Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Utrecht?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Utrecht vs. Rotterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Utrecht or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Utrecht or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam?
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUtrecht €189Rotterdam €152
The average daily cost (per person) in Utrecht is €189, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is €152. 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 Utrecht and Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUtrecht €106Rotterdam €77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUtrecht €212Rotterdam €154
Compare Hotels in Utrecht and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Utrecht or Rotterdam? 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: Utrecht Hotel Prices and Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Utrecht €23Rotterdam €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:
- Private transfer: Utrecht Airport (UTC) to Utrecht: $622
- Private transfer: Utrecht to Utrecht Airport (UTC): $622
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Rotterdam Airport to Utrecht City - One Way: $108
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private car transfer from Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) to the Cruise Port: $9.41
- Ultra - Rotterdam Private Airport transfer city centre to Rotterdam Airport RTM: $9.41
- Private car transfer from Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) to the city centre: $9.41
- Private Airport Transfer: from Rotterdam to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): $26
- Private Airport Transfer: Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam: $31
- Private Airport Transfer: Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) to The Hague: $32
- Transfer in Private Car from Rotterdam city to Rotterdam La Haya Airport (RTM): $34
- Transfer in Private Car from Rotterdam La Haya Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam city: $34
- Transfer in private minivan from La Haya Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam city: $43
- Transfer in private minivan from Rotterdam city to La Haya Airport (RTM): $43
- Private Arrival Transfer: Rotterdam Airport to Rotterdam Hotel With Meet And Greet Service: $62
- Round trip transfer in Private Car from-to La Haya Airport-RTM to Rotterdam city: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Utrecht or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 dayUtrecht €58Rotterdam €54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $78
- Food Tour by Bike: $78
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $87
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $100
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $166
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $170
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Utrecht €44Rotterdam €32
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
- Orchid Farm & Giethoorn | Private Tour from Utrecht: $310
- Private Experience in Amsterdam Castle and Keukenhof Flower Park: $310
- Private Tour in Rotterdam and Keukenhof Tulip Gardens: $310
- Private Tour to Giethoorn 'Venice of the North': $235
- Private Tour to Kinderdijk Windmills and Keukenhof Flower Park: $310
- Private Undercover Experience in Utrecht: $37
- Private Walking Tour in Rotterdam and Harbor Cruise: $272
- Private Walking Tour in Utrecht: $123
- Private tour in Utrecht (half a day) by a local!: $243
- Romantic tour in Utrecht: $496
- Self-Guided Sightseeing Tour of Utrecht: $36
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam Private Tour: Old Town & Harbor Exploration Game With Puzzles: $4.96
- Old Town and Harbor Exploration Game & Tour: $7.93
- 1-Day RET Public Transport Ticket: $12
- 1-Hour River Cruise: $15
- River Cruise Rotterdam 60 minutes: $16
- Skip the Line: SS Rotterdam Steam Ship Entrance Ticket: $16
- Skip the Line: SS Rotterdam Exploration Guided Tour: $16
- Wereldmuseum Entry Ticket: $17
- Walking tour Rotterdam: $18
- South Holland: Unlimited 1-Day Public Transport Ticket: $20
- Markthal Tour, Meet & Taste and Rooftop Oldest Skyscraper: $20
- Markthal Tour, Meet & Taste, and Het Witte Huis: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayUtrecht €24Rotterdam €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 Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $11
- Discover 3 Culinary Restaurants in Rotterdam - Self Guided Food & Wine Tour: $128
- Experience 4 restaurants in Rotterdam - Self Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Rotterdam, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Rotterdam.
When is the best time to visit Utrecht or Rotterdam?
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 Utrecht or Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Rotterdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Utrecht is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotterdam stays around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. In the summer, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyUtrecht 17°C (62°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Utrecht or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
Utrecht is around the same temperature as Rotterdam in the autumn. The temperature in Utrecht is usually 11°C (51°F) in October, and Rotterdam stays around 11°C (51°F).
Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberUtrecht 11°C (51°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Utrecht or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Utrecht during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. In the winter, Utrecht is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January are around 2°C (36°F), and Rotterdam is about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryUtrecht 2°C (36°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Utrecht or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Rotterdam. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Utrecht is generally around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotterdam stays around 8°C (46°F).
Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilUtrecht 8°C (46°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Utrecht
| Utrecht | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Related Articles for Utrecht
Related Articles for Rotterdam
Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.More City Comparisons
Utrecht vs. The HagueUtrecht vs. Lisse
Utrecht vs. Leiden
Utrecht vs. Provincie Friesland
Utrecht vs. Delft
Utrecht vs. Amsterdam
The Hague vs. Rotterdam
Rotterdam vs. Lisse
Rotterdam vs. Leiden
Rotterdam vs. Provincie Friesland
Rotterdam vs. Delft
Rotterdam vs. Amsterdam
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.