Is It Cheaper to Go to Paris or London?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to planning a trip to Europe, two of the most popular destinations are Paris and London. Both cities offer a wealth of history, culture, and entertainment, but which one is cheaper to visit? In this article, we’ll explore the costs associated with visiting each city and help you decide which one is right for your budget.

Transportation

The first thing to consider when comparing the cost of visiting Paris versus London is transportation. Both cities have extensive public transportation systems that make it easy to get around. However, the cost of using these systems can vary.

  • In Paris, a single metro ticket costs €1.90 (about $2.25 USD) or €14.90 (about $17.70 USD) for a pack of 10 tickets.
  • In London, a single tube ticket costs £2.40 (about $3.20 USD) or £12.00 (about $16 USD) for a pack of 6 tickets.

Overall, Paris is slightly cheaper when it comes to public transportation.

Accommodations

Another major expense when traveling is accommodations. The cost of hotels and hostels can vary greatly depending on location and amenities.

  • In Paris, budget-friendly options like hostels and budget hotels can be found for around €50-€100 per night (about $60-$120 USD). Mid-range hotels typically cost around €150-€200 per night (about $180-$240 USD).
  • In London, budget-friendly options like hostels and budget hotels can be found for around £30-£60 per night (about $40-$80 USD). Mid-range hotels typically cost around £120-£200 per night (about $160-$270 USD).

Overall, London tends to be slightly cheaper when it comes to accommodations.

Food and Drink

One thing that both Paris and London are known for is their food. From croissants to fish and chips, there’s no shortage of delicious cuisine to try.

  • In Paris, a typical meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €15-€25 (about $18-$30 USD) per person.
  • In London, a typical meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around £15-£30 (about $20-$40 USD) per person.

When it comes to food and drink, the cost is fairly comparable between the two cities.

Attractions

Finally, you’ll want to consider the cost of attractions when planning your trip. Both Paris and London have plenty of museums, landmarks, and other points of interest to explore.

  • In Paris, admission to popular attractions like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower can cost around €15-€20 (about $18-$24 USD) per person.
  • In London, admission to popular attractions like the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace can cost around £20-£30 (about $27-$40 USD) per person.

Overall, the cost of attractions is fairly similar between Paris and London.

Conclusion

So which city is cheaper to visit – Paris or London? While there are some differences in costs for transportation, accommodations, and food, overall the two cities are fairly comparable in terms of expenses. Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference – whether you’re more interested in French culture or British history – rather than budget concerns.