A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Utrecht vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Utrecht or Amsterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Utrecht or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Utrecht or Amsterdam?

Utrecht

Utrecht is a province in the Netherlands, and its capital city happens to be called Utrecht as well. Utrecht is a unique university city (sorry for the tongue twister). Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam does, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Utrecht?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Utrecht is €151, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €138. 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 Utrecht and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Utrecht €85
    Amsterdam €80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Utrecht €170
    Amsterdam €160
Compare Hotels in Utrecht and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Utrecht or Amsterdam? 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 Utrecht


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Utrecht Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Utrecht €18
    Amsterdam €16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Utrecht City - One Way: $100
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Lelystad Airport to Utrecht City - One Way: $92
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Rotterdam Airport to Utrecht City - One Way: $108
  • Private transfer: Utrecht Airport (UTC) to Utrecht: $622
  • Private transfer: Utrecht to Utrecht Airport (UTC): $622

Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    €3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    €15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    €10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    €2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    €3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre: $9.55
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: $9.55
  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $9.55
  • Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
  • Private Airport Transfer from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): $32
  • Private Transfer from PTA Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport: $34
  • Premium Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Airport: $35
  • Private Amsterdam Airport departure Transfer: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Zaanse Schans: $40
  • Amsterdam local transfers: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Utrecht or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Utrecht 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
    Utrecht €46
    Amsterdam €35

Typical Food prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    €6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal: $23
  • Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise: $40
  • Three course lunch/dinner voucher: $42
  • Walking Food Tour: $43
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $48
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local: $50
  • Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam: $62
  • Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river: $62
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock CafĂ©: $63
  • Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam: $73
  • Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Utrecht €35
    Amsterdam €30

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

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

  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: Explore the old city on an audio walking tour: $5.20
  • Utrecht Private Tour: City Center Mystery Exploration Game: $5.65
  • Monster Mystery Exploration Game and Tour: $7.93
  • De Haar Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $7.94
  • Museum Speelklok Entry Ticket: $16
  • City Canal Cruise: $16
  • National Railway Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • De Haar Castle and Park Entrance Ticket: $20
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Tour of Utrecht: $36
  • Private Undercover Experience in Utrecht: $37
  • Touristic highlights of Utrecht on a Half Day (4 Hours) Private Tour: $100
  • Private Walking Tour in Utrecht: $123

Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    €6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    €17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A tasty stroll through Pijp: An audio tour of some of Amsterdam great food spots: $5.00
  • An Amsterdam introduction: Explore the origins of Amsterdam on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots Cycling Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
  • Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Amsterdam Private Tour: Red Light District Exploration Game: $5.65
  • Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights: $5.67
  • The Red Light District self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights: $7.45
  • Absolutely Tip-Based Walking Tour With Super Local Guide (2,5 Hours): $8.09
  • Red Light District 1-hour Smartphone Audio Tour: $9.06
  • Amsterdam Red Light District: A Walking Audio Tour on your Phone (1hour): $9.94
  • Silent Disco Club Experience: $9.95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Utrecht €19
    Amsterdam €19

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Culinary lunch in Utrecht - SELF GUIDED FOOD & WINE TOUR: $102
  • Discover 3 restaurants in Utrecht - SELF GUIDED FOOD & WINE TOUR: $128
  • Experience 4 gastronomic restaurants in Utrecht - SELF GUIDED FOOD & WINE TOUR: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Amsterdam Bar Crawl: $27
  • Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl: $31
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour: $61
  • Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings: $67
  • 4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour: $81
  • High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $102
  • Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars: $106
  • Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour: $129
  • Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
  • Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl: $488

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Utrecht and Amsterdam, we can see that Utrecht 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.


When is the best time to visit Utrecht or Amsterdam?

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 Utrecht or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Utrecht is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Utrecht in July are around 17°C (62°F), and Amsterdam is about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Utrecht or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Utrecht is generally around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Temperatures in Utrecht average around 11°C (51°F), and Amsterdam stays around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amsterdam. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Utrecht or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Utrecht can be very cold during winter. Utrecht is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the winter. The temperature in Utrecht is usually 2°C (36°F) in January, and Amsterdam stays around 2°C (36°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Utrecht or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the spring, Utrecht is around the same temperature as Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Utrecht in April are around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam is about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Utrecht

Utrecht Amsterdam
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)


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Utrecht vs. Amsterdam Travel Comparison

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