Recently, we have got a lot of questions asking us: Is Scotland is expensive to travel.
There is a perception that Scotland is more expensive than the rest of the UK but that is simply not the case.
We found Scotland to be cheaper to travel than many other places in the UK.
Here is a quick run down on the cost of accommodation, petrol, food and medical expenses in Scotland.
Cost of Accommodation in Scotland
We found the cost of accommodation to be less expensive than elsewhere in the UK, especially England.
Edinburgh can prove reasonably expensive as it is an international hot spot for tourism.
Accommodation in Edinburgh will cost you 50 GBP + a night. This price would probably only afford you a room with a shared bathroom in Edinburgh. Eeekk!
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, why not try the city of Glasgow?
We absolutely adore Glasgow.
We had the perception that Glasgow was a very rough city (and in the past this may have been the case) but nowadays it is a safe city with lots to see and do!
You can stay in Glasgow for as little as 20 GBP a night with breakfast!
Yes, you heard correct just 20 GBP for a clean and comfortable room with a buffet breakfast in Glasgow. What a bargain indeed!
If you want to know where this little gem is click here.
Glasgow is a great place also to kick off a Scotland road trip. Now who doesn’t love a road trip.
Cost of petrol in Scotland
We found the cost of petrol to be similar throughout the UK whether you were in Glasgow, Edinburgh or London.
If our memory serves correct we paid around 1.30 GBP per litre on petrol while in Scotland.
Cost of food in Scotland
The UK and Scotland are expensive parts of the world to travel. There is no comparison in costs to somewhere like Thailand to travel.
A meal in a restaurant will set you back around 20 GBP per person.
However, we found supermarket food to be just as cheap (if not cheaper) than many third world countries which we have traveled.
Supply and demand means that there are a lot of sales in UK supermarkets including Scotland. The price of supermarket food is fairly consistent throughout the UK so no added bonus for Scotland here.
Cost of medical in Scotland
If you hold a UK passport, medical in Scotland is insanely cheap. In fact it is far between than elsewhere in the UK.
Doctors visits and even some specialists are free in Scotland. What’s more is that prescription medication in also free! Say what?!
We went to fill a script in England and had a rude awakening that we had to pay after receiving free medication previously in Scotland.
If you do not hold a UK passport sadly you will need to pay for medical in Scotland. Although compared to the States the price is reasonable.
Summary: Is Scotland expensive to travel?
By world standards yes, Scotland is expensive. Expect a holiday to Scotland to cost you a lot more than a holiday to Asia, South America or any developing country.
However, if you are comparing Scotland to the rest of UK and many European countries, we actually found it to be a lot cheaper.
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