Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Carcassonne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne?
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.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Carcassonne €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Carcassonne €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Carcassonne €122
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Carcassonne
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Carcassonne €7.14
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Carcassonne?
Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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 €49Carcassonne €39
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 €23Carcassonne €14
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 Carcassonne
For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
- Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
- Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
- Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
- Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
- Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
- Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
- Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Carcassonne €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:
- Wine tour Cathar country: $471
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Carcassonne, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Carcassonne?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?
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 Carcassonne in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Leuven is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Carcassonne in the Autumn?
Both Carcassonne and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.
Leuven is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Carcassonne in the Winter?
Both Carcassonne and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. In the winter, Leuven is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Carcassonne in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Carcassonne. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Leuven is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Leuven
| Leuven | Carcassonne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.