Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Edinburgh?
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 Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh?
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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Edinburgh $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $178. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Edinburgh $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Edinburgh $186
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Edinburgh
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Edinburgh $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
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Local Bus$4.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Royal Highland Braemar Gathering, transfer from Edinburgh: $56
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Hotels: $50
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Glasgow city or GLA Airport to Edinburgh by Business Car: $157
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Gleneagles Hotel : $280
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to South Queensferry Port: $28
- Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46
- Private Tour with transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Glasgow.: $298
- Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $41
- Private Luxury Transfer Edinburgh (One Way - 7 Passengers): $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Edinburgh?
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 $0.71Edinburgh $49
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
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$11
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Dinner at Filling Station$13
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Lunch for Two$19
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Sandwich$2.32
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Cheese & bread$9.07
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Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$31
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2 Coffees and Scones$7.28
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Turkish Delight$1.76
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Soup at the Pub$7.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $88
- Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Food Tour: $100
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $121
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $162
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $188
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Edinburgh $25
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Show Tickets$40
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Movie Tickets for Two$15
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Donation for Storytellers$7.53
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Edinburgh's Landscapes Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized: $153
- 1-Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh: $79
- 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise: $23
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $261
- 2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe & Oban Tour: $183
- 3 Hours Edinburgh City Highlights Private Walking Tour: $273
- 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh: $234
- 3-Hour Private Edinburgh Castle Tour: $275
- Afternoon Old Town and Underground Ghost Tour 1:15, 3:15, 5:15: $19
- Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh: $72
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour: $74
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour with Admission: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Edinburgh $19
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
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Beer & Wine$18
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Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Edinburgh?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the Summer?
Both Edinburgh and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Beirut is much warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Edinburgh in the Autumn?
Both Edinburgh and Beirut during the autumn 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.
In the autumn, Beirut is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Edinburgh in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. In January, Beirut is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.
Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Edinburgh in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Edinburgh. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Beirut is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Beirut
| Beirut | Edinburgh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.