With the increasing cost of living squeezing household budgets, many couples are looking for ways to maintain regular quality time together without breaking the bank.
Enter ‘staycations’ – short UK breaks – as the perfect solution, providing all the benefits of a holiday without the expense of international travel.
“Regular breaks together don’t need to break the bank when approached with a bit of planning,” says Richard Edwards, owner of White House Hideaway, which offers secluded log cabins designed specifically for couples in the picturesque Wye Valley. “We’ve calculated how much it would cost couples to have four staycations in the UK each year, and found that they could do so for less than the cost of a takeaway a week!”
To help couples plan for regular quality time together, White House Hideaway analysed Airbnb data from across the UK to calculate the average cost of staycations and determine how much couples would need to save each month to afford four romantic getaways annually.
Their study examined pricing data for two-night weekend stays for two adults across various UK regions throughout the year, calculating both average costs and the monthly savings needed to fund multiple breaks.
Table 1: The Average Cost of a Staycation per Month in the UK
| Month | Average 2-night staycation cost (£) |
| January | 142.92 |
| February | 141.94 |
| March | 123.16 |
| April | 124.38 |
| May | 126.00 |
| June | 125.33 |
| July | 127.89 |
| August | 127.28 |
| September | 124.10 |
| October | 129.39 |
| November | 133.06 |
| December | 141.83 |
Seasonal Variations in Staycation Costs
The average cost of a two-night weekend staycation for two adults in the UK stands at £130.58, according to White House Hideaway’s data. This figure varies throughout the year, with some months offering significantly better value than others.
“March is surprisingly the most affordable month for UK staycations, with an average cost of just £123.16 for a two-night break,” explains Edwards. “This makes early spring an ideal time for couples looking to reconnect without spending too much.”
At the other end of the spectrum, January and December are among the most expensive months, with average costs of £142.92 and £141.83 respectively. February follows closely behind at £141.94, likely due to the Valentine’s Day rush.
“While many assume summer would be the most expensive period, it’s actually the winter months that often come with premium pricing,” notes Edwards. “This is typically due to the popularity of cosy winter retreats and festive getaways.”
Table 2: How Much Couples Would Need to Save Each Month to Afford 4 Staycations a Year
| Average staycation cost | £130.58 |
| Average cost of 4 staycations a year | £522.30 |
| Average saving amount per month | £43.53 |
Making Regular Staycations Affordable
The analysis shows that the average cost of a two-night UK staycation is £130.58. For couples wanting to enjoy four getaways spread throughout the year, this amounts to an annual cost of £522.30.
When broken down into monthly savings, couples would need to set aside just £43.53 per month to fund four romantic breaks per year. This equates to approximately £21.77 per person each month – less than most people spend on a Netflix subscription or takeaway coffees.
“By setting aside less than £22 per person monthly, couples can create a dedicated staycation fund that makes regular breaks together both affordable and stress-free,” says Edwards. “This approach removes the financial barrier that often prevents couples from prioritising quality time together.”
Edwards suggests that couples could maximise their staycation budget by planning trips during more affordable months like March, April, and September, potentially stretching their savings to accommodate additional nights away or upgraded experiences.
Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, commented: “What surprised us most when analysing this data was how achievable regular staycations become when viewed as a monthly saving rather than a lump-sum expense. For less than what many couples spend on a takeaway, they could be setting themselves up for four wonderful weekends away each year.
“The benefits extend far beyond just the financial aspect. Regular shorter breaks throughout the year mean couples can reconnect consistently, rather than placing all that pressure on one annual holiday. It creates multiple opportunities to step away from daily routines and strengthen relationships.
“I’ve seen how transformative these short breaks can be for couples. They arrive stressed and distracted, and within hours of being in a peaceful setting without the usual distractions, you can physically see them relaxing and turning their attention back to each other. That’s something worth saving for, and it’s much more accessible than many people realise.”