Which city is cheaper, Cologne or Potsdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Cologne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Potsdam or Cologne?
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 Potsdam and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Potsdam or Cologne?
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPotsdam €89Cologne €126
The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €89, while the average daily cost in Cologne is €126. 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 Potsdam and Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPotsdam €48Cologne €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPotsdam €96Cologne €140
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Cologne? 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: Potsdam Hotel Prices and Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Potsdam €22Cologne €15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $198
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Potsdam Private Transfer: $172
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $198
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Berlin-Schönefeld International Airport to Potsdam City - One Way: $108
- Private Business Transfer from Hotel in Potsdam to Schönefeld Airport (SXF): $70
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $182
- Round Trip Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $146
- Round Trip Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne City - Business Car: $73
- Arrival Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City by Luxury Van: $87
- Private Transfer to/from Cologne Airport (CGN): $70
- Departure Private Transfer Cologne-Bonn Airport CGN to Cologne by Business Car: $73
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Cologne Bonn Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $69
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Düsseldorf International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $201
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Eindhoven Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $243
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Frankfurt am Main International Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $540
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Mönchengladbach Airport to Cologne City - One Way: $192
- Luxury Car Arrival Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport to Cologne City: $98
- Luxury Car Private Departure Transfer: Cologne city to Cologne-Bonn Airport: $98
- Luxury Van Private Departure Transfer: Cologne-Bonn Airport: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne and Potsdam 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 dayPotsdam €25Cologne €40
Typical Food prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Traveling Spoon French Quiche Private Online Cooking Class: $27
- Private Gourmet Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $129
- Private Market Tour and Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking Class in the Heart of Cologne: $183
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Potsdam €20Cologne €16
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Villa Schöningen Entrance Ticket: $10
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $26
- Berlin: Red Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus with Boat Option: $27
- Berlin: Private Tour with Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems: $69
- Berlin: Sightseeing Tour in a Mini Hotrod: $87
- Private Tour: Discover the Amazing History of Babelsberg Park: $123
- Private Potsdam Tour - In the Forbidden City: $173
- Potsdam Private Walking Tour: $184
- Private Soviet History Walking Tour: $202
- Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Potsdam and Sanssouci: $210
- Private Walking Tour of Soviet Potsdam through Red Potsdam: $229
Tours and Activities in Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- English guided tour (other languages offered): $6.22
- 1-hour Rhine River Panorama Cruise: $12
- Entertaining History Tour: $12
- Tour in German - West to East from Rudolfplatz: $12
- Tour of Germany's Oldest Metropolis (in German): $14
- Historical Crime Tour in German: $14
- Guided Tour of the Melaten Cemetery: $14
- Guided Highlights Tour with a Local: $14
- Melaten Cemetery Tour in German: $14
- 2000 Years of Sex & Crime City Tour (in German): $14
- 90-Minute Tour in German from Cathedral to Old Town: $15
- Cologne Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPotsdam €5.36Cologne €18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne than you might in Potsdam.
When is the best time to visit Potsdam or Cologne?
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 Potsdam or Cologne in the Summer?
Both Cologne and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July are around 19°C (66°F), and Cologne is about 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Cologne. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPotsdam 19°C (66°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Cologne in the Autumn?
Both Cologne and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Potsdam is generally cooler than Cologne. Temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Cologne stays around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPotsdam 10°C (51°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Cologne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Cologne.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. Potsdam is much colder than Cologne in the winter. The temperature in Potsdam is usually -0°C (31°F) in January, and Cologne stays around 3°C (37°F).
Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Cologne. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPotsdam -0°C (31°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Cologne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Cologne.
In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April are around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne is about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.
Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPotsdam 9°C (48°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Potsdam
| Potsdam | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
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