A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leiden vs. Annecy for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leiden or Annecy?

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 Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Leiden or Annecy?

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.

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Leiden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leiden is €133, while the average daily cost in Annecy is €178. 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 Annecy in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Annecy 92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Annecy 184
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Annecy

Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Annecy? 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.

Hotels in Leiden


Hotels in Annecy


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 Annecy Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Annecy 37

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295
  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Annecy?

Prices for flights to both Annecy 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Leiden 39
    Annecy 58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Annecy 41

Tours and Activities in Leiden

For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $21
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $163
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $7.57
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $320
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $41
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Walking City Tour with Live guide: $32

Tours and Activities in Annecy

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.

  • ANNECY | Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center: $191
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $334
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Annecy 34

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 Annecy

Also in Annecy, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leiden or Annecy?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

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 Leiden or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Annecy. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Annecy. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Annecy 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Annecy. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Leiden is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Annecy 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In the winter, Leiden is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Annecy. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Annecy 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Leiden is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Annecy 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Annecy and Leiden

Leiden Annecy
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)


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