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

Should you visit Leiden or Frankfurt?

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

Where Should I go: Leiden or Frankfurt?

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.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is €122. 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 Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Frankfurt? 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 Frankfurt


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Frankfurt 25

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 Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Van: $76
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Sedan Car: $72
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Frankfurt 36

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 Frankfurt

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

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Frankfurt 30

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Frankfurt, we can see that Leiden 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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leiden Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leiden or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Leiden is cooler than Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Leiden is around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Frankfurt. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In January, Leiden is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Frankfurt. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months.

Leiden is cooler than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Frankfurt. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Leiden

Leiden Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)