Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belfast or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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: Belfast or Leuven?
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
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 Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelfast £133Leuven £153
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £153. 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 Belfast and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelfast £68Leuven £80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Leuven £160
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belfast £14Leuven £53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
- Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
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 Belfast or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Belfast 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 dayBelfast £51Leuven £42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
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.Belfast £18Leuven £20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets£8.00
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.90
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
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 dayBelfast £7.86Leuven £22
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When comparing the travel costs between Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belfast or Leuven?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Leuven. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelfast 15°C (59°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Leuven. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 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 OctoberBelfast 9°C (48°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is a little warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Leuven. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryBelfast 4°C (39°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Belfast gets 50 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 AprilBelfast 8°C (46°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Belfast
| Belfast | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°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.