Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Grindelwald?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grindelwald or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Leuven can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Grindelwald or Leuven?
Grindelwald
Grindelwald, Switzerland is a glacier village located in the picturesque Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. The Jungfrau Region encompasses many small villages and was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This Alpine paradise has been a popular destination since the 17th century, due to its natural beauty and fantastic hiking and skiing trails.
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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrindelwald $241Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Grindelwald is $241, 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 Grindelwald and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrindelwald $141Leuven $99
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrindelwald $282Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald 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: Grindelwald Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grindelwald $53Leuven $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
- Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Grindelwald 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 dayGrindelwald $58Leuven $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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grindelwald $59Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Grindelwald
Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
- Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
- Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
- Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
- From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
- Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrindelwald $33Leuven $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Leuven, we can see that Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 23°C (73°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrindelwald 23°C (73°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Grindelwald during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Grindelwald is a little warmer than Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrindelwald 15°C (58°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Leuven. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. In the winter, Grindelwald is much warmer than Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grindelwald in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrindelwald 5°C (41°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Grindelwald or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Leuven. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 13°C (55°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the spring. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Leuven. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrindelwald 13°C (55°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Grindelwald
| Grindelwald | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.