My first time in Goa was a money pit because I stuck to Baga and Candolim without knowing better. But when I went again in early 2025, I planned things properly and the trip was ten times better and way cheaper. I booked a place in Mandrem that cost half as much as anything near the main party zones and had a kitchen, so I made my own breakfast most days. I also started riding buses instead of auto rickshaws, and it saved me so much. One thing I really recommend is reading through this article —
https://allaboutgoa.com/travel/backp...tips-for-2025/ — it’s full of solid hacks for cheap eats, transport, and even places to stay that don’t show up on Booking or Airbnb.