Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Leiden?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Leiden vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeiden €107Amsterdam €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Leiden is €107, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €138. 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 Leiden and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeiden €62Amsterdam €80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeiden €124Amsterdam €160
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 €21Amsterdam €16
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 Local Transfer inside Amsterdam: $81
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $61
- Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre: $9.55
- Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $9.55
- Ultra - Amsterdam Private Airport Transfer City Center to Schiphol Airport AMS: $73
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport: $34
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Amsterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $46
- Taxi Transfer from cruise port terminal in Amsterdam to hotel in Amsterdam: $56
- Schiphol Airport Transfer - Amsterdam City Center: $135
- Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $104
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam: $101
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 €31Amsterdam €35
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.
- Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal: $23
- Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise: $40
- Three course lunch/dinner voucher: $42
- Walking Food Tour: $43
- 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $48
- Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local: $50
- Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam: $62
- Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river: $62
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $63
- Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour: $69
- Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam: $73
- Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leiden €14Amsterdam €30
Tours and Activities in Leiden
For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- American Revolution in Leiden Walking Tour: $19
- Cruise around Amsterdam Lakes: $24
- Leiden Lake District (Merenwijk) walking tour: $31
- Leiden Private Tour and Canal Cruise: $150
- Leiden Ancient and Medieval History: Private Tour with Art Historian: $366
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:
- 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $87
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $174
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a Local: $41
- 1.5-hour Amsterdam Bubbly Bike tour: $757
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $81
- 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $162
- 2-Day Nightclub Admission Ticket: Best Nightlife in Amsterdam: $13
- 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $162
- 2-Hour Private Custom Amsterdam Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $70
- 2-Hour Semi Private All-Inclusive Cruise on our Boutique Style boats: $79
- 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $249
- 2.5-Hour Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: $204
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeiden €21Amsterdam €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
- Amsterdam Bar Crawl: $27
- Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl: $31
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour: $61
- Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings: $67
- 4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour: $81
- High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $102
- Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars: $106
- Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour: $129
- Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
- Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl: $488
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.
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. Temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Amsterdam stays 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 temperature in Leiden is usually 11°C (51°F) in October, and Amsterdam stays 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 are around 2°C (36°F), and Amsterdam is 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. Temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam stays 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) |
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