Which place is cheaper, Calais or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leuven or Calais?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Calais? 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 Calais?
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.
Calais
Calais is a port city in northern France located across the English Channel from the clifftop town of Dover It's the principal ferry crossing point between France and England. Its old town, Calais-Nord, sits on an artificial island surrounded by canals.
Calais is a Cultural Link to Europe, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside. Calais is renowned for its lace, which can be found in haute-couture designs. Preserved natural spaces abound with its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain, and coastal villages. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, there is plenty to do to make this a great option for a visit!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Calais €139
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Calais in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Calais €77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Calais €154
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Calais
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Calais? 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 Calais Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Calais €47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
- Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- 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 1-3pax: $75
- 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 Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Calais?
Prices for flights to both Calais 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 €49Calais €35
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Calais €8.92
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Calais €12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Calais, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Calais?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Calais, 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 Calais?
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 Calais in the Summer?
Both Calais and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.
In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Calais. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Calais. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Calais 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Calais in the Autumn?
Both Calais and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Calais 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Calais in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Calais. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is cooler than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Calais. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Calais 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Calais in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Calais. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Leuven is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Calais. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Calais 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Calais and Leuven
| Leuven | Calais | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.