Is Beirut expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Beirut is moderately priced: cheaper than most European capitals for street food and taxis, but restaurants, bars and hotels in Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael and Downtown can cost close to European levels. A budget traveller needs about US$60 a day, mid-range about US$140 and comfort about US$320 per person. Since the economic crisis, prices are mostly quoted in US dollars and can change quickly.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$30 | US$60 | US$150 |
| Food & drink | US$20 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Sights & tickets | US$5 | US$20 | US$40 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$20 | US$50 |
| Per person, per day | US$60 | US$140 | US$320 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Beirut day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Man'oushe (za'atar flatbread) | US$1–3 |
| Shawarma sandwich | US$3–6 |
| Falafel wrap | US$2–4 |
| Full mezze meal with arak, per person | US$20–40 |
| Ride-hailing trip within the city | US$3–8 |
| Jeita Grotto ticket | about US$20 |
| Taxi from the airport to Hamra or Gemmayzeh | US$15–25 |
| Mid-range double in Gemmayzeh or Achrafieh | US$90–160 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the largest cost: Hamra guesthouses start around US$40–80 a double, boutique hotels in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are US$90–160 and seafront hotels US$180–400. Eating out is the second: street food is very cheap, but a sit-down mezze dinner with drinks in the nightlife districts quickly reaches US$30–40 per person. There is no metro, so ride-hailing and a hired driver for Byblos and Jeita (about US$60–90 a day) make up most transport spending.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices can drop in winter (December–February) and outside the summer return of the Lebanese diaspora, when July and August often see the highest rates. Because prices move with the economy, check current rates before you go.
How to spend less
- Carry clean US dollar notes in small denominations; many places price in dollars and change can be scarce.
- Eat breakfast and lunch at neighbourhood bakeries (furn) and sandwich shops in Hamra.
- Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis, or agree the fare before getting in.
- Share a hired driver for Byblos and Jeita with other travellers to split the US$60–90 day rate.
- Order mezze dishes one round at a time; at US$4–8 a plate, over-ordering is the easy way to overspend.
- Stay in Hamra rather than the seafront or Downtown for the cheapest rooms within walking distance of the Corniche.
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Common questions
Is Beirut expensive?
Moderately. Street food and ride-hailing are cheap, but restaurants, bars and boutique hotels in Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael and Downtown can approach European prices. Expect about US$60 a day on a budget and US$140 mid-range.
Should I bring US dollars to Lebanon?
Yes. Prices are widely quoted in dollars and clean notes in small denominations are useful. Cards are accepted in many places, but cash remains important; check current exchange conditions before you go.
How much does a mezze dinner cost in Beirut?
Roughly US$4–8 per dish, or US$20–40 per person for a full mezze meal; with arak for two, expect about US$40–60.