Is Edinburgh Expensive During Fringe? (And How to Get Around It)

Is Edinburgh Expensive During Fringe? (And How to Get Around It)

Let's get straight to the punchline: yes, Edinburgh is expensive during the Fringe. For three weeks in August, the city’s prices skyrocket, especially for accommodation, and it’s a problem so well-documented that even the US government has noticed. According to the US Department of State, the per diem lodging rate for government officials traveling to Edinburgh jumps from a standard $250 to a staggering $607 during July and August, a rate that is even higher than glitzy destinations like Dubai and Monaco. This eye-watering price inflation is not just an inconvenience for visitors; it has a tangible and concerning impact on the artists who are the lifeblood of the festival, with some comedian's raising concerns that accommodation costs are making it harder for performers to break even or even driving them away.   

The extreme price inflation is a direct consequence of the festival's success, but it is also a threat to its democratic spirit. The Fringe was born as an accessible, open-access festival for all. When the price of staying in the city becomes a barrier for the artists themselves, it raises serious questions about the festival’s future. The article from The Independent even notes that hotel prices were inflated by as much as £1,125 a night during a recent Fringe. This humanises the "expensive" keyword, revealing that the economic forces at play are not abstract—they have a real impact on the people who make the festival possible.   

The Accommodation Conundrum: A Question of Choice

For a visitor, accommodation will be the single biggest factor in the overall budget. The extreme contrast between a budget traveler's daily cost and a US official's lodging allowance highlights the vast spectrum of Fringe experiences. A budget traveler might pay as little as £28 per night for a bed in a shared dorm, while a private room could set them back £75 to £100 per night. The research notes that some hostels, like Castle Rock Hostel and High Street Hostel, can be found for as low as €11.70 to €40 per night. This shows that a "cheap" Fringe is entirely possible, but it requires a strategic choice to sacrifice comfort and privacy for location and savings.   

For a person on a tighter budget or for a longer stay, university halls of residence are a popular alternative. While the research lists their prices as annual fees, they often rent out rooms during the summer to performers and visitors, providing an affordable option. Private rentals and Airbnbs, however, are also subject to the same price hikes as hotels. The choice of accommodation is the single most important decision for a person's budget and will fundamentally define their experience.   

The Food, Drink, and Transport Hustle

A frugal Fringe-goer must actively resist the convenience of overpriced festival-specific options. The research explicitly calls out the food stalls at the festival, particularly in central hubs like George Square, as a "total rip off" with a hot dog priced at £8.50 and a chicken gyro at £12. The article reveals a hidden truth about the festival's ecosystem: convenience comes at a premium.   

A person can easily save money by making smarter choices. The research provides a clear breakdown of costs: a person can get a full Scottish breakfast for £8-£16 at a cafe, but a supermarket meal deal can be had for just £4 or £5. A "super cheap lunch" of bread, cheese, and fruit from a grocery store is also an option. A person can find a pub lunch for under £10 in less touristy areas of the city. The article from    

Edinburgh Live proves that a £20 budget at George Square will only get a person a main meal, a sweet treat, and a drink, and nothing more. The lesson is clear: for big savings, a person must forgo the convenience of festival stalls and embrace a do-it-yourself approach.   

When it comes to transport, a person's two best friends are their feet and the local bus service. The city is "tightly packed within the city, meaning it can be easy to walk... between venues". This is not just a cheap option; it is often quicker than a car or a taxi in the crowded festival environment. Lothian Buses are also affordable, with a single journey costing just £1.80, and a day pass for £4.50.   

The table below provides a detailed example of how a person can do the Fringe on a shoestring budget, proving that a truly rich experience is possible without a rich bank balance.

Item	Frugal Daily Budget
Accommodation	£30 (Hostel dorm bed)
Breakfast	£0 (Free from hostel)
Lunch	£5 (Supermarket meal deal)
Dinner	£9 (Supermarket or cheap pub meal)
Shows	£15 (Half Price Hut/Pay What You Can)
Transport	£1.80 (Single bus journey)
Drinks	£3.50 (Pub pint or supermarket beer)
Total Daily Cost	£64.30

In the end, while Edinburgh is undoubtedly expensive during the Fringe, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. The key is to be prepared, to make strategic choices, and to embrace the reality that the biggest savings come from forgoing convenience and leaning into the city's vast, and often free, offerings.

Looking for something cheap in London? Catch the best comedians off the London Comedy Circuit by buying tickets to our shows on the main page