Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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: Glasgow or Leuven?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours 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 dayGlasgow £144Leuven £152
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £152. 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 Glasgow and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Leuven £79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Leuven £52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
- Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $280
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport - Maastricht MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $279
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $273
- Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $221
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen City by Luxury Van: $216
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $190
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $185
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Leuven £42
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
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.Glasgow £22Leuven £19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
- City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
- Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Leuven £21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Leuven?
Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Leuven. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.
Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Leuven. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Glasgow is cooler than Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Leuven. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Leuven. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Leuven. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.