Brighton ranks second most expensive UK city for a night out

Our vibrant city comes with premium prices

Brighton and Hove has earned a notable distinction in a new national study: the second most expensive city in the UK for enjoying a night out. The research by ticket supplier Skiddle compared nightlife costs across 30 major UK cities, revealing that only London surpasses our seaside city when it comes to the price of a good evening out.

Breaking down the costs

According to the study using 2026 data from Numbeo, an average night out in Brighton and Hove costs £67.19, compared to London's £72.67. This is a significant £28.63 more than Kingston upon Hull, where the same experience costs just £38.56.

In Brighton specifically, the breakdown includes £19.95 for three pints, £23.28 for two cocktails, £7.50 for a late-night takeaway, £13.46 for a three-mile taxi journey, and £3 for a single public transport ticket.

It's not just about drinks

Jamie Scahill, marketing director at Skiddle, highlighted an important insight from the research: "Many people assume the biggest difference between cities will be the cost of drinks, but transport and food can often make just as much impact on the final bill."

This observation is particularly relevant to Brighton, where transport costs contribute substantially to the overall expense of a night out. The research also found that several major UK cities with large student populations and busy nightlife scenes still manage to offer more affordable nights out. Glasgow, Sheffield and Coventry were highlighted as examples where vibrant social scenes don't automatically translate to high costs.

Regional patterns emerge

Cities in southern England dominate the expensive end of the scale, with the top five most expensive cities for nights out being London (£72.67), Brighton and Hove (£67.19), Leicester (£60.63), Manchester (£60.22), and Edinburgh (£59.95).

In contrast, the cheapest cities for a night out include Kingston upon Hull at £38.56, Sunderland at £39.12, and Newport at £44.93.

The yearly impact

Scahill noted the significant financial impact of living in an expensive city: "A night out in London costs over £34 more than in Hull, which means someone going out regularly could end up spending hundreds of pounds extra over the course of a year simply because of where they live."

While the high costs might give some of our residents pause, Brighton's inclusion among the UK's top nightlife destinations speaks to the quality and vibrancy of our leisure scene. From our renowned cocktail bars to our thriving pub culture and diverse dining options, the city continues to attract visitors and locals alike who value the experience enough to warrant the investment.

Source: Brighton ranked second most expensive UK city for nightlife