Birmingham Trip Cost Calculator

Your Birmingham Budget at a Glance

Birmingham punches above its weight for value travelers. The UK’s second-largest city offers world-class museums (mostly free), legendary curry houses, and fascinating industrial heritage at prices well below London or Manchester. Budget travelers can manage on $75-130 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $130-260 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $350+ per day.

Where Your Money Goes

Accommodation is very reasonable compared to other major UK cities. Food is outstanding value, especially in the Balti Triangle. Transport is cheap with bus caps. Attractions vary - museums are free but family attractions like Cadbury World require booking.

Budget Traveler Tips

Stretch your pounds by:

• Staying in hostels in Digbeth or the city centre (from £20/night)
• Eating at Balti Triangle restaurants with BYO alcohol
• Walking the compact city centre and using capped buses
• Exploring free museums and the Jewellery Quarter

Worth the Splurge

Even budget travelers should consider:

• Cadbury World for chocolate lovers (book ahead for best prices)
• A Balti feast at Al Frash or Adil’s (incredibly affordable anyway)
• Black Country Living Museum for Peaky Blinders fans

Best Time to Visit for Value

January to March offers the lowest hotel prices. Mid-week stays year-round are significantly cheaper than weekends. Book ahead and check for NEC/ICC events that can spike hotel prices.

Avoid these expensive periods:

• Major events at the NEC or ICC
• Christmas Markets season (November-December)
• Bank holiday weekends
• Aston Villa home matches in central hotels

Practical Money Tips

Tipping Culture

Standard 10-15% at restaurants if service isn’t included. Many Balti Triangle restaurants are cash-only and don’t expect tips. Round up taxi fares. No tip at pubs.

Paying for Things

Contactless widely accepted in the centre, but some Balti Triangle restaurants are cash-only. Free ATMs at banks throughout the city.

Tap Water

Birmingham tap water is safe and free. The Welsh water piped to Birmingham is excellent quality. Ask for tap water at restaurants.

Getting There & Around

From Birmingham Airport

• Train to New Street: £3-5 (10 minutes)
• Bus 97: £2 (35 minutes)
• Taxi/Uber: £18-25 (20-30 minutes)

Getting Around

The city centre is compact and walkable. Buses cover the wider area with a £2 cap per journey. The Metro tram connects to Wolverhampton via Jewellery Quarter. New Street Station is the rail hub for the region.