Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Cologne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Cologne? 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 Cologne?
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.
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Cologne €161
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Cologne is €161. 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 Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Cologne €91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Cologne €182
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Cologne? 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 Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Cologne €19
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne 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 €49Cologne €50
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
Typical Food Prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Cologne €20
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 Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cologne Walking Tour: The essential and unmissable one: $3.20
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Original funky-fun Free Tour of Cologne: $3.21
- Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
- Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sightseeing Tour: $5.88
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Horrors of World War II Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.48
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Cologne €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
- Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
- Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
When comparing the travel costs between Leuven and Cologne, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Cologne?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Cologne, 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 Cologne?
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 Cologne in the Summer?
Both Cologne 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 Cologne this time of year.
In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Cologne in the Autumn?
Both Cologne and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Cologne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Cologne. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is around the same temperature as Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Cologne. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Cologne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Cologne. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cologne. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Leuven
| Leuven | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.