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

Should you visit Leuven or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Annecy?

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.

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Leuven?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Annecy is €178. 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 Leuven and Annecy in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Annecy 92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Annecy 184
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Annecy

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Annecy? 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 Leuven


Hotels in Annecy


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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Annecy Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Annecy 37

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

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

  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Annecy?

Prices for flights to both Annecy and Leuven 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
    Leuven 49
    Annecy 58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

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

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Annecy 41

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

Tours and Activities in Annecy

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
  • Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Annecy 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Annecy

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

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


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


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Annecy?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Annecy, 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 Leuven or Annecy?

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 Leuven or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Leuven is cooler than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Annecy. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Annecy 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Annecy. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leuven is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Annecy. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Annecy 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Annecy in the Winter?

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

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leuven is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Annecy 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Leuven is cooler than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives less rain than Annecy. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Annecy 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Annecy and Leuven

Leuven Annecy
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)