Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Bern?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bern or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bern 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: Bern or Leuven?
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 dayBern $249Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, 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 Bern and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBern $161Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBern $322Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Bern and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Bern 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: Bern Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bern $33Leuven $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
- Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
- Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
- Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
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 Bern or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Bern 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 dayBern $60Leuven $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.
- Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
- Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62
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.Bern $34Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
- Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
- Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
- Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
- Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
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 dayBern $27Leuven $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Leuven, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bern or Leuven?
Bern has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Leuven. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Bern is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Leuven. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBern 21°C (70°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Bern or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Leuven. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.
In October, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Bern often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Bern usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 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 OctoberBern 13°C (55°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Bern or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern 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 Bern. Bern is cooler than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Bern usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Leuven. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 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 JanuaryBern 3°C (37°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Bern or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Bern is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Bern often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leuven. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 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 AprilBern 11°C (52°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Bern
| Bern | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.