Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hofn or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn 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: Hofn or Leuven?
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, 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 Hofn and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Leuven $66
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 Hofn or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Hofn 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 dayHofn $36Leuven $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
- Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
- Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291
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 dayHofn $12Leuven $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hofn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hofn 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Hofn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn 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 Hofn or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Leuven.
Hofn is much colder than Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leuven. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Leuven. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 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 OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 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 JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Leuven.
It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Leuven. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 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 AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Hofn
| Hofn | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.