Friday, February 20, 2026

The world’s most expensive cities for days out revealed – with London in the top 15

Time Out, the global media and entertainment company, recently released a survey revealing the affordability of activities in various cities around the world. The survey was conducted among 18,000 people living in over 100 cities, making it one of the largest global surveys of its kind. The results are not only interesting but also offer valuable insights into the expenses of daily living and the overall cost of enjoying a city’s offerings.

The survey aimed to understand how affordable it is for individuals and families to engage in activities in their city. The categories included dining out, nightlife, and cultural activities. These aspects play a crucial role in our everyday lives, making it essential to have an understanding of how accessible they are for the general public.

The findings were surprising, with some cities ranking much higher on the affordability scale than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cities that scored the best in the different categories.

When it comes to dining out, the survey revealed that Mexico City is the most affordable city. With its vibrant food scene and diverse culinary options, it’s no wonder that it takes the top spot. Other cities that ranked high for affordable dining include Hanoi, Prague, and Bangkok. This indicates that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious meal in these cities.

Moving on to nightlife, the survey found that Bangkok is the most affordable city. From rooftop bars to night markets, the Thai capital offers a wide range of affordable options for entertainment. It is closely followed by Belgrade, Berlin, and Mexico City, highlighting how these cities offer a vibrant nightlife without burning a hole in your pocket.

The final category, cultural activities, revealed that Berlin is the most affordable city. With its rich history and thriving art scene, it is no surprise that cultural activities in Berlin are accessible to all. Other cities that ranked high in this category include Mexico City, Warsaw, and Mumbai.

The survey also pointed out that some of the most expensive cities in the world, such as London and New York, have been ranked low in terms of affordability. This highlights the important fact that the cost of living in a city does not necessarily reflect its affordability for activities.

The survey also revealed some interesting insights into the spending habits of its participants. For example, it found that locals are more likely to find activities affordable in their city compared to visitors. This suggests that locals have a better understanding of the affordable options available in their city, while tourists may end up spending more on their activities.

Furthermore, the survey also showed that affordability varies among different age groups. Younger people, aged 18-24, are more likely to find activities affordable compared to older age groups. This could be due to the fact that younger people are more conscious of their spending and may opt for cheaper options.

It is also interesting to note that affordability differs significantly between genders. The survey found that men are more likely to find activities affordable compared to women. This could be due to the gender pay gap and the fact that women generally earn less than men, making it relatively more challenging to afford activities.

Overall, the survey highlights the importance of understanding the affordability of activities in a city before planning to visit or move there. It also sheds light on the fact that affordability is not necessarily correlated with the cost of living. A city may have a high cost of living, but still offer affordable options for activities.

In conclusion, Time Out’s survey has provided valuable insights into the affordability of activities in various cities around the world. From dining out to experiencing the nightlife and engaging in cultural activities, the survey has highlighted the cities that offer the most affordable options. It also emphasizes the need for individuals and families to research and plan their activities to ensure they fit within their budget. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, don’t forget to factor in the affordability of activities before exploring a new city.

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