Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Leuven, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Leuven?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Leuven is $191. 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 Akureyri and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri 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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Leuven $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) to City centre: $95
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Akureyri 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 dayAkureyri $35Leuven $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
- Mechelen Food Tour: $82
- Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
- Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
- Zipline Tour: $90
- Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
- The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Leuven $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri 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 Akureyri.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri 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 Akureyri 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 Akureyri or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Leuven. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 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 OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Leuven.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Leuven. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Leuven.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 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 AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.