Which place is cheaper, Howth or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Howth?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Howth? 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 Howth?
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.
Howth
Howth is a traditional fishing village and suburb of Dublin that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to their beautiful natural scenery and incredible fresh seafood restaurants. The fresh sea air, relaxed atmosphere, and great seafood attracts tourists and Dubliners alike. They've also become a popular filming location due to Howth Castle and the picturesque harbours and walking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Howth €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Howth 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 Howth in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Howth €64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Howth €128
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Howth
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Howth? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Howth €41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
- 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 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) to City centre: $95
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Howth?
Prices for flights to both Howth 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 €49Howth €44
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Howth €25
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 Howth
Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Howth €21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Howth, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth 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 Howth.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Leuven or Howth?
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 Howth in the Summer?
Both Howth and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.
Leuven is a little warmer than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Howth. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Howth 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Howth in the Autumn?
Both Howth and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Howth. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Howth. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Howth 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Howth in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Howth. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Howth 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Howth in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Howth. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Leuven is a little warmer than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Howth. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Howth 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Howth and Leuven
| Leuven | Howth | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 76 mm (3 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.