A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Killarney for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Killarney?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Leuven or Killarney? 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 Killarney?

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.

Killarney

Rated by TripAdvisor as Ireland's most popular travel destination for 2015, Killarney attracts many visitors each year for its natural heritage, history, and its location on the Ring of Kerry (a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland). Dating back to early Irish history with religious settlements, Killarney's rich history lays evident in the ruins of various abbeys, monasteries, and castles. The archaeological sites are popular with tourists as well as the town's natural wonders, gift shops, pubs, and horse-drawn carriages.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Leuven?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Killarney is €167. 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 Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Killarney 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Killarney 204
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Killarney? 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.

Hotels in Leuven


Hotels in Killarney


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 Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Killarney 20

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 Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282
  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53
  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Leuven 49
    Killarney 46

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 Killarney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Killarney.

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
  • Killarney Food Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Killarney 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 Killarney

Here are a few actual costs in Killarney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour: $16
  • Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall: $22
  • Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island: $22
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on theTralee to Fenit Greenway: $27
  • Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).: $33
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney : $36
  • Killarney Carriage Tours National Park and Lakes: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Killarney 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Leuven and Killarney, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Killarney Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Killarney?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

Both Killarney and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Killarney. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Killarney 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Killarney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Killarney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Killarney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Killarney. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

The weather in Leuven can be very cold. In the winter, Leuven is much colder than Killarney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Killarney averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Killarney. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Killarney 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Killarney. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Killarney. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Killarney 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Killarney and Leuven

Leuven Killarney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)