Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Kiel?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Kiel? 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 Kiel?
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.
Kiel
Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.
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 €178Kiel €138
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Kiel is €138. 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 Kiel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Kiel €67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Kiel €134
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Kiel
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Kiel? 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 Kiel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Kiel €54
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 Kiel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Kiel?
Prices for flights to both Kiel 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 €49Kiel €39
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 €23Kiel €19
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 Kiel
Here are a few actual costs in Kiel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
- SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
- City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
- Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
- Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Kiel €12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Kiel, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Kiel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kiel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiel 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 Kiel.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Kiel?
Kiel has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Kiel, 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 Kiel?
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 Kiel in the Summer?
Both Kiel and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.
Leuven is a little warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Kiel. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives less rain than Kiel. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Kiel 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kiel in the Autumn?
Both Kiel and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Leuven is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kiel. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Kiel 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kiel in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Kiel. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Kiel. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Kiel 0°C (33°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kiel in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Kiel. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Leuven is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Kiel. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Kiel 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Kiel and Leuven
| Leuven | Kiel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.