Should I Visit Scotland or Northern Ireland for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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Which is Cheaper, Scotland or Northern Ireland? (Travel Cost Comparison)
Which is Bigger, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Should you visit Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Scotland and Northern Ireland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Scotland

The enchanting country of Scotland is made of rolling hills, lush scenery, charming villages and pubs filled with think accents and strong pints.

This country is a part of Great Britain - also known as the United Kingdom - which includes England, Wales and Northern Ireland. So be careful not to refer to the Scottish as "British," and especially avoid referring to them as "English." Just being aware of the difference will make your trip much smoother.

This lively and friendly country has gained a reputation for being dreary and damp. Well, the latter might true, it doesn't stop the Scots from having a grand time. Still, prepare to experience plenty of rain on your trip.

With over 700 islands and 5 million people, you'll have no problem finding stunning scenery and delightful conversation.

Northern Ireland

You may think you know Northern Ireland, but guess again. This once turbulent and dangerous country has calmed down and continues to pleasantly surprise visitors from all over the world.

Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. Northern Ireland joins England, Scotland and Wales in the UK. This is still a point of controversy within this region depending on whom you are talking to. Unionists, or those who prefer being a part of Great Britain, will proudly call themselves British and try very much to differentiate themselves from their Irish neighbors. Republicans, or those who would prefer to be a part of the Republic of Ireland, call themselves Irish. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the historic city of Londonderry. That is what Unionists call the city, as the "London" was added after Northern Ireland joined the UK. On the other hand, you'll hear Republicans refer to the city as its original Derry.

Dress in layers, as it's not uncommon to experience every season in an hour in Northern Ireland. This part of the British Isles arguably receives more rain than anywhere.

More difficult than the weather, however, are the accents of the locals. While it may not sound like it at times, they are speaking English. Simply ask them to slow down so you can better understand their very thick accents.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

Which place is cheaper, Northern Ireland or Scotland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Scotland Prices
UK Prices
Northern Ireland Prices
UK Prices
Average Daily CostPer person, per day
Scotland£0.00
Northern Ireland£0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Scotland is £0.00, while the average daily cost in Northern Ireland is £0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Scotland and Northern Ireland in more detail.

Accommodation

AccommodationHotel or hostel for one person
Scotland£45
Northern Ireland -
AccommodationTypical double-occupancy room
Scotland£90
Northern Ireland£0.00

Compare Hotels in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Looking for a hotel in Scotland or Northern Ireland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Scotland

Local Transportation

Local TransportationTaxis, local buses, subway, etc.
Scotland -
Northern Ireland -

Is it cheaper to fly into Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Prices for flights to both Northern Ireland and Scotland change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

FoodMeals for one day
Scotland -
Northern Ireland -

Entertainment

EntertainmentEntrance tickets, shows, etc.
Scotland -
Northern Ireland -

Tours and Activities in Scotland

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Scotland are as follows:

Aberdeen: Sights & Highlights Walking tour:$9.42
Errichel Farm Tour :$19
Photography Group Tour with Pro Photographer:$89
Photography Group Tour with Pro Photographer 2hr:$89
Photography Group Tour with Pro Photographer 4hr:$111
Photography Private Tour with Pro Photographer:$169
Photography Group Tour with Pro Photographer 8hr:$188
Edinburgh Countryside Hike, SUP/ Kayak and Whisky Tour:$274
From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure:$286

Alcohol

AlcoholDrinks for one day
Scotland -
Northern Ireland -

Sample the Local Flavors in Scotland

Also in Scotland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Guided Tour in Aberfeldy Distillery with Connoisseur Experience:$49

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Scotland and Northern Ireland, we can see that Scotland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Scotland Expensive? and Is Northern Ireland Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Scotland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Northern Ireland. When comparing the sizes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Should I Visit Scotland or Northern Ireland for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)