Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Belfast. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Belfast?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Belfast $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beirut and Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Belfast $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Belfast $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
- Private Transfer from Carryduff to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
- Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Whiterock: $62
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Warrenpoint: $135
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Trillick : $202
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strangford: $110
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $227
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Stewartstown : $151
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast and Beirut change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $0.71Belfast $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Belfast $23
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Uncover Beirut's Divided Past: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$10
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
- Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
- Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
- (Small Group) Shore Tour from Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip: $147
- 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
- 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $93
- 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $102
- 4 Hours Private Guided Belfast City Tour: $254
- A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
- Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $439
- Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $159
- Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Belfast $9.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Belfast is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Belfast?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Belfast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Beirut or Belfast?
Belfast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Belfast in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Belfast. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Beirut is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Belfast in the Autumn?
Both Belfast and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Beirut is much warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Belfast. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Belfast in the Winter?
Both Belfast and Beirut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Beirut is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Belfast in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Belfast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.
In April, Beirut is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Beirut
| Beirut | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.