Travel Budget for Birmingham Visit Birmingham on a Budget or Travel in Style

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Birmingham is a fun-filled city known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Birmingham, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Birmingham?

You should plan to spend around $208 (£161) per day on your vacation in Birmingham. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $85 (£66) on meals
  • $33 (£25) on local transportation
  • $170 (£132) on hotels

A one week trip to Birmingham for two people costs, on average, $2,912 (£2,254). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $208
    £161
  • One Week Per person
    $1,456
    £1,127
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,912
    £2,254
  • One Month Per person
    $6,239
    £4,830
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,912
    £2,254
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,823
    £4,508
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,478
    £9,660
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Birmingham cost?

A one week trip to Birmingham usually costs around $1,456 (£1,127) for one person and $2,912 (£2,254) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Birmingham on average costs around $2,912 (£2,254) for one person and $5,823 (£4,508) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Birmingham will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Birmingham on average costs around $6,239 (£4,830) for one person and $12,478 (£9,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Birmingham expensive to visit?

Birmingham is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You can find Birmingham to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $89 (£69) per day, mid-range travelers spend $208 (£161) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $424 (£328) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Birmingham.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Birmingham is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hannover or Rotterdam.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Birmingham Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Birmingham?

The average Birmingham trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Birmingham travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Birmingham cost?

Birmingham on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$36
(£28)
$85
(£66)
$177
(£137)
Local Transportation 1 $14
(£11)
$33
(£25)
$62
(£48)
Food 2 $37
(£28)
$85
(£66)
$172
(£133)
Entertainment 1 $27
(£21)
$62
(£48)
$118
(£91)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(£2-7)
$7-22
(£6-17)
$15-44
(£11-34)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Birmingham cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $89 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Birmingham has plenty of hostels available, like PH Hostel Birmingham. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Birmingham wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $208 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Birmingham. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Staybridge Suites Birmingham is a good kid-friendly option, and Clayton Hotel Birmingham is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Birmingham here.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $424. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Birmingham City Walking Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Birmingham

In Birmingham, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $77 and peak summer season rising to an average of $144. Prices typically range from $46 to $235, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Birmingham for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $170 (£132). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $85 (£66) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $85
    £66
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $170
    £132

Hotels in Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Birmingham

The average hotel room price in Birmingham based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $77 in the low season and $144 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Birmingham include:

  • Westbourne Lodge starting at $82
  • Staybridge Suites Birmingham starting at $98
  • New Hall Hotel & Spa starting at $224
  • Clayton Hotel Birmingham starting at $107
  • AC Hotel Birmingham A Marriott Lifestyle Hotel starting at $103
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Birmingham

With Birmingham's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the city is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.

Birmingham is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.

If you plan to stay a week in Birmingham, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen. It's a practical way to prepare some meals yourself during your visit.

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.

Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Birmingham, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Birmingham

Birmingham's public transit system connects to several major sights. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.

Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $33 (£25) per person, per day, on local transportation in Birmingham. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Birmingham is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $33
    £25

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation for $57 details
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham City for $35 details
  • Private Birmingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport for $57 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Birmingham
How much does it cost to go to Birmingham? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Birmingham
The price of renting a car in Birmingham will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Birmingham

While the cuisine in Birmingham is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the city. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Birmingham can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Birmingham is $85 (£66) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $85
    £66

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Birmingham is around $85 (£66) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $172. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Birmingham are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $26
  • Lunch: $13 to $34
  • Dinner: $26 to $60
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $13

Dining or Drinking in Birmingham is not hard to find. From Michelin starred restaurants to quality pubs to great Caribbean style menus, Birmingham has something for everyone. The city also has a great nightlife scene, so check out the variety of rooftop bars in Birmingham on your next trip, too.

Keep your eye out for Birmingham soup while in the area. The recipe for this soup was originally written in the 1700's when the economy was struggling from poor harvests. It is a stewed beef and vegetables plate and has been recreated from the rediscovered recipe.

Another dish called Brummie bacon cakes is believed to originate in Birmingham. It contains flour, salt, and butter to make bread along with bacon and cheese to give it some extra flavor.

Food & Dining Tips

When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.


What did other people spend on food and dining in Birmingham?

Typical food prices in Birmingham, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Birmingham

It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Birmingham for its music, museums and attractions, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Birmingham typically cost an average of $62 (£48) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $62
    £48

One of the top sights in Birmingham includes the state-of-the-art Library: The Library of Birmingham. The brightly colored architectural structure resembles a beautifully wrapped birthday present and its interior includes a spectacular amphitheater, observation decks including the top floor 360-degree view of the city, and even England's most impressive collection of Shakespeare.

Other popular sites include The River, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Birmingham Cathedral. The River is an artistic fountain located in the Victorian Square with a variety of sculptures. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham has a spectacular collection of art including many Renaissance pieces. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has a great collection of ancient gems and Victorian art, and the Birmingham Cathedral is a small, but beautifully shaped Cathedral built in the early 1700's and is a popular sight in Birmingham.



The Cadbury World chocolate factory is a fun activity with chocolate themed rides including a new 4D adventure cinema featuring motion seats. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Another great thing to do in this area is the "Back to Backs" tour. This tour takes you to see what some of the working class houses looked like between 1840 and 1970, The guided tours offer a lot of information about how the people lived in these places. The homes have been restored, but the look and feel of how things were has been preserved.

You could also visit the Symphony Hall in Birmingham to experience a live orchestra concert of superior skill and technique. Shows vary so you never know who might be there, but it will not disappoint for symphony lovers!

Birmingham is also a popular stop for fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. JRR Tolkien grew up in this area, so many of his writings were based on local landscapes. You can tour some of the trails from Tolkien's works for free! Stop at the Tourist Information Center for a guided map to follow the Tolkien trail.

Fans of BBC shows like Doctor Who will also enjoy a free tour of the BBC in the mailbox in Birmingham. You can even watch the live broadcasts there as well as get your picture taken with the TARDIS or a Dalek.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in BirminghamThe museums and landmarks in Birmingham have earned worldwide fame. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Theatre Productions:
You shouldn't miss out on the theater scene. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Music:
Birmingham boasts a vibrant music scene that brings in a diverse crowd. 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.

Shopping:
Shopping in BirminghamYou won't want to miss out on the shopping here. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Birmingham. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour for $77 details
  • Pride History of Birmingham Tour for $51 details
  • Guided Tour of Street Art in Birmingham for $51 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Birmingham

The nightlife scene in Birmingham is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $14 (£11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Birmingham per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $14
    £11

Nightlife in Birmingham

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Birmingham

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of summer. To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Taking your time to travel can help you save, allowing you to relish the area's beauty while you unwind. Cramming too many activities into your day often leads to higher costs. By slowing down, you can typically enjoy your trip more while spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • When traveling with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely on your agenda. It's often easier to avoid the headaches of public transportation, though it may cost you a little extra.
  • Birmingham isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
Traveling in Birmingham
Birmingham Birmingham, England

Birmingham, England, is often known as Britain's second-largest city. It is located in the western Midlands of England. Birmingham is nearly in the center of England, so almost all rail and motorways cross here. The city gained popularity and status during the industrial revolution and is still one of the main cities for industrial production and power, ranging from electricity to metal. Because of its importance as an industrial hub, it is one of the most populated cities in England. In more recent years, Birmingham has done a lot to add to the overall cultural scene of the city with the addition of museums and art.



Neighborhoods & Around

Moseley is the most popular and bustling neighborhood in the city of Birmingham. Moseley was recently ranked as the best in the UK for a city living experience, beating out even London. Moseley is the best area for shopping and eating. It has great pubs and an excellent farmer's market. Moseley is great for public transportation as it has one the busiest bus routes in Europe.

Edgbaston is on the northern border of Moseley, is home of the University of Birmingham as well as some of the biggest houses in the city, and is home to one of the Michelin starred restaurant.

Harborne is another neighborhood in Birmingham containing a Michelin starred restaurant as well as many other fine restaurants and pubs.

Bournville is the neighborhood where you will find the Cadbury World experience. This area was built up mainly to house the workers of the factory and does not have the same pub atmosphere as the rest of the city, but it does have some pretty scenery to enjoy.

Related
Traveling alone to London or Edinburgh?

Looking for a party and need a hostel in London?

Find a Contiki tour to Europe.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.