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

Should you visit Leuven or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Limerick? 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick

Limerick is a city located in the Mid-West Region of Ireland on the River Shannon just before it widens and opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic core of the city is located on King's Island, bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Historical structures of the city include places like King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the Treaty Stone, amongst others. Having been named Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, Limerick also attracts visitors due to its wide variety of artistic and cultural events occurring throughout the year.

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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick 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 Limerick is €108. 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 Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Limerick? 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 Limerick


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 Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Limerick 40

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 Limerick

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

  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick 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
    Limerick 35

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 23
    Limerick 17

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 Limerick

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

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Limerick 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Limerick, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Limerick?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is a little warmer than Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Limerick. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Limerick. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Leuven or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Limerick. Additionally, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Leuven is much colder than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Leuven usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Limerick and Leuven

Leuven Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)