A new report reveals that Margate, a famous seaside town in Kent, offers the most affordable pints among the UK’s coastal vacation spots.
Despite its location in the expensive South East, Margate has emerged as a surprising leader in budget-friendly beer, with an average pint costing just £3.18, according to data from Compare the Market.

This finding is notable given Margate’s reputation as a trendy destination. The town has recently been recognized as the “trendiest” in the UK and the “eighth coolest neighbourhood in the world.” However, it maintains its low beer prices, outperforming other well-known seaside towns like New Biggin, Redcar, and Blackpool.

Margate’s affordable pint prices place it second overall on Compare the Market’s list of the cheapest seaside locations for a day out, just behind Lowestoft in Suffolk, where the average pint costs £5.45.

Southend-on-Sea, another popular spot, trails with an average pint price of £3.98, placing it 12th in the rankings.
In addition to its low beer prices, Margate excels in other categories. The average cost of a meal out is £7.50, and a cup of coffee is cheaper than in 10 of the top 15 seaside locations.
Compare the Market highlighted Margate’s affordability, noting that a pint is 61% cheaper than the national average. The town also boasts an impressive 10.1 hours of sunlight daily during the summer, more than any other UK seaside town.

Further research by Numbeo, the world’s largest cost-of-living database, confirms Margate’s economical beer prices compared to cities nationwide. Coventry, which tops the list for cheapest pints in cities, has an average beer cost of £3.45, 27p higher than Margate’s average.

Additionally, Margate’s beach ranks third most popular in the UK, with over 27,000 monthly Google searches. Only Bournemouth and Brighton attract more online interest.
In summary, Margate stands out for its low beer prices and offers value in dining, coffee, and sunshine, making it an appealing choice for affordable getaways and day trips.