Scotland and Ireland are two of the few nations in the world that generate such awe and majesty. Both of these Celtic countries in the British Isles have amazing green countryside, gorgeous environment, rough beaches, rich historic sites, and a notoriously friendly population.
They are, nevertheless, two different countries with their own customs and traditions. As a result, if visitors only have the opportunity and budget to explore one of these beautiful nations, deciding between Scotland and Ireland can be challenging.
Both countries have a wealth of attractions for visitors, and one could definitely spend weeks meandering about them. But how can visitors know which location is best and affordable for them?
Budget For Accommodations In Both Countries
Scotland
The expense of lodging is likely to put the biggest impact on their Scotland vacation budget. When it concerns inexpensive lodging, though, there are numerous options. There is usually at least one hostel in most metropolitan cities. The cheapest dormitory bed in a hostel will set visitors back at around £20 per night.
There are many B&Bs spread around Scotland that charge from £70 to £100 per night for a room if visitors don't want to lodge in a hostel.
Ireland
The very first, and often most important, part of an Ireland trip expense to evaluate is the cost of lodging. If visitors are solitary travelers lodging in hostels or a couple dividing a private room on Airbnb, they can consider spending roughly €25-30 per head per night on typical. If visitors add in a couple of fancier B&Bs or lodges during their Ireland vacation, this will rise to roughly €40-50 per person each night.
Visitors will discover that rates vary greatly according to where they are in the region. When it concerns lodging costs, Dublin is perhaps the most pricey.
Where There Is Food, There Is Heart
Irish and Scottish gastronomy have a common heritage with that they have combined their traditional dishes due to their closely linked history with England and other parts of Europe.
Scotland
Food costs in Scotland vary depending on where guests choose to dine.
If tourists want to treat themselves to a nice dinner while in Scotland, lunch is a fantastic time to do it because many higher-end eateries provide lunch specials where visitors may receive two- or three-course meals for roughly £15–20. At dinnertime, the same food will cost substantially more.
Visitors could anticipate paying around £10 – 15 for a substantial meal at a pub, whether for lunch or supper, based on what they order.
For visitors, the most cost-effective food choice is to go grocery shopping and cook for themselves.
As a result, tourists should budget roughly £10 per head per day if they plan to prepare their own food, and around to £20- 25 per head per day if they plan to eat one sit-down meal daily.
Ireland
From upscale dining venues to small, neighborhood pubs, visitors will find excellent Irish cuisine that they wouldn't believe. Irish grocery costs are cheaper than those in West Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In this instance, visitors will probably be able to get by on about €15-20 per person daily in terms of food.
If visitors don't want to cook for themselves, there are plenty of dining options in Ireland. Fast food and street meals are commonly accessible around the nation and could be the most cost-effective alternative. A sit-down supper in a mid-range eatery or pub will set tourists back about €15 per head.
Transportation Prices Are Also Important
Another factor to consider while planning a trip to Scotland is the expense of transportation.
Scotland
Another factor to consider while planning a trip to Scotland is the expense of transit. Visitors who want to travel a lot of land on their own time and possibly add a few off-the-beaten-path sites to their itinerary should consider renting a car. A road trip is not just one of the greatest ways to visit Scotland, but the daily average cost of a car rental isn't prohibitively expensive.
Tourists should expect to spend around £30 daily on car rental on average. Visitors should anticipate paying an extra £20 daily or £10 per head if sharing costs among two if they intend on refilling every three days or more.
Ireland
The cost of commuting will also play a significant role in the final budget of the vacation to Ireland. Ireland is a nation-best seen by vehicles outside of the major cities. Public transportation is available, but it is expensive and frequent, especially if visitors want to spend more time in more country areas and get off the beaten route. So, if visitors wish to travel alone in Ireland, renting a car will be their best alternative for transportation.
Visitors should expect to pay roughly €30-40 daily on average for a car rental in Ireland, or about €15-20 per person daily if dividing costs between two people.
It can appear as though there isn't much of a contrast between Scotland and Ireland at times, making choosing between the two quite tough. Visitors should prefer Scotland if they want to view the most diversified scenic beauty in the smallest amount of time. While Ireland's natural beauty is breathtaking, Scotland's is significantly more stunning and diverse.
However, Scotland can be the most reasonable of the two when it refers to cost and affordability, especially if visitors are ready to wild camp. The savings made on lodging alone is enough to persuade many people to visit Scotland rather than Ireland.