A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rotterdam vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rotterdam or Podgorica?

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 Podgorica. 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 Podgorica?

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.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Rotterdam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam or Podgorica? 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 Rotterdam


Hotels in Podgorica


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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $38
  • Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Rotterdam hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $66
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
  • Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Private transfer from Podgorica Airport or city to Tirana Airport: $274
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $263
  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $252
  • Tivat to Podgorica one way transfer: $210
  • Kotor to Podgorica one way transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $156
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat Airport (TIV): $136
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $109
  • Private transfer from Airport Podgorica and city to Kotor: $109
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rotterdam 54
    Podgorica 41

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: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
  • 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: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Podgorica 21

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • Hightlights City Centre Walking Tour: $1.08
  • 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rotterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.27
  • Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.31
  • Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Dordrecht: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.31
  • Rotterdam Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.65

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $335
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $196
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $241
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $157
  • Bjelasica – Troglava – Zekova glava - Hiking Tour: $260
  • Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $281
  • Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $226
  • Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $180
  • Durmitor mountain - Glacial lakes - Montenegro hiking tours: $208

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rotterdam 19
    Podgorica 20

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: $8.07
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $78
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
  • Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Podgorica, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam than you might in Podgorica.

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


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Podgorica?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Podgorica in the Summer?

Both Podgorica and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Podgorica averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Podgorica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Podgorica. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Podgorica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Podgorica. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Rotterdam is much colder than Podgorica in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Podgorica fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Podgorica in the Spring?

Both Podgorica and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Podgorica averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In April, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)