A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven?

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a port city located in northeast England with a population of about 250,000. It's popular with tourists in large part because it has what is considered to be the best nightlife in England. It's a diverse city with a lot of art, music, and sports. It also makes for a good starting point to tour the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall. There's a distinct and rich culture in the area, much of which is centered around the Geordie culture with lots of folk music and traditional dance.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Newcastle upon Tyne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Newcastle upon Tyne Prices
    UK Prices
    Leuven Prices
    Belgium Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £180
    Leuven £185

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle upon Tyne is £180, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £185. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle upon Tyne £51
    Leuven £80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle upon Tyne £102
    Leuven £160
Compare Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven? 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.

Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne


Hotels in Leuven


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: Newcastle upon Tyne Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £12
    Leuven £53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Newcastle upon Tyne:


  • Parking
    £1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle upon Tyne

Also for Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $63
  • Private Newcastle Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Zaventem Airport Shuttle Transfer Liège (1 to 8 PLACES): $94
  • Transfer from Brussels BRU -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $165
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $130
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $165
  • Transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $47
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $189
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $165
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $195
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $165
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $130
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $59
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with luxury limousine 3 pax: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Newcastle upon Tyne 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 day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £118
    Leuven £73
Typical Food Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee (2)
    £4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newcastle Street Food Tour: $94
  • Newcastle: Grainger Town & Quayside Street Food Tour: $106
  • Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour: $211

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Food Tour: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £17
    Leuven £20

Tours and Activities in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newcastle upon Tyne Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.42
  • Hadrian's Wall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the Ruins: $7.99
  • Newcastle: Junkyard Golf Tickets for 9 or 18 Holes: $15
  • Gruesome Tour of Hexham: $16
  • Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket: $19
  • Votes for Women The Power of Protest Newcastle Walking Tour: $25
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Newcastle: $25
  • Newcastle: True Crime Guided Tour: $27
  • Best of Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour: $27
  • Newcastle: Virtual Reality Experience: $27
  • Halloween Special: Newcastle's Dark Side Walking Tour: $27
  • Seabird & Seal Farne Islands Cruise. 1.5 hours long. Departing from Seahouses.: $27

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Belgium: Guided tour of Leuven: $29
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $348
  • Ultimate Laser Tag Experience – 3 Games + Drink: $41
  • Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mechelen Historic Walking Tour with Local Guide: $3.53
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $68
  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $88
  • Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Self Guided Secrets of Mechelen Exploration Game Tour: $31
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $80
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £9.43
    Leuven £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle upon Tyne:

  • Brinkburn St. Brewery: Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting: $40
  • Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting: $87
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne Private Historic Pub Tour With Free Drinks!: $171
  • Private Newcastle Pub Tour: $205


When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Newcastle upon Tyne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newcastle upon Tyne 15°C (59°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Leuven. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newcastle upon Tyne 10°C (49°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Leuven. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newcastle upon Tyne 3°C (38°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leuven in the Spring?

Both Leuven and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Leuven. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newcastle upon Tyne 7°C (45°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)