This report explores the cheapest and most expensive cities for a pint in the UK this year, drawing on data from BeerGuild, Finder, The Scottish Sun, and industry pricing research. Whether you’re planning your next night out or simply curious about the “beeronomics” of Britain, here are the places where your pint money goes furthest—and where it doesn’t.
If you’re relocating for work or managing accommodation needs for a team, knowing where your spending stretches furthest—including on everyday essentials like a pint—can matter. Nezt.co.uk offers tailored workforce housing solutions across many of the cities featured below.
Top 5 Cheapest Cities in the UK for a Pint
1. Preston – £3.07
Preston, Lancashire, leads the UK as the most affordable city for a pint. The city’s pubs continue to offer fantastic value, with some Wetherspoons and local establishments selling pints for as low as £2.49. With a strong local pub culture, relatively low operating costs, and limited tourist pricing pressure, Preston has become a go-to location for both students and working-class communities seeking good value for a night out.
2. Bangor – £3.08
Located in North Wales, Bangor matches value with character. With a large student population thanks to Bangor University, pub prices remain highly competitive. Many venues offer regular drinks deals and local ales for well under £3.10. Its isolation from England’s metropolitan pricing pressures also helps to maintain affordability across its drinking venues.
3. Wrexham – £3.11
Wrexham’s revival, spurred on by its football fame and growing tourist interest, hasn’t yet translated into surging pub prices. The average pint remains just over £3, and many community-run and traditional pubs continue to offer affordable options. Wrexham Lager, one of the UK’s oldest breweries, still contributes to a culture of locally-brewed, accessible beer.
4. Stoke-on-Trent – £3.12
Known for its ceramic history and industrial roots, Stoke has retained its identity as one of the UK’s most down-to-earth cities—and that extends to its beer pricing. With premium pints like San Miguel available for around £3.61 and local brews averaging closer to £3.10, it’s a favourite among budget-conscious drinkers.
5. Sunderland – £3.14
Sunderland, on the northeast coast, continues to offer some of the cheapest drinks in the UK. Guinness can be found for as low as £2.78, and the city’s classic pubs are known for their no-frills prices. Lower living costs and a strong presence of chain venues help keep pint prices accessible.
Top 5 Most Expensive Cities in the UK for a Pint
1. London – £6.50
As expected, the capital remains the most expensive place to grab a pint in 2025. While Wetherspoons pubs in Greater London might still offer pints around £4.50, central locations routinely exceed £6.50, with some premium venues hitting £8.90 per pint. High rents, wages, and tourist demand continue to drive these elevated prices.
2. Brighton – £6.05
Brighton’s seaside location and booming nightlife scene make it a premium pint destination. With craft beer culture thriving and demand from both London weekenders and tourists, average prices hover above £6. The city’s popularity with students and creative professionals hasn’t held prices down as hoped—most end up paying a premium for location.
3. Belfast – £6.00
Belfast has emerged as one of the UK’s most vibrant urban centres, but that vibrancy comes with rising costs. Increased tourism, a growing digital and tech workforce, and rising import costs post-Brexit have all contributed to Belfast’s jump in average pint prices.
4. Norwich – £5.90
Norwich may surprise some on this list, but the city has seen steady price inflation across its hospitality sector. Its blend of a historical city centre and an influx of independent microbreweries and bars has driven a slow but consistent climb in average pint prices. Craft beer culture, while beloved, has brought premium pricing.
5. Edinburgh – £5.07
According to The Scottish Sun, Edinburgh experienced the sharpest rise in pint prices in 2025, increasing by 7.19% year-on-year. The city’s status as a festival capital and its significant tourist draw means pub prices often reflect short-term demand surges. Fringe season? Expect to pay even more.
National Trends and Takeaways
Nationwide, the cost of a pint has risen to an average of £5.44, according to Finder’s 2025 Pint Price Report. The rise is being fuelled by multiple intersecting factors:
- Increased duty on alcohol and VAT for hospitality venues
- Rising minimum wage and energy costs for pub operators
- Post-pandemic recovery, leading to fewer venues and increased demand
- A shift toward craft beer and premium lagers, which typically command higher prices
Meanwhile, cities in the North and parts of Wales remain more resilient to these pressures, thanks to lower commercial rents, less tourist saturation, and stronger local pub cultures that favour value.
Final Sip
The UK’s pint price landscape in 2025 tells a broader story about the country’s economy, culture, and regional inequalities. For beer lovers, it’s a reason to travel smart. For policymakers, perhaps a small but telling indicator of household pressure.
Wherever you are in the UK, the humble pint continues to be more than just a drink—it’s a lens on local life.
