New Study: The price of sex work across the UK

Erobella, Europe’s fastest growing erotic portal, has compared sex work pricing data from over 80 cities in the UK, analysing thousands of profiles from its platform. 

It has found that the average price for one hour of service is £161.77, but notable regional variations exist. 

It’s important to clarify that these prices reflect services offered by independent escorts advertising on Erobella. Prices for other types of services, such as street work, may differ.

Top 5 most expensive cities for sex work in the UK

1. London: As the nation’s capital, it’s no surprise that London tops the list. With an average hourly rate of £208, prices in London are 28% above the national average. Outcall services in London push these prices even higher, averaging £289 per hour.
2. Edinburgh: The Scottish capital comes in second, with an average hourly rate of £192. Like London, outcall services in Edinburgh are more expensive, averaging £229 per hour.
3. Lincoln: This city surprises with an average hourly rate of £181, with outcall prices reaching £227 per hour, making it one of the more expensive areas in the country for sex work.
4. York: Known for its historic charm, York also boasts higher-than-average sex work rates at £166 per hour.
5. Carlisle: Rounding out the top five, Carlisle sees an average hourly rate of £165, demonstrating a regional trend of higher prices in Northern cities.

Cities where sex work is more affordable

On the other end of the spectrum, cities such as Bradford, Harrow, and Romford offer some of the most affordable sex work services in the UK. The average hourly rates in these cities are significantly lower than the national average:

• Bradford: £104 per hour
• Harrow: £103 per hour
• Romford: £109 per hour

Gender and pricing

Erobella has also disaggregated its pricing data by gender, leading to some interesting insights:

• Male escorts charge £107 per hour on average, 32% cheaper than their female colleagues.
• Female escorts in the UK charge £156 per hour on average.
• Transsexual escorts are the most expensive; their hourly cost averages £209, implying strong demand for specialized services.

Pricing disparities based on nationality

Erobella has also looked at how pricing varies depending on the nationality of escorts working in the UK. 

The highest rates are charged by workers from nations like Argentina and Russia, who make an average of £285 and £306 per hour, respectively. In contrast, the average hourly rate for UK sex workers is just £163.

A few more noteworthy nationalities and their typical hourly wages are shown below:

• Brazil: £220 per hour
• Ireland: £208 per hour
• France: £195 per hour
• Germany: £179 per hour

These numbers demonstrate how costs differ depending on the sex worker’s nationality as well as their current working location, with certain nationalities fetching significantly higher rates.

Relationship between price and location

Sex work pricing seems to be directly correlated with the size and economic standing of a city. The average price is higher in larger, wealthier cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and London. Additionally, there are more outcall services in these cities, which are invariably more costly than incall services. On the other hand, costs are generally lower in cities and towns such as Bradford and Middlesbrough, broadly correlating with lower GDP per capita figures.

Summary

The 2024 Sex Work Pricing Index aims to shed light on an industry shrouded by tabboos. Understanding the economic realities and the lived experiences of sex workers in Germany is crucial for gaining insights into their working conditions and making sustainable improvements.

Ola Miedzynska, Chief Impact Officer at Erobella, summarizes the findings of the 2024 Sex Work Pricing Index: “The stable demand for sexual services and the general financial satisfaction of most sex workers suggest a significant balance between supply and demand in the industry.“

By making these findings public, Erobella aims to promote transparency and understanding within the adult industry, helping to break down stigmas and provide reliable data for all stakeholders.