Which place is cheaper, Reims or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Leuven or Reims?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Reims? 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 Reims?
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.
Reims
Reims lies 129 km (80 mi) east-northeast of Paris. It was founded by the Gauls and became a major city during the Roman Empire. Reims played a prominent ceremonial role in French monarchical history as the traditional site of the crowning of the kings of France. The city's economy is based largely on wine production, for which the Champagne region is famous, and a visit to Reims often includes a popular tasting of the most famous French wines at the 'Maison de Champagne'. Reims has many attractive pedestrian boulevards, Roman remains, art-deco cafes and a flourishing fine-dining scene that counts among it four Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course Reims also has all the shops and other facilities that you would expect in a major city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Reims €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. 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 Reims in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Reims €66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Reims €132
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Reims
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Reims? 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 Reims Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Reims €39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
- 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 1-7pax: $86
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) to City centre: $95
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:
- From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
- Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Reims?
Prices for flights to both Reims 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 €49Reims €40
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 €23Reims €19
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 Reims
Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
- Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
- Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
- Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
- Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
- Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
- Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
- Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
- Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Reims €22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Reims, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Reims much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reims would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reims 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 Reims.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Reims Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Reims?
Reims has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Reims, 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 Reims?
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 Reims in the Summer?
Both Reims and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Reims. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Reims during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Reims. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Reims 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Reims in the Autumn?
Both Reims and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Reims 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Reims in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Reims. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Reims can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. Leuven is a little warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Reims. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Reims 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Reims in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Reims. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.
In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Reims. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Reims 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Reims and Leuven
| Leuven | Reims | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (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.