How Much Does London Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
London is one of the world's most expensive capitals, frequently compared to New York or Paris for its high cost of living and tourism. Visitors can expect a broad range of expenses, with daily budgets spanning from $74 / £55 for budget solo travelers to over $1,287 / £955 for those seeking a luxury experience. While major attractions like the Tower of London can cost $55 / £41, the city offers exceptional value through its world-class free museums and efficient public transport. Costs are largely driven by high accommodation prices and a standard discretionary service charge on dining. Navigating the city effectively requires balancing paid historical sites with the many cultural experiences that cost nothing.
Is London expensive to visit?
London is an expensive destination, with daily costs ranging from $74 / £55 for budget travelers to over $1,287 / £955 for luxury seekers.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in London
$74
per person /day
$318
per person /day
$1,287
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $224 | $955 | $3,861 |
| 5-Day Trip | $372 | $1,591 | $6,433 |
| 7-Day Trip | $521 | $2,228 | $9,006 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is essential to factor in a 15% buffer for the discretionary service charge automatically added to most restaurant bills. Additionally, ensure the budget accounts for the mandatory UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing approximately $22 / £16 for eligible travelers.
How Does It Compare?
See how London stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in London
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant Typical for a casual pub lunch or a chain restaurant like Wagamama (~$27 / £20). | $27 £20 |
| Pint of domestic beer (0.5L) Expect to pay closer to ~$9.47 / £7.04 in high-traffic tourist areas like Soho or Covent Garden. | $8.8 £6.54 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Underground (Tube) Zone 1-2 Daily Cap Best value for visitors. Unlimited travel on Tube, bus, and DLR within central zones for ~$12 / £8.95/day. | $12 £8.95 |
| Standard Bus/Tram Single Fare Includes the 'Hopper Fare' allowing unlimited bus changes within 1 hour for ~$2.37 / £1.76. | $2.37 £1.76 |
| Heathrow Express Standard Single Takes 15 mins to Paddington. Booking 30+ days in advance can reduce price to ~$14 / £10. | $35 £26 |
| Taxi: Heathrow to Central London (Max) Typical range depending on traffic and time of day. ~$163 / £121 at the upper limit. | $163 £121 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in central hostel Based on Astor Museum Inn. Standard dorms in central London typically cost between $29–$41 / £22–£31. | $34 £25 |
| Mid-range 3-star hotel Average nightly rate for a standard double room in central areas like Bloomsbury or South Bank. | $238 £177 |
| Luxury 5-star hotel High-end luxury properties like The Londoner or Pan Pacific often exceed ~$883 / £656/night. | $796 £591 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tower of London Entry (Adult 18-64) Highest standard price including the optional donation. Standard price without donation is ~$50 / £37. | $55 £41 |
| Buckingham Palace State Rooms Walk-up rate for summer opening. Booking in advance saves ~$5.41 / £4.02 per person. | $50 £37 |
| Houses of Parliament Guided Tour Advance booking price for a 90-minute tour. On-the-day tickets are ~$49 / £36. | $46 £34 |
| Tower Bridge Tour Includes glass walkways and Engine Rooms. Walking across the bridge deck is free. | $22 £16 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM (30GB Data) Excellent value for ~$14 / £10. eSIM options available for the same price. | $14 £10 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in London is a major budget consideration, with an inexpensive meal typically costing around $27 / £20 and a pint of beer averaging $8.8 / £6.54. While high-traffic areas like Soho see prices rise toward $9.47 / £7.04 for a drink, the city's diverse street food markets and international
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Beigel Bake Brick Lane
$7.45–$11 / £5.53–£8.05Shoreditch · Bakery
Open 24/7. The salt beef bagel is the iconic choice for ~$9.47 / £7.04.
Regency Cafe
$11–$16 / £8.45–£12Westminster · Local chain
Classic art-deco greasy spoon. Expect a line but it moves fast.
Borough Market Kitchen
$12–$20 / £9.05–£15Southwark · Street market
Go for 'Paella' or 'Pad Thai' for a hearty meal under ~$16 / £12.
Dishoom (Breakfast)
$13–$20 / £9.55–£15Multiple Locations · Local chain
The Bacon Naan (~$16 / £12) is a legendary London breakfast staple.
Market Halls Victoria
$16–$24 / £12–£18Victoria · Food court
Great for groups with diverse tastes; rooftop bar offers views of Victoria station.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The most cost-effective way to navigate London is using the Underground (Tube) or buses, utilizing the daily Zone 1–2 cap of $12 / £8.95 for unlimited travel. The 'Hopper Fare' is particularly useful for budget travelers, allowing unlimited bus changes within one hour for just $2.37 / £1.76. For airport transfers, the Heathrow Express offers speed for $35 / £26, though booking 30+ days in advance can lower this significantly.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging represents the largest portion of a London budget, with central dorm beds like those at Astor Museum Inn costing approximately $34 / £25. Mid-range 3-star hotels in areas like Bloomsbury average $238 / £177 per night, while luxury 5-star properties like The Londoner can reach $796 / £591 or more. Value is often found in the outer edges of Zone 2, where transport remains convenient but nightly rates are lower.
Accommodation Budget in London
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Book the Heathrow Express at least 90 days in advance to reduce the standard $35 / £26 fare to as low as $14 / £10.
- 2 Visit the Sky Garden for panoramic city views for $0; however, tickets must be booked several weeks in advance.
- 3 Utilize the 'Hopper Fare' on London buses to make multiple journeys for a single $2.37 / £1.76 payment within 60 minutes.
- 4 Purchase groceries or 'meal deals' from supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s to avoid the $27 / £20 average cost of a restaurant lunch.
- 5 Take advantage of the permanent collections at the British Museum and National Gallery which are genuinely $0 for all visitors.
- 6 Walk between close stations like Leicester Square and Covent Garden to avoid using the Tube and save toward the $12 / £8.95 daily cap.
- 7 Visit Beigel Bake on Brick Lane for a famous salt beef bagel, one of the most iconic cheap eats in the city.
- 8 Opt for the 'Rush' or 'Lottery' tickets via the TodayTix app for West End theater seats that are significantly cheaper than standard rates.
- 9 Fill a reusable water bottle from the city’s many public fountains; London tap water is safe and saves on bottled beverage costs.
- 10 Explore Borough Market Kitchen for high-quality food stall meals that typically cost less than a sit-down restaurant dinner.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+30–50%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20–35%
May, Sep, Oct
Summer (June–August) brings the best weather (18–24°C / 64–75°F) but highest crowds. January and February offer great hotel deals but temperatures average 2–9°C (36–48°F).
Events to Watch
- ● London Fashion Week (Feb/Sep): +40% hotels
- ● New Year's Eve: Hotel rates double
- ● Wimbledon (July): Extreme peaks near South West London
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the British Museum’s vast collection of world history.
- 2 Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (check schedules for 11:00 start).
- 3 View contemporary art at the Tate Modern on the South Bank.
- 4 Walk across the deck of Tower Bridge for views of the Thames and the city skyline.
- 5 Visit the Natural History Museum to see the famous dinosaur and whale exhibits.
- 6 Stroll through Hyde Park and visit the Diana Memorial Fountain.
- 7 Climb Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath for a clear view of the London skyline.
- 8 Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) for art and design excellence.
- 9 Witness the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London (must book $0 tickets months in advance).
- 10 Browse the street performers and markets at Covent Garden Piazza.
- 11 Walk the Greenwich Prime Meridian line at Greenwich Park (outside the Observatory).
- 12 Visit the Wallace Collection in Marylebone for an intimate look at 18th-century French painting and furniture.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
The gold standard of British tradition with live piano in the Palm Court.
East Wing Exclusive Tour, Buckingham Palace
Rare access to the newly opened East Wing and famous balcony room.
London Eye + Champagne Experience
Includes fast-track entry and a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne (~$74 / £55).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in London
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from London and what they cost
Bath (Roman Baths)
$34 / £25 by train
$36 / £27
$102 / £75
Oxford
$41 / £30 by train
$20 / £15
$88 / £65
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
British Pound (GBP)
1 £ ≈ 1.35 $
No
Everywhere including street food markets and all public transport.
12.5–15% in restaurants. For pubs, tipping is rare unless you are eating at a table. Round up to the nearest $1.35 / £1.01 in taxis.
Avoid 'Euronet' or high-street branded ATMs that offer 'guaranteed' conversion rates; always choose 'Decline Conversion' to save ~$5.89–$12 / £4.37–£8.74 per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$20 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $7.06–$14 / £5.24–£10
WiFi: Excellent. Available in almost every café, pub, and all public libraries/museums.
Airalo or LycaMobile eSIMs are the most convenient and cost-effective for tourists.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for London.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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