As of November 12, 2026, Latvia is cheaper than Hungary for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $103 in Latvia against $107 in Hungary, a gap of 3.9%. Over the past year Latvia has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+4.4% after inflation, against +0.3%). Both sit at US advisory Level 1.
| Measure | Hungary | Latvia |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $107 | $103 |
| Lean day | $51 | $51 |
| Comfortable day | $236 | $226 |
| Real change, 12 months | +0.3% | +4.4% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −0.9% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | −13.5% | −4.9% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 4.5 · Effortless | 4.2 · Well set up |
| Index score | 60 | 64 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Shoulder months | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov | May, Sep |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A grand capital on thermal water, with a currency prone to sharp swings.
The catchBudapest hotel prices have converged on western Europe, and inflation was the EU's highest for a stretch.
Art nouveau Riga and a long empty coast, cheaper than its Baltic neighbors.
The catchOutside Riga there is little set up for visitors. Summer is short.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.