Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Ghent?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Ghent? 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 Ghent?
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.
Ghent
Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.
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 Brussels, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Ghent €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Ghent is €118. 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 Ghent in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Ghent €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Ghent €144
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Ghent
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Ghent? 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 Ghent Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Ghent €19
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: $43
- 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 Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $72
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:
- Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $163
- Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $228
- Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Transfer Ghent <-> Luxembourg (1 to 8 places): $231
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Ghent?
Prices for flights to both Ghent 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 €49Ghent €35
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: $81
- Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.
- Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $81
- Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
- Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Ghent €8.64
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
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking 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: $73
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $228
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $286
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $393
Tours and Activities in Ghent
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.24
- Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.24
- Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.24
- Ghent city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.32
- Self Guided City Audio Tour in Ghent: $5.42
- Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.92
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.98
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.31
- 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $11
- Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Ghent €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:
- Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
- Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Ghent, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Ghent much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ghent would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ghent 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 Ghent.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Ghent?
Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Ghent, 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 Ghent?
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 Ghent in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Ghent. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Ghent. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Ghent 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Ghent in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Ghent. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Ghent 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Ghent in the Winter?
Both Ghent and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. In the winter, Leuven is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Ghent. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent 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)Ghent 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Ghent in the Spring?
Both Ghent and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Ghent 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Ghent and Leuven
| Leuven | Ghent | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (40°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.