Safest & Cheapest Travel Destinations for 2025 City Breaks

When you dream of a city break that won’t break the bank, safety should sit right next to price on your checklist. Cheapest and Safest Travel Destinations are locations that combine low daily expenses with high safety scores, letting you explore confidently without blowing your budget. In 2025, travelers can hit that sweet spot by targeting places that score well on the Global Peace Index, have reliable public transport, and offer affordable food, lodging, and attractions.

How We Score Safety and Cost

To keep the list honest, we blended two reputable data sets:

• Travel Safety Index - compiled from the Global Peace Index, local crime stats, and traveler surveys.
• Cost of Living Index - covers average daily spend on mid‑range accommodation, meals, transport, and entry fees.

Each city received a safety score out of 100 (higher is safer) and a cost rank (lower is cheaper). We then weighted safety at 60 % and price at 40 % because a low‑cost trip is pointless if you feel unsafe.

Top Picks for 2025

Below are six cities that consistently ranked high on safety while staying friendly to a tight budget.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon blends old‑world charm with modern, affordable amenities. The city’s safety score sits at 78/100, and you can expect $45‑$60 USD per day for a private hostel, local meals, and a tram ride.

• Why it’s safe: Low violent‑crime rates, well‑lit streets, and an English‑friendly police presence.
• Budget hacks: Use the Viva Viagem card for unlimited metro/bus travel, and dine at neighborhood tasquinhas for under $10 per plate.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków’s historic Old Town feels like a movie set, yet daily costs hover around $40‑$55 USD. Safety score: 81/100, thanks to a strong police‑tourist liaison and a compact city center.

• Why it’s safe: High police visibility, well‑maintained sidewalks, and a low pick‑pocket index.
• Budget hacks: Grab a 24‑hour public transport ticket for $4 and feast on pierogi at milk bars for $5‑$7.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai offers a tropical vibe without the Bangkok price tag. Expect $30‑$45 USD a day and a safety score of 74/100, bolstered by a friendly expat community and low traffic accidents.

• Why it’s safe: Low street crime, many English‑speaking medical facilities, and a well‑regulated night market scene.
• Budget hacks: Stay in a guesthouse with shared kitchen, and eat at street stalls where a bowl of khao soi costs $2‑$3.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia’s Balkan flair comes with a daily budget of $35‑$50 USD. Safety score: 79/100, highlighted by low violent crime and an extensive bike‑share network.

• Why it’s safe: Strong community policing and clear signage in both Bulgarian and English.
• Budget hacks: Use the Sofia City Card for museums and public transport, and snack on banitsa for under $1.

Granada, Spain

Granada’s Alhambra views are priceless, but the city itself costs $45‑$60 USD a day. Safety score: 77/100 thanks to its pedestrian‑centric historic quarter and low nightlife disturbances.

• Why it’s safe: Well‑lit streets, a high police‑to‑tourist ratio, and a strong local hospitality culture.
• Budget hacks: Book a room in a “casa rural” just outside the city and use the free city walking map for self‑guided tours.

Other Notable Mentions

If you have a specific vibe in mind-like coastal breezes or mountain air-consider Valletta, Malta or Ljubljana, Slovenia. Both score above 75 on safety and sit comfortably under $70 per day.

Quick Comparison Table

Stretching Your Budget Without Compromising Safety

Even in the cheapest safe city, a few smart moves can shave $10‑$15 off your daily total:

1. Book accommodation with a kitchen. Cooking one meal saves you the average restaurant price of $12‑$15.
2. Buy a local SIM. Roaming charges can eat up $20‑$30 per week, while a prepaid plan costs $5‑$10.
3. Use city tourism cards. They bundle museum entry and transport, often for less than buying separately.
4. Walk whenever possible. Not only does it keep you fit, it eliminates transport costs and lets you discover hidden gems.

Staying Safe on a Shoestring

Low price does not mean low vigilance. Here are three essential safety habits:

• Carry a digital copy of your passport. Store it on a secure cloud service; you’ll thank yourself if you lose the physical one.
• Invest in travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. The cheapest plan starts around $15 for a two‑week trip and can be a lifesaver.
• Stay in well‑reviewed neighborhoods. Check recent guest reviews on platforms like Hostelworld or Airbnb; look for mentions of “quiet” and “safe”.

Planning Checklist - From Research to Return

Use this quick list before you book:

1. Confirm the city’s safety score on the latest Travel Safety Index.
2. Check visa requirements for your nationality (most European and North American passports enjoy 90‑day visa‑free stays).
3. Calculate a realistic daily budget using the Cost of Living Index data.
4. Book accommodation with free cancellation.
5. Purchase travel insurance that includes medical and theft coverage.
6. Download offline maps and a language app for basic phrases.

Follow the checklist, and you’ll land in a city that lets you explore confidently while keeping the wallet happy.

Frequently Asked Questions