Funding a Gap Year
Europe gap year budget calculator
Tell our Gap Year AI how long you'll spend in Europe and get an itemized budget — flights from the US, a Eurail pass or budget flights, hostels, food and activities.
Describe your gap year
Europe it is! Roughly how long are you going for, and which countries or cities are you thinking of?
Common questions
How much does a gap year in Europe cost?
A month backpacking Europe from the US typically costs $3,500–$6,000 including round-trip flights. Western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Scandinavia) is expensive; Portugal, Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans stretch your money much further.
Is a Eurail pass worth it?
Often, for lots of train hops — and it's greener. For a few long jumps, budget airlines can be cheaper. Tell the calculator how you're traveling and it'll price accordingly.
How long can Americans stay in Europe?
US citizens can spend up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area without a visa. The UK and Ireland are outside Schengen, and the UK now requires an ETA, which the calculator includes.
What's included in the budget?
Everything — round-trip flights from the US, travel insurance, gear, lodging, food, local transportation, activities, a SIM, plus a 10% buffer. You can edit every line.