Cost of Living in Cambridge
How much does it cost to visit Cambridge? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
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Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
GBP 70
per day
Weekly: GBP 490
Monthly: GBP 2100
Examples
- 🏨Hostel dorm bed at Cambridge Central HostelGBP 30
- 🍽️Picnic lunch from Sainsbury's supermarket and fish and chips from a local chippyGBP 15
- 🚌Walking and occasional local bus fareGBP 5
- 🎟️Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum (free entry) and wander through King's College Chapel grounds (entry fee)GBP 20
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
GBP 150
per day
Weekly: GBP 1050
Monthly: GBP 4500
Examples
- 🏨Double room at The Gonville HotelGBP 70
- 🍽️Lunch at The Eagle pub and dinner at FitzbilliesGBP 50
- 🚌Day ticket for local busesGBP 10
- 🎟️Punting tour on the River Cam and visit to St John's CollegeGBP 20
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
GBP 350
per day
Weekly: GBP 2450
Monthly: GBP 10500
Examples
- 🏨Suite at The Varsity Hotel & SpaGBP 200
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at Midsummer House and cocktails at The Varsity BarGBP 90
- 🚌Taxi or private car service for the dayGBP 30
- 🎟️Private punt tour with champagne and a guided tour of Trinity CollegeGBP 30
Cost by Category
accommodation
£40-£100 (hostel/budget hotel) / £100-£250 (mid-range/boutique)
food
£20-£50 (cafes/pubs) / £50-£100+ (restaurants)
Transport
£5-£10 (mostly walking/occasional bus)
activities
£20-£60 (museums, punting, tours)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Cambridge | Luxury | average | first-timers, couples |
| Newnham | Mid-range | slightly cheaper | couples, culture |
| Mill Road | Budget | cheaper | foodies, budget |
| Chesterton | Mid-range | cheaper | families, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Cambridge
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Cambridge Costs
How much does it cost to visit Cambridge?
Budget travellers can visit Cambridge for around GBP 70/day (GBP 490/week). Mid-range travellers should budget GBP 150/day, while luxury travel costs around GBP 350/day.
Is Cambridge expensive?
Cambridge is moderately priced. At GBP 70/day for budget travellers, it offers good value compared to major Western capitals.
How much should I budget per day in Cambridge?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Cambridge, budget GBP 150/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Cambridge?
Budget travellers in Cambridge can get by on GBP 70/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.