Should you visit Lisbon or London?
Should I visit Lisbon or London? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
London
The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.
Which city is cheaper, London or Lisbon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €103, while the average daily cost in London is €170. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Lisbon and London in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €92 in Lisbon For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €214 in London For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
In Lisbon travelers spend around €33 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
Food in London costs travelers about €33 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Lisbon €33
London €33
Typical Food prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Wine & Dine Food Tour:
$22
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History and Flavors Half-Day Food Tour:
$29
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Virtual Portuguese Cooking Lesson:
$31
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Live Online Cooking Class from Pastel de Nata with Filipa:
$39
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Live Fado & Alfama Tour with Traditional Dinner:
$40
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Bohemian dinner party on a beautiful rooftop near the coast:
$42
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3-Hour Self-Guided Locals' Food Tour:
$48
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The magic of Pasteis de Nata cooking class in Lisbon:
$53
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Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Lisbon:
$54
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2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class:
$55
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Zero-Waste Cooking Workshop:
$56
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Withlocals Your Way: Lisbon Personalised Private Food Tour:
$56
Typical Food prices in London
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class:
$27
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Moroccan Couscous Dinner in Shoreditch:
$50
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Modern British Dinner at Chef's Home in East London:
$62
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Dinner with Filmmakers & Filmmaking Experience in London:
$74
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3-Hour Secret British Food Tour:
$82
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Private Cooking Class with a London Cookbook Author:
$87
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BYOB Pizza Workshop Supper Club:
$91
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3-Hour Thames Jazz Dinner Cruise:
$92
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4-Hour East End Food Tour:
$98
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Evening City & Food Tour (non-guided):
$110
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London Half-Day Food Tour: International Foods of Soho:
$111
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Soho International Food Tour:
$113
Local Transportation
Lisbon's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €19 per person, per day on transportation in Lisbon.
London's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €24 per person, per day on transportation in London.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Transfer To or From Paris:
$1,709
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Private Lisbon route: Transfers, city tour and full day Sintra w/ driver & guide:
$1,680
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Transfer 3 legs: Lisbon - Algarve - Porto - Lisbon:
$1,443
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Transfer Lisboa - Barcelona:
$1,354
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Transfer from Lisbon to Madrid (And Vice Versa):
$1,300
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Private ONE WAY transfer from Lisbon to Seville with private pick up & drop off:
$1,151
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Transfer from Lisbon to Sevilha (And Vice Versa):
$1,013
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Transfer To or From Barcelona:
$989
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Seville PRIVATE Transfer from Lisbon with 1 Optional stop in Évora:
$886
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Chauffeur LISBON Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers):
$886
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Lisbon to Sevile Transfer:
$832
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Full Day Transfer from Lisbon to Oporto:
$809
Typical Local Transportation prices in London
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in London
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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private transfers from London to Heathrow airport:
$167
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private transfer shopping trip from London to Bicester village wr (8 hours):
$745
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private transfer from central london to city airport:
$186
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Transfer from London:
$118
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Coach Transfers:
$118
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Warner Bros Studio Private Executive return Transfer from London:
$214
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VIP Departure Transfer from London Center to Heathrow Airport:
$113
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Ultra - London Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Heathrow Airport LHR:
$8.71
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Ultra - London Airport Transfer from City Centre to London Gatwick Airport LGW:
$8.71
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Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodation:
$67
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Transfer in private vehicle from London City to London Airport (LHR):
$51
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Transfer in private vehicle from London City Center to Heathrow Airport:
$56
Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or London?
Prices for flights to both London and Lisbon 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Lisbon can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €19 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in London can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €30 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Évora Private Tour from Lisbon:
$326
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Évora and Arraiolos - 8 Hour Private Tour:
$54
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Évora and Estremoz: Private Full-Day Tour from Lisbon:
$388
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Évora and Megaliths Full-Day Private Tour from Lisbon:
$315
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Óbidos Experience:
$40
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Óbidos, Alcobaça, Batalha & Nazare Private Tour:
$121
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10 Days Private Tour in Portugal from Lisbon:
$2,476
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10 Hour Private Tour: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Highlights:
$213
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12-Day Portugal and Andalucia Tour from Madrid:
$1,595
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2 Day Street Art Private Tour from Lisbon:
$933
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2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon:
$682
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2 Days Tour to Heart of Serra da Estrela from Lisbon:
$398
Typical Entertainment prices in London
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in London
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
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'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket:
$21
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'The Crown' Film Locations Private Car Tour:
$370
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007 James Bond's London Private Half Day Tour:
$690
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007 James Bond's London Private Half Day Tour:
$690
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1 Hour Moroccan Hammam Experience:
$114
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1066 Battle of Hastings Private Tour:
$435
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1066 Battle of Hastings, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Tour:
$2,005
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1066 Battle of Hastings, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Tour:
$2,005
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12 Angry Guests: The Online Jury Experience:
$11
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2-Day Cotswolds, Bath, and Oxford Small Group Tour:
$226
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2-Hour London Tour and Photo Shoot:
$98
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2.5-Hour Chocolate Walking Tour of London:
$53
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Lisbon spend on average €14 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In London, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €14.
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
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Lisbon Pub Crawl:
$17
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Lisbon Pub Crawl with Free Drinks:
$18
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Lisbon Pub Crawl:
$18
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Lisbon 4-Hour Pub Crawl:
$18
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Alternative Pub Crawl with a Local Guide:
$28
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3-Hour Portuguese History & Flavors Food & Wine Tour:
$30
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Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch:
$44
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From Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour:
$50
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Christ the King and Arrábida Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon:
$58
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From Private Wine Tour with Setúbal & Arrábida:
$61
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Sintra: Full-Day Tour from Lisbon with Wine Tasting:
$64
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Private Full-Day Arrábida Park and Wine Tour:
$67
Sample the Local Flavors in London
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
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5-Hour Shoreditch Pub Crawl:
$14
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Central London 4-Hour Pub Crawl:
$14
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Central Daily 5-Hour Pub Crawl:
$14
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The Shoreditch Pub Crawl:
$14
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Camden Pub Crawl:
$14
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The London Pub Crawl - Shoreditch:
$14
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Camden Pub Crawl:
$20
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3-Hour Pub Tour:
$21
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The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl:
$28
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2-Hour Historic Pub Tour:
$28
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London Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour:
$28
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Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting:
$35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Lisbon.
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