As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’m here to help backpackers like you make informed decisions about your next European adventure. Let’s compare Padua, Italy, and Rotterdam, Netherlands, based on real-world cost estimates and common backpacking experiences.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Padua generally offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to Rotterdam.

• Padua Daily Budget (Estimated): A backpacker can typically expect to spend between €33 and €56 per day. This includes:
  • Accommodation (hostel bed): €18-28 per night
  • Food (budget meals, some self-catering): €10-20 per day
  • Local Transport: €5-8 per day
• Rotterdam Daily Budget (Estimated): Daily expenses in Rotterdam tend to be higher, ranging from €44 to €65 per day. This typically includes:
  • Accommodation (hostel bed): €22-30 per night
  • Food (budget meals, self-catering): €15-25 per day (Note: Reaching the €10-20 range here would require strict self-catering)
  • Local Transport: €7-10 per day

While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, Rotterdam can push slightly above this for a more comfortable experience. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices for both accommodation and flights compared to the busy summer months.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel prices generally align with the overall cost of living in each city, typically falling within the €15-30/night range.

• Padua: Expect hostel dorm beds to cost approximately €18-28 per night. Padua’s vibrant university town atmosphere supports a good number of affordable options.
• Rotterdam: Hostel dorm beds typically range from €22-30 per night. While still within the general European backpacker range, Rotterdam’s modern amenities and higher cost of living often place it at the upper end. Booking in advance is recommended for both cities, especially during peak seasons.

What Are the Food & Drink Expenses?

Food is a significant factor in a backpacker’s budget, with noticeable differences between these two cities.

• Padua: A budget of €10-20 per day for food is achievable by utilizing supermarkets, grabbing affordable pizza slices or paninis, and enjoying student-friendly eateries. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in European cities, and Padua has many options fitting this range.
• Rotterdam: Expect food expenses to be slightly higher, with a realistic budget of €15-25 per day for similar budget-conscious choices. While €10-20 per day is possible if strictly self-catering, meals at budget restaurants or takeaways often start around €10-20. Self-catering from supermarkets is key for saving money in both locations.

How Much Is Local Transportation?

Both cities are walkable, but public transport is efficient for longer distances, with costs typically €5-10/day.

• Padua: Daily local transport costs, using buses or the tram, are estimated at €5-8 per day. Many central attractions are within walking distance, reducing the need for daily transport.
• Rotterdam: Public transport, including metro, tram, and bus, typically costs €7-10 per day. Rotterdam’s modern, spread-out urban design makes public transport more essential for covering ground.

Are There Free Amenities & Activities?

Both Padua and Rotterdam offer a range of free activities to help stretch your budget.

• Padua: Enjoy walking through the historic center, visiting the Prato della Valle (one of Europe’s largest squares), exploring the university area, and admiring street art. Many churches are free to enter.
• Rotterdam: Explore the impressive modern architecture, walk across the Erasmus Bridge, visit the Cube Houses’ exterior, enjoy city parks, and browse the Markthal. Utilizing tools like AllInMap can help you discover free public amenities and attractions in both cities.