Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Marseille?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Marseille? 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 Marseille?
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.
Marseille
Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Marseille €148
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Marseille is €148. 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 Marseille in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Marseille €71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Marseille €142
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Marseille
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Marseille? 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 Marseille Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Marseille €28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
- Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport: $131
- Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $109
- Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $130
- Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $109
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
- Transfer Brussels airport <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $104
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $130
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass€3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- “Airport-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
- Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
- Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
- Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $218
- Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
- Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $109
- Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
- Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
- Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
- Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
- Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $215
- Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Marseille?
Prices for flights to both Marseille 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 €49Marseille €42
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 Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
- Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
- Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
- Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
- Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
- Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
- Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Marseille €38
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 Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
- Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
- Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
- Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Marseille €27
Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
- Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
- Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
- New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
- Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Marseille, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Marseille much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marseille would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marseille 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 Marseille.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Marseille Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Marseille?
Marseille has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Marseille, 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 Marseille?
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 Marseille in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Marseille. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Marseille 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Marseille in the Autumn?
Both Marseille and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Marseille. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Marseille. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Marseille 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Marseille in the Winter?
Both Marseille and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Leuven can be very cold during winter. Leuven is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Marseille 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Marseille in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Marseille. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.
In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Marseille. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Marseille 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Marseille and Leuven
| Leuven | Marseille | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.