Cost of Living in Edinburgh
How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh? 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
- 🏨Castle Rock Hostel dorm bedGBP 25
- 🍽️Sausage roll and coffee from GreggsGBP 5
- 🍽️Fish and chips from The Witchery by the Castle (takeaway)GBP 15
- 🚌Walking and occasional Lothian Buses single ticketGBP 5
- 🎟️Explore the Royal Mile and Greyfriars KirkyardGBP 0
- 🎟️Hike up Arthur's SeatGBP 0
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum of ScotlandGBP 0
- 🎟️Free walking tour of Old TownGBP 10
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
GBP 150
per day
Weekly: GBP 1050
Monthly: GBP 4500
Examples
- 🏨Apex Grassmarket Hotel standard roomGBP 130
- 🍽️Full Scottish breakfast at The Edinburgh LarderGBP 15
- 🍽️Lunch at Oink - Hog Roast SandwichesGBP 10
- 🍽️Dinner at Makars Mash BarGBP 30
- 🚌Lothian Buses Day TicketGBP 5
- 🎟️Entry to Edinburgh CastleGBP 20
- 🎟️Whisky tasting experience at The Scotch Whisky ExperienceGBP 20
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
GBP 350
per day
Weekly: GBP 2450
Monthly: GBP 10500
Examples
- 🏨The Balmoral Hotel King RoomGBP 300
- 🍽️Champagne breakfast at The BalmoralGBP 50
- 🍽️Michelin-starred lunch at Restaurant Martin WishartGBP 100
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at The Witchery by the CastleGBP 150
- 🚌Taxi or Uber for the dayGBP 50
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Royal Palace of HolyroodhouseGBP 75
- 🎟️Tickets to a show at Edinburgh PlayhouseGBP 60
Cost by Category
accommodation
£40-£150
food
£30-£70
Transport
£5-£15
activities
£20-£50
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Luxury | At center | first-timers, culture |
| New Town | Luxury | Slightly above center | luxury, couples |
| Stockbridge | Mid-range | Slightly below center | couples, foodies |
| Leith | Mid-range | Below center | foodies, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Edinburgh
🏨 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: Edinburgh Costs
How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh?
Budget travellers can visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh expensive?
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
Budget travellers in Edinburgh 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.