London on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to London, United Kingdom costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's GBP rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $45 dorm | $100 ($200 room) | $275 ($550 room) |
| Food & drink | $35 | $70 | $160 |
| Local transport | $12 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities & sights | $5 | $40 | $100 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for London
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $291 | $1,380 | $3,510 |
| 5 days | $485 | $2,300 | $5,850 |
| 7 days | $679 | $3,220 | $8,190 |
| 14 days | $1,358 | $6,440 | $16,380 |
Book for less
Flights to London
- From Istanbul
- From Lisbon
- From Barcelona
- From Rome
- From Paris
- From Amsterdam
- From Prague
- From Budapest
- From Athens
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
May to September has the best weather. Winter is quieter and hotel prices drop after the new year.
Money-saving tips
- Tap the same contactless card or phone for every journey; daily and weekly caps apply automatically.
- Meal deals from supermarkets and street food markets keep lunch cheap.
- Buses are cheaper than the Tube, with a flat fare and free transfers within an hour.
Free things to do
- The British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum are free.
- Walk the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
- Enjoy the views from Primrose Hill or Sky Garden (free, book ahead).
Events & festivals near London
Compare London with
- London vs Istanbul
- London vs Lisbon
- London vs Barcelona
- London vs Rome
- London vs Paris
- London vs Amsterdam
Questions
How much does a day in London cost?
As a rough guide: about $97 per day for a backpacker, $230 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $585 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in London?
For one backpacker about $485; for two people mid-range about $2,300 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit London?
May to September has the best weather. Winter is quieter and hotel prices drop after the new year.
What currency is used in London?
GBP. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate