Which place is cheaper, Antwerp or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Leuven or Antwerp?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Antwerp? 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 Antwerp?
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.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a very popular tourist destination in Belgium. It's a lovely city in the region of Flanders and its people are known for their friendly, open and welcoming personalities. It's a very relaxed and low stress city, making it an excellent place to spend a few days in the midst of a hectic trip. The city itself is known to have a very high standard of living and a great quality of life. Antwerp is also an economic center in Belgium, because of its importance in the diamond trade. It is known as the "world's leading diamond city" with about seventy percent of all diamonds traded through Antwerp.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.
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Leuven Prices
Belgium PricesAntwerp Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €214Antwerp €152
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €214, while the average daily cost in Antwerp 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 Leuven and Antwerp in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Antwerp €71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Antwerp €142
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Antwerp
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Antwerp? 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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Antwerp Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Antwerp €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $96
- Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $95
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $97
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Luxury Van: $183
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $90
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $83
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $95
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $77
- PRIVATE MPV TRANSFER FROM/TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT (Max 6 pax) ONE-WAY: $131
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $86
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antwerp
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antwerp:
- Belgium: Private Airport Transfer Service: $104
- Private Arrival Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $179
- Private Departure Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Antwerp?
Prices for flights to both Antwerp 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
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Food Meals for one dayLeuven €85Antwerp €68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Food Tour: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antwerp
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antwerp.
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Antwerp with Aastha : $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Antwerp €8.21
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
- Belgium: Guided tour of Leuven: $27
- Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $31
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $70
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $70
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $82
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $90
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $300
- Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $345
Tours and Activities in Antwerp
Here are a few actual costs in Antwerp for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tasting Tour: A Taste of Antwerp - by Legends: $2.30
- Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City: $2.69
- Historical Walking Tour in the Old City: $3.45
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp: $3.59
- Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp: $3.59
- A Taste of Antwerp Tasting Tour: $3.60
- Walking Antwerp City Center with GPS and Audio Tour: $6.67
- Antwerp Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.39
- Antwerp City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $9.59
- Hidden Antwerp Self Guided Tour: History, Art and Fashion: $12
- Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
- Walking Tour Big five Rubens' churches (audio): $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Antwerp €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Antwerp
Also in Antwerp, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour: $21
- Antwerp Pub Crawl : $72
- Pub Crawl in the Historical City: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Antwerp, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antwerp would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antwerp 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 Antwerp.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Antwerp?
Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Antwerp, 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 Antwerp?
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 Leuven or Antwerp in the Summer?
Both Antwerp and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Antwerp. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Antwerp 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Antwerp in the Autumn?
Both Antwerp and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Antwerp 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Antwerp in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Antwerp. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Antwerp can be very cold during winter. Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Antwerp 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Antwerp in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Antwerp. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.
Leuven is a little warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Antwerp 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Antwerp and Leuven
| Leuven | Antwerp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.