York is a fanciful city known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to York, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to York?
You should plan to spend around $168 (£130) per day on your vacation in York. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $72 (£56) on meals
- $15 (£12) on local transportation
- $152 (£118) on hotels
A one week trip to York for two people costs, on average, $2,351 (£1,820). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,175
£910
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,351
£1,820
-
One Month
Per person
$5,038
£3,900
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,351
£1,820
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,702
£3,640
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,076
£7,800
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to York cost?
A one week trip to York usually costs around $1,175 (£910) for one person and $2,351 (£1,820) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to York on average costs around $2,351 (£1,820) for one person and $4,702 (£3,640) 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 York will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to York on average costs around $5,038 (£3,900) for one person and $10,076 (£7,800) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is York expensive to visit?
York is a popular city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, York can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $74 (£57) per day, mid-range travelers spend $169 (£130) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $326 (£250) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to York.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, York is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Bordeaux.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is York Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to York?
The average York trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these York travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to York cost?
York on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
(£26)
|
$76
(£59)
|
$146
(£113)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(£5.14)
|
$15
(£12)
|
$30
(£23)
|
|
Food 2
|
$32
(£24)
|
$72
(£56)
|
$139
(£108)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(£5.00)
|
$15
(£11)
|
$29
(£22)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(£3-8)
|
$8-25
(£6-19)
|
$16-47
(£12-36)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting York. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $74 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, York offers plenty of hostels, including Safestay York Micklegate, Astor York, and YHA York. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. While food is a highlight for many in York, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to York are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $169 per person, per day.
York offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Tower Guest House is an excellent choice, while Burton Stone Inn is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for York.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $326 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in York
In York, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $115, but during peak season they jump to an average of $215. You can find budget options starting at $77 up to luxury rates at $328. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in York for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $152 (£118). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $76 (£59) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in York? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in York include:
- Tower Guest House starting at $134
- Middlethorpe Hall & Spa starting at $241
- Hotel Indigo York starting at $132
- The Churchill Hotel starting at $124
- The Grange Hotel York starting at $128
York has a good public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
When visiting York with your family, look for an apartment or accommodation that offers more space to keep everyone comfortable.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
The city's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in York
Public transit in York is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
If you stick to certain areas, York is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (£12) per person, per day, on local transportation in York. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in York is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
£12
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN) for $160 details
- Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN) for $267 details
- Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN) for $275 details
How much does it cost to go to York? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in York 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 York
With its world-class cuisine, York is a food lover's paradise. Make it a priority to eat at local restaurants and try their standout dishes. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in York can vary significantly, the average cost of food in York is $72 (£56) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$72
£56
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in York is around $73 (£56) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $141. 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 York are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Dining options are plentiful in York, and your cheapest options are likely to be the traditional pubs you'll find around town. They generally serve basic pub fare at a reasonable price. Another interesting option is to grab some food at the cafeteria in an old church by Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. They offer affordable food which can be enjoyed on the grass outside.
Definitely visit Roots, an amazing restaurant by renowned chef Tommy Banks. Check out this review of Roots in York for more info.
If you have a little more money to spend, consider trying some of the curry or pasta options around town. For a more luxurious dining experience head to York's restaurant district on Fossgate and Walmgate where you can enjoy tea rooms or high end bistros which can be delicious and lots of fun.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in York, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- York on a Fork Food Tour for $83 details
- Breakfast Food Tour in York for $51 details
- Party Cruise with Drink, Dinner, and DJ for $56 details
Below are some standard food costs in York, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in York
It's no wonder that tourists flock to York, as it is known for its food, historical sights, family-friendly activities, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in York typically cost an average of $15 (£11) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
£11
Popular sights in town include York Minster, which is the largest cathedral in northern Europe, the JORVIK Viking Centre, the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Ruins of St Mary's Abbey, Clifford's Tower, and Merchant Adventurers' Hall among many others.
A great way to experience the sights is to take a walking tour of the city, which is just one of many options for a tour in York. There are many vendors who offer this option, and one interesting twist on the idea is to do a ghost tour. Ghost tours usually take place in the early evening and offer some insight into the city's history in an interesting, story telling fashion that appeals to adults and children alike.
There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy in York. Make sure you take some time to walk around the city wall. It takes about an hour and offers some great views. Also explore the Snickleways, which are the famous medieval alleys that weave their way through the city. The theatre scene in York is excellent and you can go to the Grand Opera House for a variety of different types of shows.
York is a city of festivals. Popular ones throughout the year include the York Races, Mystery Plays, the York Festival of Food and Drink, the Viking Festival, the York Early Music Festival, the York Beer and Cider Festival, and the York Festival of Traditional Dance. For even more information, check out this great guide to things to do in York.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in York are some of the most famous in the world. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town area brings in many visitors. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore York. 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:
- York Saints and Sinners Private Walking Tour for $67 details
- EBike Tour in York City for $45 details
- Private Roman Tour of York for $83 details
Nightlife Budget in York
The nightlife in York is fun and active, and visitors enjoy spending nights out at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $16 (£13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in York per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
£13
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in York. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting for $32 details
- The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience for $58 details
- Historical Pub Walking Tour in York for $8 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in York are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in York. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Traveling in York
York Castle Walls, England
York, in North Yorkshire, England, is a city rich in history that dates back to before Roman times. It is an ancient cathedral city that still has some impressive historical buildings that make it easily worth a visit. It has some of the best preserved buildings and structures in all of Europe, so if you're a history buff, then this is the place to be. It is usually tied with Manchester as the second most visited city in England, after London.
The city itself has a population of about 180,000. It's a relatively small place and you can see most of the major sights in a few days time. There is a great atmosphere however, so if you have more time to spend, you won't find yourself bored. York is also a city of festivals. There are many cultural festivals every year, so if you find yourself in town during one, make a point of checking it out.
The climate in York is temperate and there are four distinct seasons. The city is drier and warmer than most of the Yorkshire, but it is prone to frosts, fog and cold wind during the winter. Spring and even the early summer can experience fog and cooler weather. High temperatures during the summer average about 22 degrees Celsius and average daytime temperatures during the winter are 8 degrees Celsius with it dropping close to freezing at night. Snow can fall anytime during the winter months but it usually melts quite quickly.
Neighborhoods & Around
Central York is where you'll spend a lot of your time as a visitor. It is one of the largest pedestrianised zones in Europe. The fountain on Parliament Street always has something going on, whether its a chess tournament, dance festival, or market. To the north of Parliament Street is the Shambles, which is a 14th century street. You'll also find the daily market in this area. East of the Shambles is Fossgate, which has many restaurants and pubs. St. Helen's Square is west of Parliament Street. There are some good shops in this area. The Latin Quarter, York Minster, and St. Williams College are in Minster Quarter. South of Parliament Street is Coney Street, which is a major shopping area. Finally, head to Micklegate for a good nightlife scene.
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.
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.
Food is affordable, particularly at the markets and the many food trucks around town.