Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Dresden?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden? 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 Dresden?
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.
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Dresden €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Dresden €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Dresden €122
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Dresden? 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 Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Dresden €11
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 Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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 €49Dresden €31
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Dresden €9.56
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 Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
- The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
- Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Dresden €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Dresden, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Dresden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dresden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dresden 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 Dresden.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Dresden?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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 Dresden in the Summer?
Both Dresden 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 Dresden this time of year.
In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dresden. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Autumn?
Both Dresden and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Dresden. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dresden. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Dresden. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dresden. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Leuven
| Leuven | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.