Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Interlaken?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Leuven can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Interlaken or Leuven?
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayInterlaken $231Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, 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 Interlaken and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personInterlaken $133Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomInterlaken $266Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Interlaken $13Leuven $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:
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Cable Cars (for 2)$66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken
Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
- Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
- Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
- Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport: $131
- Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $109
- Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $130
- 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): $104
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
Is it cheaper to fly into Interlaken or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Interlaken 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 dayInterlaken $64Leuven $52
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Tea at Interlaken$33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733
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.Interlaken $104Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
- Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
- Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
- Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
- Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
- Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
- Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
- Waterfalls Day Tour: $119
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 dayInterlaken $17Leuven $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Leuven, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.
Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Leuven. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyInterlaken 21°C (70°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Interlaken or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Leuven. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 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 OctoberInterlaken 13°C (56°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Interlaken or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Leuven. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is around the same temperature as Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.
Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 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 JanuaryInterlaken 3°C (37°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Interlaken or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Leuven. Interlaken gets 79 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 AprilInterlaken 12°C (53°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Interlaken
| Interlaken | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.