Which place is cheaper, Dijon or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Dijon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Dijon? 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 Dijon?
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.
Dijon
Dijon is a city in eastern France, capital of the Cote-d'Or department and of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte region. Archaeological finds in this area date back to the Neolithic period, but Dijon later became a Roman settlement before later becoming home to the Dukes of Burgundy between the 11th and 15th centuries. Dijon was a place of tremendous wealth and power, one of the great European centers of art, learning and science. The city has retained varied architectural styles from many of the main periods of the past millennium, including Capetian, Gothic, and Renaissance. Many still-inhabited town houses in the city's central district date from the 18th century and earlier. Dijon is famous for Dijon mustard which originated in 1856, when Jean Naigeon of Dijon substituted verjuice, the acidic green juice of not-quite-ripe grapes, for vinegar in the traditional mustard recipe. Dijon is one of France's most appealing cities. Filled with elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings, the lively center is wonderful for strolling, especially if you like to mix your cultural enrichment with excellent food, fine wine and shopping.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Dijon €153
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Dijon is €153. 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 Dijon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Dijon €80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Dijon €160
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Dijon
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Dijon? 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 Dijon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Dijon €36
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 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: $55
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $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
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by luxury Van: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:
- 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Dijon?
Prices for flights to both Dijon 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 €49Dijon €48
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 €23Dijon €25
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 Dijon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
- More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon: $5.99
- Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
- City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
- Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
- Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
- Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97
- Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune Vineyards and Beaune Historical District: $146
- DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
- Private city tour - Dijon the essential - 2h: $235
- E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
- Private guided tour - Dijon - 2h: $240
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Dijon €29
Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:
- ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
- Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
- Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
- Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
- Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
- La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
- Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
- Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
- Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Dijon, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Dijon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dijon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dijon 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 Dijon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Dijon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Dijon?
Dijon has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Dijon, 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 Dijon?
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 Dijon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Dijon. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.
In July, Leuven is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dijon. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Dijon 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dijon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Dijon. Also, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dijon. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Dijon 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dijon in the Winter?
Both Dijon and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In the winter, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dijon. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Dijon 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dijon in the Spring?
Both Dijon and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Leuven is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Dijon. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Dijon 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Dijon and Leuven
| Leuven | Dijon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.