London is generally not considered a cheap city for shopping, as high VAT (20%) and, for many, the lack of tax-free shopping for tourists increase costs. However, it offers diverse options for different budgets, including affordable high-street fashion, vintage finds at markets like Camden or Brick Lane, and cheaper prices on certain European brands compared to the US.
Shopping in London. London is one of the finest cities in the world for shopping. From the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street to designer boutiques that outfit the royal family and affordable high street fashion, there's something for every budget and style.
The cheapest areas in London for housing are typically in outer East and South London, with Barking & Dagenham, Croydon, Havering, Sutton, Erith, Thamesmead, and Plumstead consistently ranking as most affordable for both renting and buying. These areas offer significantly lower average property prices and rents compared to central London, though specific affordability depends on your budget, with some pockets within boroughs offering better value than others, notes Property Investments UK and London Evening Standard.
London offers tons of cheap fun, focusing on free world-class museums (British Museum, National Gallery, V&A, Natural History, Tate Modern), iconic parks (Hyde Park, Richmond Park for deer, Hampstead Heath), and walking famous areas like the South Bank, Covent Garden, and Notting Hill, plus budget-friendly markets (Borough, Portobello Road), unique sights like Sky Garden (free views), and cheap transport via Thames Clipper or buses, making culture, views, and exploration affordable.
10 ICONIC London Shopping Destinations You Need to Visit
What are cheap things to buy in London?
Clothes, chocolates, biscuits, and some branded cosmetics often come cheaper. Tea and whisky can also be cheaper, especially if you hit supermarkets or duty-free spots rather than tourist traps.
London is more expensive to live in than Los Angeles, across three areas: rent, food, and transport. However, there are some differences in food costs. London is more expensive for dining in restaurants; Los Angeles is more expensive for groceries.
For 3 days in London, budget around £150-£300+ for budget/mid-range (excluding flights/hotel), covering food, transport, and some attractions, but this can balloon to £1,000+ for luxury, with accommodation being the biggest variable; aim for at least £50-£70 per day for essentials if you're being frugal, or £100-£200+ per day for a comfortable experience.
Dior is typically cheaper in the UK compared to the US, as prices for European luxury brands are generally lower in Europe. You can check the exact prices in euros on Dior's website by changing the country.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
Avoid street food. This is a controversial one, but hear us out: We don't mean avoiding London's famous street markets. ...
Choose independent restaurants. While we're on the topic of food, this is a biggie: Don't get swept up in the moment and let the hunger get the best of you. ...
“There are clear and distinctive categories – 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% to put aside as savings.” If £1,500 comes into your account each month, this means £750 would go towards your 'needs' – rent, council tax, energy bill, food and transport to and from work.
When is the cheapest time to visit London? Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events.
