Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leuven or La Rochelle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or La Rochelle? 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 La Rochelle?
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.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a lovely French city in the province of Charente-Maritime. It's located in western France and is a seaport on the Bay of Biscay. Most people who visit the city enjoy exploring the "Vieux Port" or Old Harbour area. This area is the heart of the city and it is a beautiful neighborhood that has many seafood restaurants and nice architecture. It's particularly enjoyable to walk around during the evening hours. Ile de Re is connected to the city by a bridge and is also a nice place to visit. If you head out of town, the surrounding countryside is very rural. North of the city is Venise Verte, which is very marshy and has many small canals. It's a popular area for inland boating.
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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178La Rochelle €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in La Rochelle is €114. 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 La Rochelle in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93La Rochelle €67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186La Rochelle €134
Compare Hotels in Leuven and La Rochelle
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or La Rochelle? 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 La Rochelle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61La Rochelle €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 La Rochelle
Also for La Rochelle, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88
- Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or La Rochelle?
Prices for flights to both La Rochelle 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 dayLeuven €49La Rochelle €34
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23La Rochelle €13
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 La Rochelle
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.
- La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
- Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers: $12
- La Rochelle Towers Entrance Ticket: $12
- Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour: $18
- Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
- Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $23
- Coastline Sailing Cruise: $27
- 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise: $31
- 3-Hour Sailing cruise: $37
- La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour - 1h: $43
- Lighthouse at the End of the World Segway Tour - 1h: $43
- Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25La Rochelle €16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and La Rochelle, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is La Rochelle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or La Rochelle?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?
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 La Rochelle in the Summer?
Both La Rochelle and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Leuven or La Rochelle in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and La Rochelle. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Leuven is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Leuven or La Rochelle in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as La Rochelle. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Leuven or La Rochelle in the Spring?
Both La Rochelle and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Leuven is cooler than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Leuven
| Leuven | La Rochelle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°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.