Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Heidelberg €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €142. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Heidelberg €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Heidelberg €186
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Heidelberg €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $280
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport - Maastricht MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $279
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $273
- Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $221
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen City by Luxury Van: $216
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $190
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $185
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 €49Heidelberg €37
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 Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Heidelberg €11
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
- Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
- Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Heidelberg €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Heidelberg, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Heidelberg?
Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Leuven or Heidelberg in the Summer?
Both Heidelberg and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).
In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Heidelberg. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Heidelberg. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Heidelberg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. Leuven is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Heidelberg in the Spring?
Both Heidelberg and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Leuven
| Leuven | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.