Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Basel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basel or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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: Basel or Leuven?
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasel $236Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $236, 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 Basel and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasel $143Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasel $286Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Basel and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Basel 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: Basel Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basel $45Leuven $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
- ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
- Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
- Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
- Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
- Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
- Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
- Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
- Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Basel 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 dayBasel $61Leuven $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.Basel $37Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
- Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
- The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
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 dayBasel $33Leuven $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
- Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
- Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
- Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Leuven, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Leuven much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leuven would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leuven 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Leuven.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basel Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basel or Leuven?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Leuven. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Basel is a little warmer than Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Leuven. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasel 21°C (70°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Basel or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Leuven. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leuven. Basel gets 70 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 OctoberBasel 13°C (56°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Basel or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Basel usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Leuven. Basel gets 77 mm (3 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 JanuaryBasel 3°C (37°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Basel or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
Basel is a little warmer than Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Basel usually gets more rain in April than Leuven. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 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 AprilBasel 12°C (53°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Basel
| Basel | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.