Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Leiden?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leiden or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Leiden or Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeiden €133Amsterdam €175
The average daily cost (per person) in Leiden is €133, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €175. 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 Leiden and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeiden €78Amsterdam €102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeiden €156Amsterdam €204
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Amsterdam? 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: Leiden Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leiden €26Amsterdam €20
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City - Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $44
- Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $67
- Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $135
- Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $139
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Amsterdam Airport (AMS) - Amsterdam City: $108
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $312
- Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $145
- Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
- Private transfer between Rotterdam - Amsterdam (incl. Schiphol airport) : $170
- Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Leiden 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 dayLeiden €39Amsterdam €43
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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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 (Tip Based): $5.46
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leiden €17Amsterdam €37
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: $7.62
- Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.69
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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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:
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
- Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
- 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $20
- 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $22
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $164
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $43
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
- 2-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $131
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeiden €26Amsterdam €24
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Leiden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leiden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leiden 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 Leiden.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leiden Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leiden or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Amsterdam, 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 Leiden or Amsterdam?
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 Leiden or Amsterdam in the Summer?
Both Amsterdam and Leiden during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Leiden is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leiden. In the summer, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeiden 17°C (62°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Leiden or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Amsterdam. Furthermore, 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.
Leiden is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeiden 11°C (51°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leiden or Amsterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Leiden is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeiden 2°C (36°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Leiden or Amsterdam in the Spring?
Both Amsterdam and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Leiden is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeiden 8°C (46°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Leiden
| Leiden | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.