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

Should you visit Leuven or Leipzig?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig?

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.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in the eastern German state of Saxony. Leipzig is Saxony's coolest city, called "The New Berlin" by many. It is a playground for nomadic young creatives, but it's also a city of enormous history, a trade-fair mecca and foundational in the eyes of music lovers due to its intrinsic connection to the lives and work of Bach, Mendelssohn, and Wagner. When it comes to art, the neo-realistic New Leipzig School has stirred up the international art world for well over 10 years.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig 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 Leipzig is €166. 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 Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Leipzig 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Leipzig 182
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Leipzig? 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 Leipzig


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 Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Leipzig 27

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 Leipzig

Also for Leipzig, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53

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 Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Leipzig 36

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 Leipzig

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Leipzig.

  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • Leipzig's Communist Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Communist Past: $6.99
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sighteeing Tour: $12
  • Guided Crime-Themed Walking Tour: $13
  • Old Town Guided Tour: $13
  • 1.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour in German: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour - Explore Your Way: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Southern Cemetery: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Leipzig 26


When comparing the travel costs between Leuven and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Leipzig?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig?

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 Leipzig in the Summer?

Both Leipzig and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Leipzig in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Leipzig, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Leipzig. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Leipzig. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Leipzig in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Leipzig. Also, most visitors come to Leipzig for the shopping scene during these months.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Leipzig fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Leipzig in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Leipzig. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Leipzig can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Leuven is much warmer than Leipzig. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Leipzig averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Leipzig. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Leipzig in the Spring?

Both Leipzig and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

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

Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Leuven

Leuven Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)