There’s nothing more British than heading out on the town for a night. It’s ingrained in our culture but how much is it costing us? Personally, I have noticed a night out costing me more and more over the past 3-4 years. Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Quick Overview
According to a September 2022 Statista survey, the average spend on a night out in the UK is a staggering £73.81. When adjusted for inflation to 2024 numbers, it comes out to £84.84 for a night out in the UK.
Average Spend On A Night Out In The UK
As we saw above the average spend on a night out in the UK is £73.81 according to the 2022 survey and when we take inflation into account it comes in at over £80. That said, where exactly is this money being spent? Below is a breakdown of the 5 places us brits spend money on a night out.
| Category | Spend | Inflation Adjusted For Jan 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | £10.68 | £12.29 |
| Pre-drinks | £13.21 | £15.20 |
| Transport | £13.39 | £15.41 |
| Daytime Prep For A Night Out | £16.24 | £18.69 |
| Drinks In Venue | £20.29 | £23.35 |
Entry Fee – The average entry to your venue of choice is £10.68. Depending on where you decide to go this could be free or substantially more. For example, concert tickets are now regularly coming in at £60+. Where you go will significantly affect how expensive your night out is.
Pre-drinks – In Britain, we love to have a few drinks before we head out for the evening. This can be a great way to save some extra money. Get a few drinks in the house before heading out and save on those expensive bar and venue drinks. On average, we spend £13.21 on pre-drinks for a night out.
Transport – When you’re having a few drinks it’s wise to get either public transport or a taxi home however that’s going to cost you as well. On average, transport comes in at £13.39 on average. If you’re getting a taxi or live outside of the city you are going out in, it can be much more expensive.
Daytime Prep For A Night Out – Getting your hair done, buying fake tan, and getting new clothes are just a few of the things people do before heading out for a night. On average, we spend £16.24 before we even get the party started.
Drinks In Venue – Drinks in the venue are the most expensive part of a night out. On average drinks in a venue come to £20.29. Here in Northern Ireland, in Belfast, you would be lucky to get one round of drinks for 4 people for £20 these days. In 2024, I would guess that these numbers are now considerably higher.
Average Price Of A Pint Over Time UK
According to CGA consultancy group, the average price of a pint has skyrocketed from £2.30 in 2008 to £4.30 in 2023. It’s important to keep in mind that this is the average price. Pints in major cities are topping £6 in some places. That’s not for a fancy craft brew either. That’s for a simple lager.
All the way back in 2008 a pint would only cost £2.30 on average, now it’s almost double that. In most city center nightclubs and bars, you are probably paying another 30% on top of the average.
How To Save Money On A Night Out
Want to save some money on your next night out? Here are 5 tips to have a great night on the cheap.
- Plan Ahead and Set a Budget: Before you even step out the door, decide how much you’re willing to spend on your night out. Create a budget that covers everything from transportation and drinks to food and entertainment. Stick to your budget to avoid overspending.
- Pre-Game at Home: One effective way to save money is to start your evening with some drinks and snacks at home before heading out. This can help you limit the number of drinks you buy at bars or clubs, where prices tend to be higher.
- Look for Deals and Discounts: Keep an eye out for happy hour specials, two-for-one drink offers, and other promotions at bars and restaurants. Many places offer discounted drinks and food during specific hours, which can significantly reduce your overall spending.
- Use Public Transportation or Carpool: If possible, avoid expensive taxi rides by using public transportation or carpooling with friends. Public transport is often more affordable, and sharing the cost of a taxi can save everyone money.
- Choose Affordable Entertainment: Consider free or low-cost entertainment options like local gigs, open mic nights, or outdoor events. Alternatively, opt for venues with no cover charges or entrance fees. These choices can help you enjoy your night without draining your wallet.
By following these tips, you can have a fantastic night out in the UK without breaking the bank. Remember that being mindful of your spending doesn’t mean sacrificing fun; it simply means making smarter choices to make the most of your night without overspending.
Wrapping Up
You now have a rough idea of what the average night out in the UK costs. You may have realised that you maybe need to cut back a bit or you may have realised you’re doing it much cheaper than the rest of us. Either way, there is no doubt that a night out has become much more expensive than it used to be.
Let us know down in the comments how much you spend when you go on a night out in the UK!
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