Is Lebanon expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Lebanon is mid-priced: cheaper than Western Europe, but not the bargain its economic crisis might suggest, because most tourist prices are now set in US dollars. A mid-range day is about US$180 per person, with transport (often a private driver) and rooms the biggest shares. Street food is cheap, while Beirut's restaurants and bars can cost close to European prices.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$30 | US$70 | US$180 |
| Food & drink | US$20 | US$45 | US$90 |
| Sights & tickets | US$10 | US$20 | US$40 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$45 | US$80 |
| Per person, per day | US$70 | US$180 | US$390 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Lebanon day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Man'oushe with za'atar | US$2-4 |
| Mezze dinner in Hamra | about US$20-30 per person |
| Modern Lebanese dinner in Mar Mikhael | US$25-45 per person |
| Uber within Beirut | US$5-10 |
| Jeita Grotto | about US$20 |
| Harissa teleferique return | about US$10-15 |
| Taxi from the airport to Hamra or Achrafieh | about US$25-35 |
| Boutique hotel in Achrafieh or Gemmayzeh | US$100-180 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Transport is a big share because many visitors hire a car with driver (about US$80-130 a day) or rent a car (US$35-60). Rooms range from US$40-80 in hostels and guesthouses to US$100-180 for boutique hotels in old Beirut houses. Eating out is good value for mezze and street food, but Beirut's bars and modern restaurants charge more. Sights are inexpensive. Most bills include 11% VAT, and a 10-15% service charge is common.
When it is cheaper
Winter (November to March, outside the ski season and holidays) and spring weekdays are usually cheaper than summer, when the diaspora returns and Beirut and the coast fill up. Savings vary a lot and the situation changes; check current rates.
How to spend less
- Bring clean, undamaged US dollar notes; cash is king and card fees can be high.
- Use Uber or local taxi apps in Beirut instead of street taxis.
- Take minibuses from Charles Helou station to Byblos and Tripoli for a few dollars.
- Eat man'oushe, falafel and shawarma for cheap lunches.
- Share a car and driver for day trips to Jeita, Byblos and the Cedars.
- Check whether bills already include the service charge before tipping.
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Common questions
Is Lebanon expensive?
Mid-priced. Expect about US$180 per person a day mid-range, or US$70 on a budget, with most tourist prices in US dollars.
What currency should I bring to Lebanon?
Clean, undamaged US dollar notes. The Lebanese pound (about 89,500 to the dollar) is used alongside, and cards work in many hotels and restaurants.
How much does a driver cost in Lebanon?
About US$80-130 a day for a car with driver; renting a car costs US$35-60 a day.