Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Amsterdam or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam or Leuven?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €175Leuven €178
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €175, while the average daily cost in Leuven is €178. 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 Amsterdam and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Leuven €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Leuven €186
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Leuven €61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoek van Holland: $199
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $273
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Alkmaar: $155
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $155
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Amersfoort: $199
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Den Helder: $255
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Haarlem: $105
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoorn: $183
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Leiden: $127
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zandvoort: $122
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam city to Airport: $109
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam in Amsterdam City: $104
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 Amsterdam or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €43Leuven €49
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
- Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $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.Amsterdam €37Leuven €23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.07
- Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.07
- Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.70
- Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $2.61
- City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.21
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.21
- Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26
- Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.26
- Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.27
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.27
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 dayAmsterdam €24Leuven €25
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
- Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42
When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Leuven?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. Amsterdam usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (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 JulyAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Amsterdam is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leuven. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Leuven. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Leuven. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
Amsterdam is cooler than Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Amsterdam often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.