Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Los Angeles, 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.
Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.
Los Angeles is a dynamic, glamourous, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Amsterdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Amsterdam is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Amsterdam is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Los Angeles is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Los Angeles and Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Los Angeles are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Los Angeles is well known for its theatre productions. However, Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.
Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.
Amsterdam is not a theatre destination.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Los Angeles is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.
Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
Los Angeles is a world class party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Amsterdam or Los Angeles.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
Los Angeles has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.
Los Angeles is well known for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.
Los Angeles is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.
Amsterdam is not a resort destination.
Los Angeles is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Los Angeles has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.
Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Los Angeles are among the best in the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Amsterdam is not a beach destination.
Amsterdam is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.
Known for its hiking, Los Angeles draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.
Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Los Angeles make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.
Los Angeles is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Los Angeles has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.
Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.
Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Los Angeles is a great destination for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.
Amsterdam is not popular with students.
Amsterdam is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.
Amsterdam is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.
For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.
Both Amsterdam and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Los Angeles than Amsterdam. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.
Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Amsterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Amsterdam is a party-oriented city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Los Angeles. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Amsterdam is a historic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
You'll find shopping and museums around the multicultural big city of Los Angeles. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Amsterdam is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
You'll find museums and theater around the dynamic city of Los Angeles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Los Angeles, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is $190, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Los Angeles? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Los Angeles is in North 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 Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Amsterdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Los Angeles Expensive?.
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Los Angeles, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Los Angeles. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Amsterdam is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C).
Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Los Angeles and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In October, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Los Angeles and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Amsterdam is much colder than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
Amsterdam usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Los Angeles. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C).
In April, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Amsterdam | Los Angeles | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |