Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Rotterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rotterdam or Leiden?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Leiden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Leiden?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam €152Leiden €133
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Leiden is €133. 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 Rotterdam and Leiden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam €77Leiden €78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam €154Leiden €156
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Leiden
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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.
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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam €26Leiden €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $146
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $80
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $82
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $166
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $164
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $164
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
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: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Leiden?
Prices for flights to both Leiden and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam €54Leiden €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $42
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $119
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $152
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $271
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rotterdam €32Leiden €17
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $96
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
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!: $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: $7.55
- Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $319
- Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $41
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
- Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.59
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Walking City Tour with Live guide: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRotterdam €19Leiden €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $7.99
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $7.99
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
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 comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Leiden, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Leiden?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Leiden in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Leiden. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)Leiden 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)Leiden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Winter?
Both Leiden and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)Leiden 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Spring?
Both Leiden and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.
Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)Leiden 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Leiden and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | Leiden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.