The most and least affordable cities for hosting a BBQ this summer
Our key findings
- The best city for hosting a BBQ worldwide is Cordoba in Spain
- The worst city for hosting worldwide is Launceston, Australia
- Darwin, Australia, ranked number one for most expensive beer at £7.48 a bottle
- New York, USA, ranked number one for most expensive wine at £15.60 a bottle
- Essen, Germany, ranked number one for the most expensive taxi at £4.08 per kilometre
- Tampa in the US ranked number one for having the best curfew time, set at midnight
- London ranks below Manchester as the most expensive city for hosting a BBQ in the UK
Summer is here, and as more people plan to host their summer get-togethers at home, the quest for the perfect summer BBQ is on. To help with this, we’ve explored which cities are the least and most affordable for hosting those all-important gatherings.
We’ve analysed data from Numbeo on 190 cities globally, examining several factors crucial for a successful at-home summer event. These included the prices of beer, wine, and food so that you can ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with snacks and refreshments that won’t break the bank. Additionally, we looked into taxi fares so that you can ensure your guests get home safely and affordably after a fun-filled evening. We also considered curfew hours to ensure your party won’t be cut short by local regulations, and the hours of sunlight, as longer days provide more time for outdoor enjoyment.
Combining all these factors, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the least and most affordable cities for hosting your at-home events this summer, helping you plan the perfect gathering in the ideal location and on the perfect date.
Least and most affordable cities for hosting a BBQ this summer
The top 20 most affordable cities for hosting a BBQ this summer
Córdoba, a beautiful city in the Andalusia region of Spain, renowned for its sherry wine, has ranked number one among all the cities analysed.
With an average food price of just £18.38, it’s the most affordable place for filling up your kitchen fridge. With an average bottle of wine costing £2.80, an average beer price of £1.58, and an average taxi price of only 56p per kilometre, Córdoba emerges as the most affordable city for hosting a BBQ this summer.
Zaragoza, known as the ‘city of beer’ and home to the La Zaragozana brewery, comes in at number two on the list, where they unsurprisingly have an average beer price of just 72p. With an average food price of £35.99, an average wine price of £3.01, and an average taxi price of just 74p per kilometre, this city is the perfect place to hold a BBQ on a budget.
Coming in third is the southeastern Spanish city of Murcia, known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With an average food price of only £27.77, it is the perfect location to stock up your fridge for guests. Additionally, Murcia boasts an average wine price of £3.18, an average beer price of 94p, and an average taxi price of 83p per kilometre.
Other cities that entered the top 20 included Taranto, a coastal city in southern Italy, which secured the sixth position. The average food price in Taranto is £30.38, and wine enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the average cost of wine is just £3.87, making it an affordable location to stock up your wine cooler. The average beer price is just 65p, and the average taxi fare is £2.15 per kilometre, making it a great location for a cheap journey home.
London, Canada, secured the 12th spot with its affordability. The average food price in London is £19.98, making it a budget-friendly option for filling your fridge. Wine is priced at an average of £5.13, and beer costs around £1.11, making it easy to offer guests drinks throughout the day. Additionally, getting home from social gatherings is just as affordable, with an average taxi fare of £1.08 per kilometre.
The first German city on the list, Wuppertal, comes in at number 17. The city boasts an average food price of £40.38 and an average wine price of £4.30. Beer lovers will be pleased to know that Wuppertal has one of the cheapest beer prices on the list, at just 71p, making it a perfect location to fill up your ice buckets. Additionally, the average taxi fare is £1.59 per kilometre, providing guests an affordable way to head home.
The top 20 most expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer
Topping the list of least affordable cities to host a summer event is Launceston, one of the most popular regional cities to move to in Australia from 2020 to 2021. Feeding your guests can become costly, with an average food price of £35.23. The average wine price is particularly high at £13.00,
Similarly, Hobart, also located in Tasmania, shares the top spot with identical averages, making it just as costly for hosting your summer BBQs.
Other cities that made it into the top 20 for least affordability included New York, USA, which claimed the number four spot. The average food price in New York is £46.01, accompanied by an average wine price of £15.60 and an average beer price of £2.15. The average taxi fare is £1.69 per kilometre, making it an expensive city to host in during summer.
In Canada, Victoria is the 10th least affordable city for hosting. This picturesque city has higher costs, featuring an average food price of £42.46. Wine costs an average of £11.97, and a bottle of beer costs an average of £2.35. Additionally, taxi fares average £1.42 per kilometre. Despite its scenic beauty, Victoria's higher prices make it a more expensive option for hosting home events over summer.
Most and least expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in the US
Tulsa ranks second for the most affordable city to host
Tulsa is the second most affordable city in the US for hosting a BBQ. With an average food cost of £30.68 Tulsa is even cheaper than the top-ranked El Paso, making it extremely budget-friendly for purchasing essential BBQ snacks.
In addition to low food costs, the average price of a bottle of wine is just £8.58, which allows you to enjoy a glass without the hefty price tag. Beer drinkers will be pleased to find that the average price of a beer is only £1.35. With an average taxi fare of just 97p per km, hosting in Tulsa is easy and affordable for guests to travel to and from your backyard event.
El Paso is the most affordable city to host a BBQ
El Paso, Texas, is the most affordable city for hosting a BBQ this summer in the US. The average cost of food is £34.30, offering a budget-friendly option for stocking up on BBQ essentials. The city also boasts an average wine price of £4.33 and an average beer price of £1.35, making it easy to cater to different preferences. Transport costs remain reasonable, with an average taxi price of £1.09 per kilometre.
New York is the least affordable city to host a BBQ
Unsurprisingly, on the other end of the spectrum, New York emerges as the least affordable US city for hosting home get-togethers. With an average food price of £46.01, it’s a considerable increase compared to El Paso. Wine prices in New York are notably high, at £15.60 per bottle, almost four times more expensive than in El Paso.
San Francisco comes in as the second least affordable city to host a BBQ
San Francisco, renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, is second. However, it is expensive when it comes to hosting a summer BBQ. The average food price in San Francisco is £51.93, making it even pricier than New York. Beverages also come at a premium, with average prices of £13.85 for wine and £1.98 for beer. Additionally, a taxi ride home will cost an average of £1.58 per km, adding to your guests' travel expenses.
The most and least expensive US cities for a bottle of wine
The cheapest city for a bottle of wine is El Paso
For wine lovers, El Paso is the cheapest city to visit for a bottle of wine. Whether you live there as a resident or visit, expect to pay just $5.55 for a bottle of wine
The most expensive city for a bottle of wine is in New York
Nearly four times more expensive than El Paso, a bottle of wine in New York will set you back $20.
The most and least expensive US cities for a bottle of beer
The most expensive city for a bottle of beer is Atlanta
Although Atlanta boasts high temperatures up to 32°C in July and August, it has the most expensive beer on average, with a bottle setting residents back by £2.56 on average.
The least expensive city for a bottle of beer is Charlotte, NC
Residents living in Charlotte are in luck - their city lands as the cheapest for a bottle of beer out of the whole of the US, as residents can expect to pay just £1.35.
Most and least expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in the UK
Kingston upon Hull is the most affordable city to host a BBQ
In the UK, Kingston upon Hull emerges as the most affordable city to host a summer BBQ. Here, you can enjoy an average food price of £21.25, making stocking up on BBQ essentials affordable. The average wine price is £6.00, and beer averages at £1.65, providing plenty of choices for treating your guests without breaking the bank. Transport costs remain reasonable, with an average taxi price of £0.75 per kilometre.
Leeds ranks third for most affordable
Leeds is the fifth largest city by population in the UK, and hosting BBQs here is easy on the wallet. With an average food price of £23.59, Leeds is budget-friendly for your BBQ needs. Wine is affordable at £8.00 per bottle, and beer costs just £1.84. Additionally, the average taxi fare is £0.75 per kilometre - affordable and convenient for guests.
Manchester is the least affordable city to host a summer BBQ
Manchester stands as the least affordable UK city for hosting such events. The average food price rises to £31.29, marking almost a 50% increase compared to Kingston upon Hull. Wine prices in Manchester are higher at £8.00, and beer costs average £2.27, contributing to increased expenses for your BBQ refreshments. The average taxi fare in Manchester is £2.30 per kilometre, reflecting higher overall costs for transportation compared to Kingston upon Hull.
Manchester is more expensive than London to host a BBQ
Surprisingly, London, the capital, ranks below Manchester as the second least affordable city for BBQ hosting. The average food price is £32.18, significantly more expensive than many other cities. Wine is priced at £9.00 per bottle, and a bottle of beer will set you back £1.95. Although expensive, both costs are surprisingly cheaper than Manchester. Additionally, the average taxi fare in London is £1.90 per kilometre, making it costly for guests to travel to your event.
Hull is the cheapest city for a bottle of wine
Coming out on top, Hull beats all other cities in the UK for the cheapest bottle of wine. If you want to host a BBQ this summer, expect to pay £6.00 for a bottle of wine.
Least and most expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in Canada
London, in southwestern Ontario, stands out as the most affordable Canadian city for hosting a summer BBQ.
Toronto, Canada's largest city, ranks third on the list of top destinations for hosting a summer gathering.
On the other hand, Victoria tops the list as the priciest spot to host a BBQ this summer in Canada. Food prices average £42.46, significantly higher than in London.
Canada's capital city, Ottawa, ranks third on the list of least affordable cities to host a BBQ.
Least and most expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in Canada
Least and most expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in Australia
Townsville, a vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Queensland, is the perfect spot for a summer BBQ, coming in as the most affordable city in Australia.
Taking the third spot on the list is Newcastle, one of Australia's oldest ports and known for its beautiful beaches. It's also a top spot for hosting your garden get-togethers this summer.
Launceston, Tasmania, ranks as the least affordable city for hosting in Australia. Known for its beautiful landscapes
The iconic city of Sydney ranks as Australia's fourth least affordable city for hosting a BBQ. Renowned for landmarks like Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House,
Least and most expensive cities for hosting a BBQ this summer in Australia
The best date to host a BBQ this summer, revealed
Trying to pick the perfect date for that all-important summer BBQ? Take a look at the best date to host this summer, depending on your location.
The best date to host a BBQ in London is the 11th of August
With the UK’s varying weather, we’ve analysed five years' of weather data to find the best date to host a summer gathering in London. If you’re eager to get the BBQ up and running, we recommend inviting your friends and family over on the 11th of August, as this is when you’ll get an average of 27°C.
New York and LA residents should host a BBQ within a day of each other
The best day for New Yorkers to gather friends and family for a BBQ is the 11th of August, as they’ll see highs of 32°C. On the other side of the country, LA residents should plan to host their BBQ a day later than NY on the 12th of August.
Ottawa residents should host a BBQ on the 20th of August
Ottawa residents will have to wait a bit further in the month than Victoria to get a BBQ with the warmest temperatures. From our data, residents should plan to host a BBQ on the 20th of August, as they’ll be able to see highs of 30 degrees.
Ready to host the ultimate BBQ this summer? We have a range of kitchen styles to improve your cooking experience when hosting a large group of friends or family. Alternatively, pop into one of our local stores, where our expert designers are waiting to help you create your perfect kitchen.
Methodology
We identified the largest populated cities in the EU, the US, Australia, and Canada and created an index to determine the best cities for hosting a summer BBQ.
Using Numbeo, we looked at the average price of food, wine, domestic beer, taxi costs, average sunshine hours, and noise curfew times. We then ranked the cities to identify the best for hosting a BBQ.
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