A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Leiden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aberdeen or Leiden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Aberdeen or Leiden?

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a commercial city on the East coast of Scotland, rich in culture and Medieval history. Known primarily for their oil, gas and fishing industries, Aberdeen combines both quaint accommodations with modern shops and restaurants. This city provides a taste of everything Scottish: from their traditional restaurants, to the architecture dating back over 300 years, and their pristine golf course.

Leiden

Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Aberdeen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aberdeen is £121, while the average daily cost in Leiden is £114. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aberdeen and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aberdeen £65
    Leiden £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aberdeen £130
    Leiden £132
Compare Hotels in Aberdeen and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Aberdeen or Leiden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aberdeen


Hotels in Leiden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aberdeen Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aberdeen £34
    Leiden £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

Also for Leiden, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zero Emission Tesla Taxi Transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Aberdeen or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Aberdeen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aberdeen £35
    Leiden £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aberdeen £19
    Leiden £15

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • 3 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $153
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $76
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $87
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Private Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $144
  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99

Tours and Activities in Leiden

For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $7.57
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
  • The Hidden Stories of Leiden - Self-guided audio tour: $14
  • Self-Guided City Trail Kids Tour in Noordwijk (4-8 years): $21
  • Windmill cruise through Warmond: $21
  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $21
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Sea Tour: $26
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Leiden Tour: $32
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Tour: $32
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aberdeen £3.57
    Leiden £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401

Sample the Local Flavors in Leiden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Leiden:

  • Leiden Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Leiden, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Leiden?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Leiden, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Leiden?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

In July, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in July than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Leiden. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Aberdeen is cooler than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leiden can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Aberdeen is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F) 
    Leiden 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Aberdeen

Aberdeen Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)