Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Potsdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam?
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.
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Potsdam €111
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is €111. 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 Potsdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Potsdam €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Potsdam €120
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Potsdam
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Potsdam €28
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 Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Potsdam?
Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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 €49Potsdam €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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Potsdam €25
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 Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
- Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
- Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
- Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
- Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
- Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
- In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Potsdam €6.70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Potsdam, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam 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 Potsdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Potsdam?
Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?
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 Potsdam in the Summer?
Both Potsdam and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Potsdam. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Potsdam 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Potsdam in the Autumn?
Both Potsdam and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Leuven is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Potsdam 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Potsdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Potsdam. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Potsdam can be very cold during winter. Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leuven is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Potsdam -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Potsdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Potsdam. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Potsdam 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Potsdam and Leuven
| Leuven | Potsdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 1°C (34°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.