As Europe gears up for another busy travel season, where you stay can make a bigger difference to your budget than ever.
New short-term rental data reveals a continent of extremes, with nightly rates ranging from less than €40 in parts of the Balkans to well over €200 in some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
The research has revealed the cheapest and most expensive places to book a short-term stay in Europe in 2026, offering a snapshot of where holiday budgets stretch furthest and where demand and popularity continue to drive prices sky-high.
AirDNA, a short-term rental data and analytics platform, looked at the average daily rates (ADR) – or daily cost of accommodation – as well as occupancy, the time between booking and arriving, and length-of-stay trends across Europe.
With that data, the company was able to identify the continent’s most affordable and priciest short-term rental markets for 2026.
Here’s where you should visit this year if you’re after a bargain – or have cash to splash.
The cheapest destinations in Europe
Much of Eastern Europe is renowned for its affordability, and AirDNA’s research backs that up. Countries here offer unique cultural experiences, their own brand of natural beauty, and a history as rich as that further west at a fraction of the cost.
North Macedonia
The data shows that North Macedonia is the cheapest country in Europe for holiday rentals, with an ADR of just €39.81.
A visit here is often a relatively last-minute decision, with travellers booking accommodation on average 13 days in advance.
Tourists stay an average of 4.4 nights, and tend to favour the capital, Skopje, as well as Lake Ohrid, which offers a traditional European lakeside experience at a lower cost than in pricier parts of the continent.
Kosovo
Little-visited Kosovo also has a low ADR, at €41.63.
The Balkan nation also sees visitors booking the latest in all of Europe, with a median lead time of just seven days, the shortest in Europe.
Travellers stay an average of 4.9 nights and tend to visit Kosovo as part of a wider visit to the region, rather than as a standalone destination.
Moldova
Moldova may be famous for its rolling hills, picturesque monasteries, and acclaimed wine country, but it remains surprisingly affordable.
It has an average ADR of €45.49 and the highest short-term occupancy rate on this list, suggesting it’s getting more popular as a destination.
Visitors tend to favour Chisinau, the capital, and stay for an average of 5.4 nights, which is the second-longest length of stay in Europe, suggesting tourists here embrace slow-travel itineraries.
Serbia
Belgrade is the most popular spot in Serbia, a nation with an average ADR of €51.17.
Despite the popularity of the capital, the rest of the country is well worth exploring, too.
Visitors spend an average of 4.5 nights here, and also head to Novi Sad, the second city, as well as the wine regions of Šumadija, and the natural parks along the Drina river.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina rounds out the most affordable list with an average ADR of €56.33.
Sarajevo, the capital, attracts the most tourists, who tend to stay in the country for an average of 3.8 nights.
They also choose to visit pretty Mostar – a quick hop across the Croatian border – as well as the Herzegovinian countryside.
The most expensive destinations
Monaco
Known as the home of billionaires, the principality of Monaco unsurprisingly tops the list of Europe’s most expensive destinations.
Although AirDNA doesn’t reveal the ADR of the glamorous spot on the French Riviera, it recommends that visitors book well in advance, with an average booking lead time of 63 days.
The average stay is 3.8 nights, and demand is particularly high around major events, including the glitzy Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
Iceland
Iceland’s natural and rugged beauty makes it a bucket-list getaway spot for adventurous travellers and, as a result, it’s not a cheap place to visit.
The capital, Reykjavík, has an ADR of €209.90 and reflects the country’s standing as a year-round destination.
A visit to Iceland takes a lot of planning, and there’s a median lead time of 73 days, the highest in Europe.
Andorra
The tiny Pyrenean principality of Andorra attracts skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer – and is notoriously expensive.
It has an ADR of €188.57 and travellers usually stay for an average of 3.9 days.
AirDNA experts say travellers who are seeking better value should look outside the main resort areas, where rates tend to soften without sacrificing easy access to the slopes.
Switzerland
Switzerland is known as a land of luxury, and its short-term accommodation prices demonstrate that.
The Alpine nation averages an ADR of €184.26, and travellers on average stay 4.6 nights and book with a median lead time of 36 days, suggesting it’s a trip which needs some planning ahead.
United Kingdom
The UK is one of the most well-visited destinations in Europe – and the wider world – and its expensive accommodation reflects that.
Short-term rentals here have an ADR of €175.79, but the most expensive accommodation isn’t where you’d expect.
While London has an ADR of €186.76, it’s rural Suffolk (€238.79) and the Gloucester/Cheltenham (€226.63) areas, which are the least affordable, followed by Edinburgh, which has an ADR of €225.42.