A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Cannes for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Cannes?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Leuven or Cannes? 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes

While Cannes was once little more than a small fishing village, today it is a popular, glamorous seaside town frequented by celebrities. It's the place to see and be seen, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival in the month of May. During this time the city comes alive with celebrities from all over the world. While Cannes has its share of exclusive clubs, bars and restaurants, there are alternatives for budget travelers, so don't shy away. There's a beautiful area, Le Suquet, which is nice to visit with its cobblestone streets and stunning views. It's also fun to pass some time people watching by the marina. You never know who you'll spot. At night, the city comes to life with casinos and luxurious restaurants and clubs that give the area a vibe of exclusivity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Leuven?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €137. 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 Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Cannes? 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.

Hotels in Leuven


Hotels in Cannes


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 Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $295
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $433
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $310
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $181
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $225
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes 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 day
    Leuven 49
    Cannes 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Cannes 30

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 Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $58
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $65
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $65
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Cannes 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Cannes, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Cannes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cannes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cannes 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 Cannes.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Cannes?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Cannes. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Cannes. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Cannes. Additionally, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Leuven is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Cannes. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Leuven

Leuven Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)