Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leuven or Montpellier?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier?
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.
Montpellier
Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.
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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Montpellier €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Montpellier in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Montpellier €69
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Montpellier €138
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Montpellier
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Montpellier €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
- Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:
- Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
- Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
- Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
- Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Montpellier?
Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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 €49Montpellier €31
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 Montpellier
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.
- Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
- Montpellier Food Tour: $93
- From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
- Cooking workshop: $106
- Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
- Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Montpellier €12
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
Tours and Activities in Montpellier
Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
- CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
- Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
- From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
- Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
- From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
- Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
- Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
- Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
- Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
- Photoshoot Experience: $159
- Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Montpellier €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:
- The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
- Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
- Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
- Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
- Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
- Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
- Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Montpellier, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Montpellier?
Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?
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 Montpellier in the Summer?
Both Montpellier and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Montpellier 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Montpellier in the Autumn?
Both Montpellier and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.
In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.
Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Montpellier 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Montpellier in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Montpellier. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. Leuven is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Montpellier 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Montpellier in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Montpellier. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Montpellier 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Montpellier and Leuven
| Leuven | Montpellier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.