Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Lyon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Lyon? 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 Lyon?
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.
Lyon
Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Lyon €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Lyon is €125. 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 Lyon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Lyon €53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Lyon €106
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Lyon
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Lyon? 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 Lyon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Lyon €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
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Funiculaire€5.20
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Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus€19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Business Car: $78
- Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Luxury Van: $92
- Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Business Car: $86
- Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Business Car: $79
- Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $93
- Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $86
- Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $94
- Excellecar Private Driver - Stations & Airports Transfers: $82
- Group transfer from Lyon airport to City Center: $118
- Lyon Airport (LYS) to Val d'Isere/Espace Killy: Arrival Transfer: $76
- Lyon City Card with Airport Transfer: $52
- Lyon Exupery Airport to Les Deux La Clusaz Round Trip Transfer: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Lyon?
Prices for flights to both Lyon 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 €49Lyon €41
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
Typical Food Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
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Pastry€1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
- Street Food Tour: $64
- Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
- Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
- Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
- Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
- Old Town Food Tour: $96
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
- Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
- Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Lyon €20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
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Lunch for 2€45
Tours and Activities in Lyon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Lyon Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
- Lyon Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $8.72
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
- Lyon Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $9.61
- Old Lyon Walking In App Audio Tour: $9.77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Lyon €24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
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Drinks for 2€6.80
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Bottle of Wine€15
Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
- Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
- Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
- Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
- Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
- Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
- From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
- Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
- From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
- Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
- Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Lyon, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon 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 Lyon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Lyon?
Lyon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Lyon, 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 Lyon?
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 Lyon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Lyon. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Leuven is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Lyon. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Lyon 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Lyon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Lyon. Additionally, most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Leuven is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Lyon 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Lyon in the Winter?
Both Lyon and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. In January, Leuven is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Lyon. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Lyon 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Lyon in the Spring?
Both Lyon and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.
Leuven is cooler than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Lyon 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lyon and Leuven
| Leuven | Lyon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.