Ranked: The Russell Group uni cities where the cost of a night out has increased the most

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Research has revealed the Russell Group university cities that have experienced the biggest increase in the cost of a night out, and it makes bleak reading for anyone hoping putting a tenner aside is going to see them through the night.

The study analysed various factors that create the perfect night out, such as travel costs, the price of a pint, and the cost of your classic post-night out scran, to reveal the cities with the biggest increase in the cost of a night over the last two years. Some have seen huge jumps in their costs, with the top seeing the average night out go up in cost by nearly £200. Ummm, who is spending this money?

Here is a ranking of the Russell Group university cities where the cost of a night out has increased the most.

Russell Group university night out

6. Bristol – 33.5 per cent

First up is Bristol, where the cost of an average night out has risen by 33.5 per cent since 2022. Back in 2022 you could get three pints in the city for £12, but now the same drinks will set you back £15. There’s also been a rise in the costs of food after your BNO in Bris, and transport around the city.

5. Manchester – 34.4 per cent rise

Manchester nights out have gone up by just over a third between 2022 and 2024. The average cost of a pint has gone up, and it’s also much more expensive to get taxis around the city, and to stay over in a hotel if you need. An all-out night out and hotel used to cost on average £122, but now it’s £165.

4. Glasgow – 40.6 per cent rise

Up next is Glasgow, where in the last two years nights out have gone up 40.6 per cent in price. Whilst the cost of a pint hasn’t changed too much here, up around 50p on average, the cost of taxis and overnight stays really pulls the average up. It’s been estimated the ultimate BNO in Glasgow 2022 would have cost £132, but now it will be £186.

Russell Group university night out

3. Edinburgh – 48.4 per cent rise

Just making it into the top three is Edi. The cost of the average McDonald’s meal here has gone from £6 to £7.80 between 2022 and 2024, and in the same time frame the cost of three pints has gone from just over £13 to £15. The city has also seen a rise in the price of taxis and public transport. Overall, a night out in Edinburgh is now 48.4 per cent more expensive than it was two years ago.

2. London – 98.5 per cent rise

Surprise, surprise! London is high up. Known for its expensive nights, the cost of a night out in London has nearly doubled since 2022. Again, hotel prices have seen the biggest increase in London of the factors the research looked at, rising by 120 per cent. The cost of a pint has gone up, a decent portion of nuggets after your night out is more expensive, and so is public transport and taxi fares. Sigh.

1. Oxford – 127.6 per cent rise

Oxford has seen the biggest increase in the cost of a night out, rising by a whopping ​​127.6 per cent over the last two years. It might be a beautiful city to romanticise whilst three sheets to the wind, but that experience will set you back a bit. Three pints will on average cost you just over £17, and if you think you can get a decent meal after your pints for under a fiver, think again.

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