Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leuven or Biarritz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz?
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.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Biarritz €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Biarritz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Biarritz €74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Biarritz €148
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Biarritz
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Biarritz €39
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz
Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
- Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
- Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
- Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
- Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
- San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Biarritz?
Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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 dayLeuven €49Biarritz €34
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
- Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
- Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Basque Country Food Tour: $240
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Biarritz €16
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
- City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
- E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
- E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
- Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
- Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
- Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
- Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
- Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
- Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Biarritz €8.05
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Biarritz, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Biarritz?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?
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 Biarritz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Biarritz. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Biarritz 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Biarritz in the Autumn?
Both Biarritz and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Leuven is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Biarritz 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Biarritz in the Winter?
Both Biarritz and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.
Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leuven usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Biarritz 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Biarritz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Biarritz. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Leuven is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Leuven usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Biarritz 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Biarritz and Leuven
| Leuven | Biarritz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.