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

Should you visit Leiden or Paris?

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

Where Should I go: Leiden or Paris?

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.

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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, Paris 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 Paris is €232. 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 Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Paris 151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Paris 302
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Paris? 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 Paris


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 Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Paris 21

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: $94

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • transfer from CDG/ORLY airport to Paris ,multilingual driver: $42
  • Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,280
  • Versailles Round-Trip Transfers: Multiple Departures: $53
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Luxury Van: $208
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris in Van: $188
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Sedan: $198
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris HTL-APT (CDG): $121
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris APT-HTL (CDG): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly HTL-APT (ORY): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly APT-HTL (ORY): $104
  • Transfert Privé Aéroport Charles de Gaulle vers Paris: $96
  • Transfer private vehicle from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to 94300 Vincennes: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris 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
    Paris 41

Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $50
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $68
  • Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $69
  • Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $76
  • 3-Hour Dinner Cruise on Seine River and Saint-Martin Canal: $76
  • Paris Food Tour: $76
  • Seine River Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Paris 77

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: $27
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $28
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $165
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $6.12
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $274
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $270
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $42
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $33
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $14
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.77
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $75

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • 2-Hour Walking Tour About French Revolution : $43
  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $209
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $49
  • Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
  • Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $11
  • Paris Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $269
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $83
  • Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour: $131
  • Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $68
  • Île de la Cité - Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Tour Private Tour: $177
  • Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Seine River Cruise: Private Tour: $155
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $201

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Paris 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: $22
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl: Meet, Drink & Party (With Club Entry): $14
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $17
  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl: Meet, Drink & Party (With Club Entry): $17
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $26
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $32
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
  • Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $40
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $50
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Leiden or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Paris. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leiden is cooler than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Paris. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Paris 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Paris. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In October, Leiden is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 11°C (51°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Paris 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in Leiden in the winter. Leiden is much colder than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

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

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Paris. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Paris 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leiden is cooler than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Paris. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Paris 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Paris and Leiden

Leiden Paris
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)