughout winter (June to September) in snowy resort towns like Queenstown and Wanaka.
- Dorm beds or campsites: $13–30 per night (NZ$20–45)
- Double room in a midrange hotel/motel: $84-130 (NZ$130–200)
- Double room in an upmarket hotel: from $130-228 (NZ$200–350)
Oman
Accommodation in Oman, especially outside Muscat, is limited and can be expensive; thus, booking in advance is advisable from November to March (or June to August in Salalah).
- Shared room in a budget guesthouse: $78 (OR30)
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $182 (OR70)
- Double room in a five-star hotel or resort: $338 (OR130)
Portugal
While you can usually find a room upon arrival in any town in Portugal, it’s worthwhile to book ahead, particularly for July and August.
- Dorm bed: $16-24 (€15–22)
- Basic hotel room for two: from $38 (€35)
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $55-110 (€50–100)
- Boutique hotel room: from $133 (€120)
Qatar
Qatar’s main sights are accessible within day-trip distance of the capital. Unless you’re planning to camp out in the desert (which requires arrangement through a travel agency), your best bet is to stay in Doha or West Bay, where the selection of accommodation is exceptional.
- Double room in a simple hotel: $82-109 (QR300–400)
- Double room in a comfortable hotel: $165-220 (QR600–800)
- Double room in a luxury hotel: more than $275 (QR1000)
Russia
For major cities and resorts, it’s advisable to book a night or two in advance, especially during the busy summer season in St Petersburg. In other areas, you can usually just turn up and find a room.
- Dorm bed: $10-13 (R700–R800)
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $31-47 (R2000–R3000)
- Double room in a top-end hotel: $78-plus (R5000)
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers accommodation options to suit all travel styles, from family-run guesthouses to relaxing ayurvedic spas.
- Simple guesthouse: $11-20 (Rs 2000–3500)
- Double room in a good place: $20-50 (Rs 3500–9000)
- Top-end hotel: $50 and up (Rs 9000)
Thailand
Finding a place to stay in Thailand is generally straightforward. For peace of mind, it’s wise to book a room for your first few nights; thereafter, you can wing it unless you’re heading to the most popular destinations. Keep in mind that vacancies can be scarce during certain holidays and peak travel periods.
- Basic guesthouse room: $16-33 (500–1000B)
- Flashpacker guesthouse or midrange hotel: $33-132 (1000–4000B)
- Boutique hotel room: from $132 (4000B)
USA
There’s a wide variety of lodging options in the USA, from roadside motels to beautifully designed boutique stays.
- Campgrounds and hostel dorms: $10–50
- Double room in a midrange hotel: $75–200
- Double room in a resort or top-end hotel: from $250
Vietnam
Accommodation is superb value for money in Vietnam. As tourism is expanding, it’s generally best to reserve your lodging a day or two in advance, or several weeks ahead during the high season (including the Tet holiday from late January to mid-February, July to August, and around Christmas).
- Cheap hotel: US$9–16 per night, dorms less
- Comfortable double room: US$25–50
- Luxury hotel room: from US$80
Wales
Wales provides a diverse selection of accommodations, but it is wise to book well in advance during summer and around significant events (especially rugby tests in Cardiff).
- Dorm bed: $18-30 (£14–23)
- Double room in a hotel/B&B: $85-170 (£65–130)
- Luxury hotel or boutique B&B room: from $170 (£130)
Zambia
Zambia offers a wide array of accommodation choices catering to all budgets. Safari lodges in national parks provide remarkable experiences, whether you’re camping in the wilderness or enjoying a bubble bath overlooking wildlife-rich plains. Prices often drop during shoulder seasons, presenting good deals for travelers.
- Campsite, dorm bed: $8–20
- Double room in a guesthouse: $25–50
- Double hotel room: $80–200
- Safari package with meals and activities: from $250
- All-inclusive safari package: $250–1100
- Hotel room: $250–400
