Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Aberdeen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aberdeen or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Aberdeen or Leuven? 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: Aberdeen or Leuven?
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a commercial city on the East coast of Scotland, rich in culture and Medieval history. Known primarily for their oil, gas and fishing industries, Aberdeen combines both quaint accommodations with modern shops and restaurants. This city provides a taste of everything Scottish: from their traditional restaurants, to the architecture dating back over 300 years, and their pristine golf course.
Leuven
Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAberdeen £121Leuven £150
The average daily cost (per person) in Aberdeen is £121, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £150. 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 Aberdeen and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAberdeen £65Leuven £78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAberdeen £130Leuven £156
Compare Hotels in Aberdeen and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Aberdeen or Leuven? 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: Aberdeen Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aberdeen £34Leuven £52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:
- Aberdeen Airport to Lecht Ski Resort-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Aberdeen Airport(ABZ) to Stonehaven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $113
- Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $187
- Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ) to Glasgow hotels - RoundTrip Transfer: $249
- Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $51
- Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $25
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to City hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
- Transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $45
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $50
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $56
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $68
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $76
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $76
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $78
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Aberdeen or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Aberdeen 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
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Food Meals for one dayAberdeen £35Leuven £41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aberdeen £19Leuven £19
Tours and Activities in Aberdeen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:
- Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.27
- 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Aberdeen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
- Skip the Line: The Gordon Highlanders Museum Admission Ticket: $12
- Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour: $19
- Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
- Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $66
- From Adventure to St Andrews & Dundee: $68
- St Andrews and Dundee Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $70
- North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen: $72
- Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $72
- From Balmoral Estate & Royal Deeside Tour: $112
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $23
- Street Art Walking Tour with Belgian Pastry: $33
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $65
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $65
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $77
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $85
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $164
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $236
- Leuven Private Walking Tour: $318
- Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $331
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $428
- Pearls of Leuven – Private Walking Tour: $428
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAberdeen £3.57Leuven £21
Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:
- Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $35
- Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $36
- City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $158
- Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $421
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Aberdeen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Leuven?
Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Leuven, 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 Aberdeen or Leuven?
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 Aberdeen or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Leuven. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Leuven. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAberdeen 14°C (58°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Aberdeen or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Leuven. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.
In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Aberdeen usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAberdeen 9°C (49°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Aberdeen or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is around the same temperature as Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Leuven. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAberdeen 3°C (38°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Aberdeen or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leuven. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAberdeen 7°C (44°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Aberdeen
| Aberdeen | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 14°C (58°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.