Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Versailles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Versailles? 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 Versailles?
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.
Versailles
Versailles is the town, now part of the Paris suburbs, that is home to the historic palace of King Louis XIV. The palace, also known as The Chateau de Versailles, was originally a hunting lodge and vacation area for former kings before Louis the 14th decided to build a much larger home. Since the end of France's monarchy in 1789, the palace has been used for other functions, and is now a tourist attraction, home to a museum of French history, expansive gardens, and historical art and antiques. The palace has also been used for important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the first world war. This signing took place in the famous Hall of Mirrors, which visitors can stroll through today as part of the public tour.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Versailles €234
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Versailles €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Versailles €256
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Versailles
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Versailles? 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 Versailles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Versailles €53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
- Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $220
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $202
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
- Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with Mercedes V class 7 pax: $144
- First Class transfer BRUSSELS TO ANTWERP: $140
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Versailles?
Prices for flights to both Versailles 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 €49Versailles €67
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 €23Versailles €45
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 Versailles
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.
- Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
- Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
- Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Versailles €18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Leuven much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leuven would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leuven 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles than you might in Leuven.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Versailles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Versailles?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Versailles, 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 Versailles?
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 Versailles in the Summer?
Both Versailles and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Versailles. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Versailles 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Versailles. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Versailles 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Versailles. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.
The weather in Versailles can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Leuven is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Versailles 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Versailles in the Spring?
Both Versailles and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.
In April, Leuven is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Versailles 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Versailles and Leuven
| Leuven | Versailles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 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.