Which place is cheaper, Kilkenny or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Kilkenny?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Kilkenny? 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 Kilkenny?
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.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a city in the southeast of Ireland with a history dating back to the medieval era. It has a long-established religious heritage with many historic buildings including castles, cathedrals, abbeys, and churches. Kilkenny is also a popular tourist destination due to its rich history as well as its current culture which is very active in the arts.
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 €178Kilkenny €88
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Kilkenny is €88. 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 Kilkenny in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Kilkenny €44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Kilkenny €88
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Kilkenny
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Kilkenny? 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 Kilkenny Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Kilkenny €21
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Kilkenny?
Prices for flights to both Kilkenny 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 €49Kilkenny €29
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 €23Kilkenny €15
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 Kilkenny
Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.81
- Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $13
- Kilkenny city tour in German.: $13
- Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
- Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
- The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour: $13
- Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views: $16
- Knight For Hire Tour: $16
- Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
- The Witch Tour: $21
- Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
- Smithwick's Beer Experience: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Kilkenny €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny
Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
- Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Kilkenny, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Kilkenny?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny?
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 Kilkenny in the Summer?
Both Kilkenny and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.
Leuven is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Kilkenny 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kilkenny in the Autumn?
Both Kilkenny and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Leuven is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Kilkenny 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kilkenny in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Kilkenny. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leuven is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Kilkenny 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Kilkenny in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Kilkenny. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.
Leuven is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Kilkenny. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Kilkenny 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Leuven
| Leuven | Kilkenny | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.