Which city is cheaper, Dusseldorf or Cologne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Cologne vs. Dusseldorf for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Cologne or Dusseldorf?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cologne or Dusseldorf? 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: Cologne or Dusseldorf?
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a city in western Germany divided by the Rhine River, with its Altstadt (Old Town) on the east bank and modern commercial areas to the west. Dusseldorf is a university town and a center of art and fashion. This old electoral capital is also a city of wide streets lined by elegant shops, with a ring of parks and gardens encircling its vibrant downtown area. As an important cultural center, Dusseldorf has dozens of museums and in excess of 100 art galleries encompassing everything from internationally renowned facilities, such as the impressive Art Collection North Rhine-Westphalia, to the smaller installations found in the city's trendy Konigsallee area. In the Altstadt, St. Lambertus Church and Schlossturm (Castle Tower) both date to the 13th century. Dusseldorf impresses with boundary-pushing architecture, lively nightlife, and an art scene to rival many higher-profile cities. It's a posh and modern city that likes to have a good time with bar-hopping around the Altstadt, the historical quarter along the Rhine. These tourist attractions, along with the city's location on the Rhine and its numerous wide squares and wonderful riverside walkways, make it a particularly pleasant place to spend time.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCologne €126Dusseldorf €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €126, while the average daily cost in Dusseldorf is €135. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cologne and Dusseldorf in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCologne €70Dusseldorf €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCologne €140Dusseldorf €148
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Dusseldorf
Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Dusseldorf? 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: Cologne Hotel Prices and Dusseldorf Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cologne €15Dusseldorf €1.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne City - Business Car: $73
- Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City by Luxury Van: $87
- Private Transfer to/from Cologne Airport (CGN): $70
- Departure Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne by Business Car: $73
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $69
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Düsseldorf International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $201
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Eindhoven Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $243
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Frankfurt am Main International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $540
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Mönchengladbach Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $192
- Luxury Car Arrival Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City: $98
- Luxury Car Private Departure Transfer: Cologne city to Cologne-Bonn Airport: $98
- Luxury Van Private Departure Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dusseldorf
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dusseldorf:
- Arrival Private Transfer Dusseldorf Airport DUS to Dusseldorf City by Minivan: $57
- Arrival Private Transfer Dusseldorf Airport DUS to Dusseldorf City by Sedan Car: $47
- Arrival Private Transfer Dusseldorf DUS Airport to Dusseldorf City by Luxury Van: $62
- Arrival Private Transfer from Dusseldorf Train Station or Port by Business Car: $52
- Arrival Private Transfer: Dusseldorf DUS Airport to City by Business Car: $52
- Departure Private Business Transfer Dusseldorf to Train Station or Cruise Port: $52
- Departure Private Transfer Dusseldorf City to Dusseldorf Airport by Business Car: $52
- Departure Private Transfer Dusseldorf City to Dusseldorf Airport by Luxury Van: $62
- Departure Private Transfer Dusseldorf to Dusseldorf Train or Port by Luxury Car: $168
- Departure Private Transfer Dusseldorf to Dusseldorf Train or Port by Luxury Van: $124
- Departure Private Transfer from Dusseldorf City to DUS Airport by Minivan: $78
- Departure Private Transfer from Dusseldorf City to DUS Airport by Sedan Car: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Dusseldorf?
Prices for flights to both Dusseldorf and Cologne 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 dayCologne €40Dusseldorf €54
Typical Food prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Traveling Spoon French Quiche Private Online Cooking Class: $27
- Private Gourmet Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $129
- Private Market Tour and Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $183
Typical Food prices in Dusseldorf
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dusseldorf:
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Salami€1.99
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Nutella€1.00
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Yogurt€1.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cologne €16Dusseldorf €20
Tours and Activities in Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- English guided tour (other languages offered): $6.22
- 1-hour Rhine River Panorama Cruise: $12
- Entertaining History Tour: $12
- Tour in German - West to East from Rudolfplatz: $12
- Tour of Germany's Oldest Metropolis (in German): $14
- Historical Crime Tour in German: $14
- Guided Tour of the Melaten Cemetery: $14
- Guided Highlights Tour with a Local: $14
- Melaten Cemetery Tour in German: $14
- 2000 Years of Sex & Crime City Tour (in German): $14
- 90-Minute Tour in German from Cathedral to Old Town: $15
- Cologne Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $15
Tours and Activities in Dusseldorf
Here are a few actual costs in Dusseldorf for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Düsseldorf: 1-hour Panorama Rhine River Cruise: $12
- Düsseldorf Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $15
- Düsseldorf Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise: $30
- Discover Dusseldorf in 60 Minutes with a Local - Walking Tour: $34
- Dusseldorf’s Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide: $41
- Shopping tour- Roermond Outlet: $46
- Shopping tour - Maasmechelen Village Belgium: $46
- Best Intro Tour of Dusseldorf with a Local: $61
- Düsseldorf Segway Tour: Classical City Experience: $86
- Düsseldorf Segway Tour: Rhine River Experience: $92
- 2 Hour Segway Tour in Dusseldorf: $92
- Dusseldorf Private Walking Tour: $185
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCologne €18Dusseldorf €19
Typical Alcohol prices in Dusseldorf
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Dusseldorf are as follows:
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Night Out Drinking€25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dusseldorf
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dusseldorf:
- Brewery Tour Düsseldorf in English (inc. 4 beer): $30
- 4-Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Dusseldorf including Drinks: $33
When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf 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.
When is the best time to visit Cologne or Dusseldorf?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cologne or Dusseldorf in the Summer?
Both Dusseldorf and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Cologne is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July are around 19°C (66°F), and Dusseldorf is about 19°C (66°F).
Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCologne 19°C (66°F)Dusseldorf 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?
Both Dusseldorf and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Dusseldorf stays around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCologne 12°C (54°F)Dusseldorf 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Dusseldorf in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Dusseldorf.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. Cologne is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the winter. The temperature in Cologne is usually 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dusseldorf stays around 3°C (37°F).
Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCologne 3°C (37°F)Dusseldorf 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Cologne or Dusseldorf in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Dusseldorf.
In the spring, Cologne is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April are around 10°C (50°F), and Dusseldorf is about 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dusseldorf. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCologne 10°C (50°F)Dusseldorf 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Cologne
| Cologne | Dusseldorf | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
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