As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is France: a mid-range day costs about $170 there, against $173 in the other (Netherlands), a gap of 1.8%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is France (+5.8% after inflation, against +5.1%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | France | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $170 | $173 |
| Lean day | $80 | $82 |
| Comfortable day | $381 | $377 |
| Real change, 12 months | +5.8% | +5.1% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | +3.4% | −0.9% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.9 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 55 | 53 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | Apr, May, Jun, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Oct | Mar, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Paris is a splurge. Provincial France is one of Europe's quieter bargains.
The catchParis and the Riviera hotel rates are among Europe's highest, and strikes can stop trains with little notice.
A small, flat, superbly run country with the most expensive beds in mainland Europe.
The catchAmsterdam hotel rates and tourist taxes are among the highest in Europe. Staying in Utrecht, Haarlem or Rotterdam cuts the bill sharply.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.