How Much Does York Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
York is a premier historical destination where costs range from a modest $63 / £47 per day for solo budget travelers to over $650 / £483 for those seeking luxury. While generally more affordable than London, it remains more expensive than other northern English cities due to its heavy tourism demand. A significant portion of a daily budget is often dedicated to heritage sites, such as York Minster, where combined entry and tower access costs $35 / £26. However, the city's compact nature allows for significant savings on transport, as the majority of attractions sit within the walkable medieval walls. Planning is essential, as prices for accommodation and dining spike during major horse racing meets and the winter holiday markets.
Is York expensive to visit?
York is a moderately priced historic city—expect to spend between $63 / £47 and $650 / £483 per day depending on whether you are hosteling or indulging in five-star luxury.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in York
$63
per person /day
$291
per person /day
$650
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 | $189 | $873 | $1,950 |
| 5-Day Trip | $315 | $1,456 | $3,251 |
| 7-Day Trip | $441 | $2,039 | $4,551 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the 10–12.5% discretionary service charge often added to restaurant bills and the $14 / £10 ETA fee for international visitors. Additionally, keep $8.12 / £6.03 aside for daily bag storage if you arrive by train before your accommodation check-in time.
How Does It Compare?
See how York stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in York
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pint of Local Ale (Pub) Expect to pay ~$7.45 / £5.53. Avoid pubs directly on the Shambles to save ~$1.35 / £1.01. | $7.45 £5.53 |
| Mid-Range 2-Course Dinner Including a drink, budget ~$47 / £35 per person. | $47 £35 |
| Flat White (Artisan Cafe) High-end coffee costs ~$5.14 / £3.82. | $5.14 £3.82 |
| Shambles Market Meal Deal Median price for a full meal is ~$10 / £7.54. | $10 £7.54 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| All York Adult Day Bus Ticket Valid on all operators including First and Arriva. Costs ~$8.12 / £6.03. | $8.12 £6.03 |
| Airport Bus (LBA A1 Flyer Adult Single) Capped at ~$2.71 / £2.01 under the national fare scheme. | $2.71 £2.01 |
| Park & Ride Adult Return Best for day visitors with cars (~$5.28 / £3.92). | $5.28 £3.92 |
| Short Uber/Taxi (City Centre) A 3km trip costs roughly ~$16 / £12. Walking is usually faster within the walls. | $16 £12 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Shared Dorm Bed (YHA York) Non-member rates start around ~$20 / £15. Booking in advance is essential during summer. | $20 £15 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (DoubleTree or Hotel Indigo) Centrally located hotels average ~$196 / £146 per night. Prices spike during weekend race meets. | $196 £146 |
| Luxury Hotel (The Grand, York) York's only 5-star hotel. Expect to pay ~$400 / £297 per night for a standard luxury room. | $400 £297 |
Activities (6)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| York Minster + Central Tower (Intl Adult) Includes the 275-step climb for views (~$35 / £26). | $35 £26 |
| JORVIK Viking Centre Adult General Admission Includes 12 months of return visits (~$24 / £18). | $24 £18 |
| Clifford's Tower (Walk-up Adult) Advance online booking saves ~$2.71 / £2.01. Full price is ~$18 / £14. | $18 £14 |
| York Castle Museum Annual Ticket Valid for 12 months of entry (~$24 / £18). | $24 £18 |
| York's Chocolate Story Tour Includes chocolate tasting (~$25 / £19). | $25 £19 |
| 1-Day Adult York Pass Covers 40+ attractions (~$88 / £65). Only worth it if visiting 4+ paid sites in 24 hours. | $88 £65 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape offers a mix of traditional tea rooms and modern eateries, with a mid-range two-course dinner averaging $47 / £35 per person. Budget-conscious visitors can find excellent value at the Shambles Market, where a full meal deal typically costs $10 / £7.54. A pint of local ale in a neighborhood pub is roughly $7.45 / £5.53, though prices vary depending on proximity to the Minster.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Shambles Kitchen
$12–$16 / £8.55–£12The Shambles · Street food area
Try the 'Harry Potter' themed pulled pork; saves ~$18 / £13 compared to a sit-down lunch.
Brew & Brownie
$8.12–$20 / £6.03–£15Museum Street · Bakery
The pancake stacks are huge; sharing saves ~$9.42 / £6.99.
York Roast Co.
$10–$15 / £7.54–£11Low Petergate · Local chain
A full Sunday roast wrapped in a giant Yorkshire pudding for ~$11 / £8.3.
The Hairy Fig
$6.77–$19 / £5.03–£14Fossgate · Deli
Grab a takeaway deli box and eat by the river to save ~$12 / £8.74.
Noodle Doodle
$12–$19 / £9.05–£14Walmgate · Food court
Excellent Malaysian food with portions large enough for two meals (~$13 / £9.61).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Walking is the most efficient and cost-effective way to navigate the historic center, making the $16 / £12 short taxi fare largely unnecessary. For those staying outside the walls, the Park & Ride return ticket at $5.28 / £3.92 provides excellent value, while a comprehensive all-operator day bus ticket costs $8.12 / £6.03.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation tiers range from shared dorm beds at the YHA York for $20 / £15 to high-end luxury at The Grand for $400 / £297 per night. Mid-range hotels like the DoubleTree average $196 / £146, though booking well in advance is required to secure these rates during the busy summer months.
Accommodation Budget in York
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 tickets for Clifford's Tower online in advance to save $2.71 / £2.01 off the walk-up price of $18 / £14.
- 2 Keep your ticket for the JORVIK Viking Centre; the $24 / £18 admission price includes free return visits for 12 months.
- 3 Avoid the $2.71 / £2.01 terrace surcharge at riverfront cafes by enjoying a takeaway coffee in the public Museum Gardens instead.
- 4 Utilize the Park & Ride return for $5.28 / £3.92 to avoid the high hourly rates of city center parking garages.
- 5 Only purchase the $88 / £65 York Pass if you intend to visit four or more major paid attractions within a single 24-hour window.
- 6 Look for pubs located on Fossgate or Walmgate where a pint of ale is often $1.35 / £1.01 cheaper than those directly on the Shambles.
- 7 Visit during mid-May when the weather is a pleasant 14–17°C (57–63°F) and accommodation rates are stable at approximately $153 / £114.
- 8 Use the LBA A1 Flyer bus for just $2.71 / £2.01 when arriving from Leeds Bradford Airport rather than booking a private transfer.
- 9 Refill water bottles at public fountains rather than paying $5.14 / £3.82 for artisan drinks or bottled water in the city center.
- 10 Check for 'Early Bird' dining menus in the Micklegate area to reduce the $47 / £35 average cost of a mid-range dinner.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb
-25-35%
May, Jun, Sep
York is most expensive during the St Nicholas Fair (Dec) and horse racing meets (May-Oct). Best value is found in mid-May when weather is mild but rates are stable at ~$153 / £114.
Events to Watch
- ● Ebor Festival (Late Aug): +100% hotel rates
- ● York Christmas Market (Dec weekends): Extreme crowds
- ● Race Days (various): Expect noise and higher pub prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk the 3.4km circuit of the York City Walls for elevated views of the city.
- 2 Explore the National Railway Museum, which offers free entry (timed entry booking required).
- 3 Stroll through the Museum Gardens to see the ruins of St Mary's Abbey.
- 4 Attend a 17:15 Evensong service at York Minster to hear the world-class choir for free.
- 5 Wander the Shambles, widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world.
- 6 Visit the York Observatory located within the botanical setting of the Museum Gardens.
- 7 Follow the York Cat Trail to find the various cat sculptures hidden on historic buildings.
- 8 Browse the local crafts and fresh produce at the Shambles Market.
- 9 Visit the Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate to see its unique 17th-century box pews.
- 10 Explore the ruins of St Leonard’s Hospital near the city library.
- 11 Walk through Dean's Park for the best free view of the York Minster's exterior architecture.
- 12 Climb the steps of Baile Hill for a view of the Old Baile and the River Ouse.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Bettys Afternoon Tea (Lady Betty Tea Room)
The ultimate York experience in a historic 1930s setting. Budget ~$61 / £45.
Private Evening Ghost Tour
Avoid the crowds of 50+ people on standard tours for a personalized history lesson (~$115 / £85).
Full Day Private North York Moors Tour
Efficiently see Castle Howard, Whitby, and the moors in luxury (~$609 / £453).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in York
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from York and what they cost
Whitby
$5.41 / £4.02 by bus (Coastliner 840)
$16 / £12
$61 / £45
Castle Howard
$17 / £13 by bus (Castle Line 181)
$30 / £22
$74 / £55
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
British Pound (GBP)
1 £ ≈ 1.35 $
No
Everywhere including markets and buses
10-12.5% in restaurants. Round up to nearest $1.35 / £1.01 for taxi fares. No tipping in pubs for drinks.
Use bank-branded ATMs (Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC) for no fees. Avoid 'free cash' machines in convenience stores which often charge ~$2.71 / £2.01.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$40 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $20 / £15 (approx. £15) at local O2 or EE shops for 20GB.
WiFi: Excellent in the city centre and all council libraries.
Use the Airalo 10GB package ($19 / £14) for a week-long stay; city-wide public 'YorkFreeWifi' is reliable for basics.
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 York.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit York?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is York expensive to visit?
How much does York cost per day?
How much does a trip to York cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit York?
What are the hidden costs in York?
How can I save money in York?
More York Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown