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

Should you visit Leuven or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Dingle? 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 Dingle?

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.

Dingle

In County Kerry, in southwest Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula is the smaller of the two peninsulas. It has beautiful and wild landscape. The eastern side of the peninsula is steep and dramatic while the western side has a dramatic coastline with cliffs and beaches. Dingle town, also known as An Daingean, is a small town that you can walk around. It also has many restaurants and shops that line the streets. The town is located between the mountains and the sea and it is a great place to relax. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, hostels, and restaurants so this is a great place to base yourself during your time in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dingle 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 Dingle is €120. 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 Dingle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Dingle 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Dingle 136
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Dingle

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Dingle? 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 Dingle


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 Dingle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Dingle 17

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 Dingle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dingle:

  • Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Dingle?

Prices for flights to both Dingle 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
    Dingle 41

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
    Dingle 9.51

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 Dingle

Here are a few actual costs in Dingle for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Boat Tour of Dingle Peninsula: $14
  • Dingle Peninsula Virtual Tour: $16
  • Dingle Bay Cliff Tour: $21
  • 2-hour Guided Mini Eco Tour at Dingle, Ireland: $49
  • Morning Tasting and Sightseeing Guided Tour in Dingle Ireland: $55
  • Self-Guided eBike Tour: $59
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour: $76
  • Blasket Eco Tour.: $82
  • Dingle Dolphin Blasket Adventures: $84
  • Dingle Boat Tours Wildlife RIB Adventure: $87
  • Blasket Island Sea Life Rib Tour,: $93
  • Wildlife Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Dingle 16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Dingle?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

Both Dingle and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In the summer, Leuven is a little warmer than Dingle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Dingle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dingle. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Dingle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Dingle 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Dingle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Dingle. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is much colder than Dingle in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Dingle. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Dingle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Dingle. Additionally, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Dingle averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Dingle 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Dingle and Leuven

Leuven Dingle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)