Which place is cheaper, Caen or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Caen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Caen? 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 Caen?
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.
Caen
Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.
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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Caen €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Caen is €123. 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 Caen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Caen €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Caen €122
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Caen
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Caen? 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 Caen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Caen €35
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 Caen
Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Caen?
Prices for flights to both Caen 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 €49Caen €40
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.Leuven €23Caen €19
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 Caen
For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
- Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
- Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
- Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
- Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
- Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
- Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
- Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
- D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Caen €17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Caen, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Caen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Caen?
Caen has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Caen, 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 Caen?
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 Caen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Caen. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Caen. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Caen 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Caen in the Autumn?
Both Caen and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Caen 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Caen in the Winter?
Both Caen and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. In the winter, Leuven is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Caen. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Caen. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Caen 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Caen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Caen. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Caen. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Caen 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Caen and Leuven
| Leuven | Caen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.