# What a trip to the UK really costs: London prices versus everywhere else

> London runs close to New York prices, while most of the rest of the UK is noticeably cheaper. Here is a realistic daily budget and why you will barely need cash.

Source: https://roamfact.com/en/analysis/uk-trip-cost-and-money/

Published: 2026-10-12

The UK's cost of living for travelers splits sharply between London and everywhere else — a trip built entirely around London costs meaningfully more than one that spends a few days elsewhere in England, Scotland or Wales.

## A realistic daily budget

In London, a comfortable mid-range day — a decent hotel, three meals including one real restaurant meal, public transport and one paid attraction — typically runs $200–$320 per person; outside London, the same standard of comfort runs closer to $120–$190. Pub meals and casual dining bring costs down considerably compared to sit-down restaurants in both cases.

## Why you will barely touch cash

The UK is one of the most card-and-contactless-friendly countries for US travelers — tap-to-pay is accepted almost everywhere, including small shops, market stalls and public transport, and many Londoners rarely carry cash at all. A no-foreign-transaction-fee card covers nearly every purchase; withdraw a small amount of pounds only as a backup, from a bank ATM rather than an independent one in a touristy area, which often charges a direct withdrawal fee on top of a worse rate.

## Tipping and transport

Tipping is far more modest than in the US — 10–12% at sit-down restaurants if service is not already included (check the bill), and tipping is not expected at pubs, cafés or for taxis beyond rounding up. For London specifically, a contactless card or an Oyster card covers the Underground, buses and most trains at a lower fare than paying cash per ride.