Which place is cheaper, Bordeaux or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Bordeaux?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Bordeaux? 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 Bordeaux?
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.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Bordeaux €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Bordeaux is €118. 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 Bordeaux in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Bordeaux €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Bordeaux €126
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Bordeaux
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Bordeaux? 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 Bordeaux Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Bordeaux €15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) to City centre: $95
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:
- Airport to Bordeaux Premium Class Private Transfer: $273
- Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273
- Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
- Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
- Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
- Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
- Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
- Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
- Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
- Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Bordeaux?
Prices for flights to both Bordeaux 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 €49Bordeaux €45
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 Bordeaux
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.
- No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
- Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
- NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
- 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
- Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
- Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
- Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
- Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $95
- Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
- Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
- Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
- Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Bordeaux €7.89
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395
Tours and Activities in Bordeaux
Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
- Free Walking City Tour: $2.14
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- City Highlights & Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
- City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- The best of Find more than wine on this self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Centre of Explore 2,000 years of history on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Guided Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Bordeaux €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux
Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
- Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
- Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
- Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
- Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
- Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
- Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
- Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
- Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
- Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
- Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Bordeaux, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Bordeaux?
Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?
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 Bordeaux in the Summer?
Both Bordeaux and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.
Leuven is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Bordeaux 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Bordeaux in the Autumn?
Both Bordeaux and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Leuven is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Bordeaux 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Bordeaux in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Bordeaux. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Bordeaux 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Bordeaux in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Bordeaux. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Leuven is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Bordeaux 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Leuven
| Leuven | Bordeaux | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 99 mm (3.9 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.