A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Birmingham vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Birmingham is known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Birmingham is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Birmingham different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aberdeen and Birmingham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Birmingham or Aberdeen.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.


Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is a well-known place for theatre. However, Aberdeen is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Aberdeen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Birmingham or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Aberdeen can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Aberdeen. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Birmingham offers plenty to do in the evening. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.


Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Music?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Birmingham is a world class music destination. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Aberdeen is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Birmingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.


Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Aberdeen.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.


Is Birmingham or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham and Aberdeen both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Birmingham or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Aberdeen

Birmingham and Aberdeen are great when it comes to walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in Aberdeen. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Birmingham. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Birmingham than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Birmingham that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Birmingham than Aberdeen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Birmingham.


  • How many days in Birmingham or Aberdeen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Aberdeen 2-3

One day in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

The city of Birmingham offers shopping and museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Aberdeen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aberdeen, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Aberdeen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Aberdeen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Aberdeen or Birmingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, while the average daily cost in Aberdeen is £121. 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 Birmingham and Aberdeen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Aberdeen £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Aberdeen £130
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Aberdeen

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Aberdeen? 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.

Hotels in Birmingham


Hotels in Aberdeen


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Aberdeen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Aberdeen £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Prices for flights to both Aberdeen and Birmingham 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Birmingham £38
    Aberdeen £35
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Aberdeen £19

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • 3 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $153
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $76
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $87
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Private Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $144
  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Aberdeen £3.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401


When comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Aberdeen, we can see that Birmingham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Birmingham Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham and Aberdeen, 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 Birmingham or Aberdeen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Birmingham or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Birmingham is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Aberdeen. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In the autumn, Birmingham is a little warmer than Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Birmingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Aberdeen. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. In January, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 3°C (38°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Birmingham is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Birmingham

Birmingham Aberdeen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)