Which place is cheaper, Galway or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Galway?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Galway? 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 Galway?
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.
Galway
Galway is Ireland's fifth largest city with a population of over 70,000. Located in the province of Connacht, it is typically the first stop for travelers headed into western Ireland. It serves as a gateway for this scenic part of the country, but it truly is a destination in and of itself. The city is pleasantly quaint, and is crisscrossed by lovely pedestrian only streets that are lined with shopping and restaurants. There are also countless museums and galleries to explore. Churches and cathedrals dot the town and are fun to drop by if you're fascinated with architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Galway €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Galway is €131. 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 Galway in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Galway €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Galway €140
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Galway
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Galway? 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 Galway Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Galway €33
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(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- 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: $54
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
- Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
- Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
- Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
- Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
- Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
- One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
- Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Galway?
Prices for flights to both Galway 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 €49Galway €33
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 Galway
Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:
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Fish & Chips Dinner€8.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.
- Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
- Galway Food Tour: $107
- Galway Food Tours: $109
- Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
- Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Galway €12
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 Galway
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:
- Cong The Quiet Man Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.17
- Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- City Centre App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Galway's City Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Welcome to Galway Walking Tour: $16
- Burren Botany Experience: $16
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- The Legendary Walking Tour of Galway: $17
- City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
- Galway City: Guided 1.5-Hour Walking Tour: $21
- Dark History Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- Evening Guided Walking Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Galway €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Galway
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:
- Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Galway, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Galway much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galway would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galway 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 Galway.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Galway?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Galway, 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 Galway?
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 Galway in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Galway. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Galway. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Galway 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Galway in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Galway. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Galway. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Galway. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Galway 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Galway in the Winter?
Both Galway and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.
The weather in Leuven can be very cold. In the winter, Leuven is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Galway during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Galway. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Galway 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Galway in the Spring?
Both Galway and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.
In April, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Galway. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Galway 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Galway and Leuven
| Leuven | Galway | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 125 mm (4.9 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.