Eating out every day while traveling can drain your wallet fast, especially in countries where restaurant prices are sky-high. But in some places, grabbing groceries and cooking your meals is a much better deal than constantly dining at restaurants. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb, or even a hotel with a mini-fridge, stocking up on local groceries can save you tons of money! If you love the idea of exploring a new country while keeping your spending under control, check out these 10 vacation destinations where grocery shopping is way cheaper than eating out.
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1. Switzerland – Bypass the $25 Burgers
Switzerland is one of the most stunning vacation destinations, but your wallet will feel the pain if you plan to eat out for every meal. Even casual dining can cost $25–$40 per person, and a sit-down dinner could easily hit $100. However, grocery shopping is much more reasonable, especially if you shop at budget-friendly stores like Coop or Migros. Many Swiss locals even cross the border into France or Germany to buy cheaper groceries. If you want to enjoy this breathtaking country without going broke, stocking up on groceries and making simple meals is the way to go.
2. Japan – Fresh & Affordable Market Finds
Japan may have cheap ramen shops and conveyor belt sushi, but if you’re staying for a while, grocery shopping is the better move. Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores (like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) have fresh, high-quality food for a fraction of the cost of restaurant meals. You can grab pre-made sushi, onigiri, and noodle dishes for just a few dollars each. Cooking at home or even just picking up convenience store meals will help you enjoy Japan without burning through your budget.
3. France – Baguettes, Cheese, and Wine for Cheap
France is a dream destination for food lovers, but eating at restaurants daily can add up fast. A single meal at a café in Paris might cost you €15–€30, while a grocery store baguette, a chunk of brie, and some fresh fruit will set you back just a few euros. Supermarkets like Carrefour and Monoprix have everything you need for an affordable, gourmet-style picnic. If you’re staying in a rental with a kitchen, cooking up classic French meals can be a fun and cost-saving experience.
4. Thailand – Markets Over Restaurants
Thailand is known for cheap street food, but grocery shopping can be even more budget-friendly. Fresh produce, rice, and meats at local markets cost far less than most tourist restaurants. In grocery stores like Big C and Tesco Lotus, you can buy fresh ingredients to cook simple Thai meals at home for a fraction of the price. Many hostels and vacation rentals have shared kitchens, making it easy to whip up pad thai or a green curry without overpaying at a touristy restaurant.
5. Mexico – Save Big by Shopping at Local Markets
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Mexico is full of delicious and affordable street food, but if you’re planning a longer stay, grocery shopping will stretch your budget even further. Supermarkets like Chedraui and Soriana sell fresh produce, meats, and dairy products at low prices, while local markets offer even better deals. Tortillas, avocados, beans, and fresh seafood are incredibly cheap, and you can make your tacos for a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. If you love Mexican food and want to save money, cooking at home is the way to go.
6. Portugal – Affordable Eats for Budget Travelers
Portugal is already one of the most budget-friendly countries in Western Europe, and grocery shopping makes it even more affordable. Supermarkets like Pingo Doce and Lidl sell fresh seafood, bread, and produce at much lower prices than restaurants. If you love Portuguese cuisine, you can make dishes like grilled sardines or caldo verde (a traditional soup) at home for a fraction of the restaurant’s cost. Many Airbnb rentals come with kitchens, making it easy to cook and save.
7. Poland – Eastern Europe’s Budget-Friendly Gem
Poland is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, and grocery shopping makes it even cheaper. Supermarkets like Biedronka and Lidl offer fresh meats, dairy, and produce at extremely low prices. Traditional Polish foods like pierogi (dumplings) and kielbasa can be made at home for a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. If you’re on a backpacker’s budget or planning a longer stay, cooking your meals in Poland is a no-brainer.
8. Vietnam – Cheap Groceries and Fresh Markets
Vietnam is famous for its cheap street food, but even those prices can add up if you eat out daily. Instead, shopping at local markets and grocery stores like VinMart will save you even more money. Fresh vegetables, rice, and seafood are incredibly affordable, and many vacation rentals offer kitchen access so you can cook at home. Whether you’re in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, buying groceries is a great way to eat well while sticking to a budget.
9. Greece – Fresh Mediterranean Flavors for Less
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Greece is a food lover’s paradise, but restaurants—especially in tourist hotspots like Santorini—can be expensive. Luckily in these vacation destinations, Greek grocery stores like AB Vassilopoulos offer high-quality ingredients at affordable prices. You can buy fresh olives, feta cheese, and meats to make authentic Greek dishes at home for way less than you’d pay at a restaurant. If you’re traveling on a budget, shopping at local markets and cooking in your Airbnb can save you a ton.
10. Indonesia (Bali) – Grocery Shopping for Long-Term Stays
Bali has a reputation for being cheap, but if you’re in a touristy area, eating out can still be pricey. Many travelers—especially digital nomads staying for months at a time—prefer grocery shopping over dining out. Local supermarkets like Pepito and Bintang Supermarket offer fresh produce, rice, and proteins at lower prices than most restaurants. Cooking at home is a smart way to stick to your budget while still enjoying delicious local flavors.
Eating out every day while traveling can take a huge toll on your budget, but in these vacation destinations, grocery shopping is the smarter choice. Whether you’re backpacking in Southeast Asia, or road-tripping through Europe, buying groceries can save you hundreds of dollars.
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