Seoul tops Time Out's list of most expensive cities for days out as London sits in top 15
Survey of more than 18,000 residents across 100 cities finds drinks and nightlife remain costly in London, even as many South American cities rank as most affordable.
Time Out has released a global snapshot of how affordable going out is, based on responses from more than 18,000 people in over 100 cities. The study focuses on the cost of dining out, cocktails, nightlife and cultural experiences, rather than housing, rent or groceries, offering a window into the social life budget of urban residents.
At the top of the expense scale is Seoul, South Korea, which Time Out researchers say is the most expensive city to live in for social life, according to locals. The survey shows only 30% of respondents consider eating out inexpensive, 21% say nightlife is affordable, and 27% report little to no difference to their wallet after ordering a drink. Following Seoul are Istanbul, Oslo, Stockholm, Kyoto, Athens, Sydney, Auckland, Munich, Brisbane, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Vancouver and Miami, which together make up the list of the 15 most expensive places to go out.
Oslo, ranked third, had the lowest affordability score for eating out, with just 24% of residents saying it is affordable. The Nordic capitals feature prominently in the upper end of the scale, underscoring the premium placed on food, drink and entertainment in parts of Northern Europe. Singapore sits just behind London, at 12th, while the United Kingdom capital occupies the 13th slot, a reminder that even cities famed for their cultural institutions can impose stiff costs on a night out.
The survey also highlights clear regional contrasts. While expensive in Europe and North America, the list of the world's most affordable places to go out is dominated by cities in South America and parts of Asia. Medellín and Bogotá in Colombia topped the affordability sublist, with an overwhelming 94% of respondents agreeing it is cheap to grab a coffee. Beijing ranked third in affordability, followed by New Orleans and Naples, rounding out a top five that contrasts sharply with the expensive end of the spectrum.
Overall, the Time Out study didn’t measure housing or groceries; it isolated the price of social life—dining, drinks, nightlife and cultural activities. The findings provide a barometer for how much residents and visitors may need to budget for arts, culture, food and the social scene when planning a night out in major global cities.
In London, the mix of free museums and cultural institutions helps offset some costs, but the study’s results reflect a real pinch for many locals when it comes to drinks and late-night venues. For travelers, the rankings offer a snapshot of where a night out may require more careful budgeting, depending on the city.