Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Rotterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Rotterdam?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Beirut and Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Rotterdam? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Rotterdam $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $161
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $161
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam and Beirut 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
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $0.71Rotterdam $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Rotterdam $34
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
- Best of small-group walking tour: $97
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Rotterdam is in Europe, 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Rotterdam?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Rotterdam, 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 Beirut or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the summer, Beirut is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Rotterdam. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Beirut is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Beirut is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Beirut during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Beirut is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the spring, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rotterdam. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Beirut
| Beirut | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
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.