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

Should you visit Manchester or Leiden?

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 Manchester and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manchester or Leiden?

Manchester

Located in the heart of Northern England, Manchester is the unofficial Capital of the North. Though it dates back as a Roman city, the city boomed in growth during the Industrial Revolution in textiles, and is today one of the most-visited cities in England by overseas travelers.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Leiden is £114. 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 Manchester and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Leiden £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Leiden £132
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Leiden? 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 Manchester


Hotels in Leiden


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Leiden £22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

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


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Worsley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $60
  • Private Transfer from Walkden to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Rochdale to Manchester Airport (MAN): $88
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Todmorden: $113
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stoke on Trent: $115
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockton Heath: $65
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Leiden £33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Leiden £15

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Leiden £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101

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


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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Leiden?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Leiden, 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 Manchester or Leiden?

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 Manchester or Leiden in the Summer?

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

In July, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than Leiden. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Leiden in the Autumn?

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

Manchester is around the same temperature as Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Manchester or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leiden. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Manchester

Manchester Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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