Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Amsterdam or Cusco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Cusco, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Cusco?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Cusco
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.
-
Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesCusco Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €211Cusco €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in Cusco is €57. 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 Amsterdam and Cusco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Cusco €22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Cusco €44
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Cusco
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Cusco? 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.
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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Cusco €9.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram€3.20
-
Renting a Bike€15
-
One Hour Canal Cruise€10
-
Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.37
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $16
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Amsterdam: $22
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $33
- Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $47
- Amsterdam Airport Transfers, City Transfers and Disposal Services: $53
- Private Airport Transfer Amsterdam Airport to or from Amsterdam: $54
- From Keukenhof Ticket, Transfer & Live Guide Option: $58
- Amsterdam local transfers: $61
- Private Taxi Airport Transfer to or from Schiphol Airport (AMS): $64
- Private Transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to City Hotel: $69
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) Private Transfer to Amsterdam: $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:
-
Taxi Ride€1.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:
- Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
- Assistance & Transfers Included | Hassle-free service in Cusco: $30
- Cusco Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer: $19
- Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $9.50
- Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $15
- Cusco Airport Pickup and Transfer: $9.00
- Cusco Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer: $30
- Cusco Airport to hotel Transfer: Fast, Reliable Drop-Off: $12
- Cusco Private Airport Transfer Arrival Departure or Round Trip: $15
- Cusco Private Transfer to Poroy Railway Station: $15
- Alpaca and Llama Farm Tour with Transfer & Weaving Demo: $34
- Full Day Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco with Hotel Transfer: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Cusco?
Prices for flights to both Cusco and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €80Cusco €21
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $37
- Romantic Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $49
- Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $58
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $70
- Taste Your Way Around Amsterdam Food Tour: $75
- Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $88
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $90
- Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $92
- NEW Amsterdam Breakfast Food Tour with Stroopwafel Workshop: $93
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $104
Typical Food Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:
-
Sandwich€2.06
-
Mango€0.52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.
- Short Peruvian Cooking Class by Pete: $30
- Cusco Billingual Cooking Class at 6pm: $40
- Market-to-Table Peruvian Cooking Class and Cocktail in Cusco: $52
- Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $54
- 3hr Cooking Class in Cusco with 7 traditional recipes & drinks: $55
- High-End Peruvian Cooking Class, Pisco Sour & San Pedro Market: $57
- Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco: $65
- Cooking Class in Ollantaytambo: $68
- Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $69
- Best Cusco walking tour: dinner street food tasting: $74
- Cusco Authentic Food Tour with 9 Locals Favorites Tastings: $76
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €36Cusco €28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.49
- Alternative Tour Amsterdam | Drugs Story, Street Art & More: $3.49
- Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
- Amsterdam Introductory Walking Tour with a Local: $3.49
- Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.50
- Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam with storyteller: $3.50
- Amsterdam All In One Tour Walking Tour: $3.50
- Amsterdam Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.08
- Self Guided Tour of A City of Trade and Tolerance: $5.24
- Museumkwartier Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.24
- A tasty stroll through Pijp: A self-guided audio tour: $5.75
- Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:
-
Salsa Class€2.58
Tours and Activities in Cusco
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:
- Half Day Walking Tour of Cusco: $5.00
- Cultural & Historic Walking Tour with Local Drinks: $10
- Half-Day Cusco City Tour – Explore History, Culture & Inca Ruins: $12
- City Tour - Lugares destacado en Cusco + Experiencia Fotográfica: $12
- Half Day City Tour in Cusco: $12
- Historic Walking Tour with Pisco Sour and Local Music: $14
- City tour in Cusco.: $14
- Cusco Open Bus Tour: $14
- Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo: $14
- Explore Cusco Highlights in a Walking Tour: $15
- Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo: $15
- Cusco City Tour: 4-Hour Tour to Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Cusco €9.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $16
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $99
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $102
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco
Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience: $22
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Cusco, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Cusco is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Cusco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Cusco?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Cusco, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.