December 15, 2025, 1:03 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Drinking coffee and watching others stroll, rush, and be is an important part of a city trip for many. Dining out and bar hopping are also part of the experience for many. And, of course, you want to do something, such as visiting theaters or museums. Depending on the city destination, the travel budget may be depleted after just a few days, while other cities allow travelers and residents to experience much more city life because it’s cheaper. In a new list, “Time Out” compares the cheapest and most expensive cities in the world. Among the former, a European metropolis unexpectedly makes it into the top 5–Naples.

The Ranking

The lists of the world’s most expensive and cheapest cities for going out are based on “Time Out’s” survey of the best cities in the world (TRAVELBOOK reported). A total of 18,500 people were surveyed. The responses for the going-out lists came from locals in more than 100 cities. According to “Time Out,” they rated the affordability of various everyday activities in their hometown: “Dining out, going to the movies, having coffee, visiting art, theater, or comedy shows, concerts, bar visits, and going out.” Response options included “cheap or free” and “affordable.” Based on these responses, the magazine created the lists of the cheapest and most expensive cities from the perspective of their residents. “Time Out” emphasizes that this survey is solely about the costs of leisure activities, not living expenses such as housing or groceries.

Given the small number of cities examined, the results presented here are only indicative. They provide an overview of popular travel destinations, but there are many cities worldwide that are far cheaper. Moreover, the assessment of whether an activity is affordable is highly subjective. On the one hand, it naturally depends on one’s income. However, the results may also depend on one’s attitude toward money and the current state of one’s bank account, as the perception may shift depending on how much is currently available. Additionally, the prioritization of different activities plays a role. A personal example: I am a passionate coffee drinker and find 5 euros for a good flat white almost reasonable, and I’m even pleased when I only have to pay 6 Australian dollars for it in Melbourne. On the other hand, I hardly drink alcohol and find even 5 euros for a glass of wine excessive, let alone a cocktail for 8 or 9 euros. A close friend of mine with a similar income would say almost the opposite.

This Italian City is Europe’s Cheapest for Going Out

But now, finally, to the lists, as we want to know where we can enjoy many coffees, cocktails, and more–and where we should moderate ourselves a bit for financial reasons.

Looking at Europe, a city in Italy is apparently the top destination for an affordable city trip, as the much-discussed Italian lifestyle is reportedly not too costly there according to residents: Naples. The city in southwestern Italy, known as the birthplace of the Margherita pizza, ranks fifth in the ranking. However, “Time Out” does not specify which aspects of going out are particularly cheap according to the residents. The comparison site Numbeo provides a bit more information: Naples ranks 193rd out of 413 cities listed in terms of living costs. The price range for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Naples is between 10 and 25 euros, and a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs an average of 60 euros. A cappuccino is available for 1.95 euros, although other sources list prices just over one euro. A small bottle of water is around 1 euro.

Also interesting: The 14 Cheapest City Travel Destinations in Europe 2025

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Oslo is Europe’s Most Expensive City for Going Out

In contrast, Europe’s most expensive city for going out according to “Time Out” is Norway’s capital, Oslo. It is known for its high cost of living, and “Time Out” ranks it third among the most expensive cities according to residents, ahead of Stockholm (4th), Athens (6th), Munich (9th), and London (13th) in Europe. “The Norwegian capital is notoriously expensive when it comes to dining out, and our data confirms this,” the magazine states. Oslo received the lowest rating for affordability for dining out among all the cities surveyed. Only 24 percent of Oslo residents indicated that dining out is affordable. Numbeo confirms this with numbers: Inexpensive restaurant meals range from 150 to 400 kroner (approximately 12.59 to 33.58 euros). A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs an average of 1,300 kroner (109.12 euros). The average cappuccino in Oslo costs 51.30 kroner (4.31 euros), and a small bottle of water is 32.57 kroner (2.73 euros).

Although Oslo leads the list of the most expensive cities for dining out, the magazine cites London as “by far the most expensive place for a night out in the city.” Only 16 percent of Londoners rated their city as affordable. However, the placement in the lower ranks of the most expensive cities can be explained by the fact that “83 percent of Londoners stated that art and culture in their city are cheap or even free,” the magazine writes, describing the British capital as “one of the cheapest cities for art lovers” according to residents.

Also interesting: This City Has the Most Expensive Rents in Europe–What That Means for Travelers

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in the World

Looking beyond Europe, the South Korean capital Seoul ranks first among the most expensive cities worldwide. Only 30 percent of its residents find dining out affordable. Even fewer, 21 percent, consider a night out in the city affordable. However, 27 percent find Seoul’s drinks to be cheap.

The Cheapest Cities According to Locals

1. Medellín, Colombia
2. Bogotá, Colombia
3. Beijing, China
4. New Orleans, USA
5. Naples, Italy
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
7. Chiang Mai, Thailand
8. Shanghai, China
9. Lima, Peru
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
11. Johannesburg, South Africa
12. Bangkok, Thailand
13. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
14. Santiago, Chile
15. Cape Town, South Africa

In contrast, two Colombian cities top the list of the cheapest worldwide: Medellín and Bogotá. Eighty-nine percent of Medellín’s residents find dining out affordable, and the same goes for drinks for 83 percent. Coffee drinkers in Medellín seem to fare best: 94 percent of respondents find coffee cheap. “Time Out” also provides figures for two Chinese cities and one U.S. city: According to 73 and 72 percent of respondents, respectively, theater outings in Beijing and Shanghai are affordable. In New Orleans, 72 percent also find live music affordable.

The Most Expensive Cities According to Locals

1. Seoul, South Korea
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. Oslo, Norway
4. Stockholm, Sweden
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Athens, Greece
7. Sydney, Australia
8. Auckland, New Zealand
9. Munich, Germany
10. Brisbane, Australia
11. Los Angeles, USA
12. Singapore
13. London, United Kingdom
14. Vancouver, Canada
15. Miami, USA