A major new global survey has pinpointed the cities where the cost of a social life hits residents' wallets the hardest, with London making a predictable appearance among the world's priciest destinations. The research, conducted by Time Out, gathered opinions from more than 18,000 locals across over 100 cities worldwide, focusing specifically on the affordability of going out rather than core living costs like rent or groceries.
Seoul Tops the List as Social Spending Soars
According to the findings, Seoul in South Korea was ranked the single most expensive city to live in based on residents' experiences of social activities. The data paints a stark picture: only 30 per cent of respondents said eating out at a restaurant is inexpensive, a mere 21 per cent felt the same about nightlife, and just 27 per cent reported feeling little impact on their finances after buying a drink.
The survey highlighted that high costs for socialising are a significant burden across several affluent regions. In Northern Europe, Oslo in Norway and Stockholm in Sweden scored poorly, with locals feeling the pinch from steep prices for food, drink, and entertainment. Oslo received the dubious honour of the lowest affordability score for dining out, with less than a quarter (24 per cent) of residents agreeing it was affordable.
Londoners Feel the Pinch on Nights Out
The UK capital, London, was ranked the 13th most expensive city in the global ranking. While the city boasts an array of free museums, galleries, and attractions, the survey indicates that Londoners are acutely feeling the strain when it comes to paying for drinks and evenings out. This places it alongside other global hubs like Singapore (12th) and Vancouver in the top tier of costly cities for social life.
Cities in Australia and the United States also featured prominently among the least affordable. Sydney was named one of the world's most expensive cities for everyday social life, while Los Angeles ranked highly due to the considerable cost of dining and nightlife.
The World's Most Affordable Social Hubs
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the survey revealed that South American cities dominate the list of the most affordable places for socialising. Two Colombian cities, Medellín and Bogotá, took first and second place respectively. An overwhelming 94 per cent of respondents in these cities agreed it was cheap to grab a coffee.
The top five most affordable cities for social life are:
- Medellín, Colombia
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Beijing, China
- New Orleans, USA
- Naples, Italy
This new data provides a fresh perspective on the global cost of living, shifting the focus from static bills to the dynamic and often discretionary spending that defines urban culture and leisure. For residents in cities like London, the findings confirm a widely held perception that enjoying the city's vibrant social scene comes at a significant premium.
