A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Copenhagen or Leuven?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Leuven can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Copenhagen or Leuven?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, 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 Copenhagen and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Leuven $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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.

Hotels in Copenhagen


Hotels in Leuven


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Leuven $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Airport CPH to Copenhagen by Luxury Van: $141
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Private Transfer to Copenhagen: $318
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $333
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Fredericia Port: $866
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport(RKE):Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $265
  • Copenhagen hotel or address to Malmö City - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $255

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
  • Transfer from Brussels BRU -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $107
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $131
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $131
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $109
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
  • Transfer Brussels airport <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $105
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $131
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $202
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) <-> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $103
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) <-> City Center 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $109
  • Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Copenhagen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Copenhagen $61
    Leuven $52
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Leuven $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $5.20
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.34
  • App-Based City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.35
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Danish Folk Legends Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Royal History Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $5.99
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Leuven $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358


When comparing the travel costs between Copenhagen and Leuven, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Leuven?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Leuven?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Leuven. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leuven in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Leuven. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Leuven. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Leuven. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Leuven can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Leuven. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leuven in the Spring?

Both Leuven and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Copenhagen is cooler than Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Leuven. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)