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

Should you visit Nottingham or Leuven?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Leuven can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nottingham or Leuven?

Nottingham

Nottingham, England is located in the Eastern Midlands of England and it is one of the most popular destinations in the East Midlands and is commonly known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is most widely known for its link to the popular legend of Robin Hood. Nottingham is one of the 10 most visited cities in England and has a historic past with settlements in the area dating back to pre-Roman times. Nottingham's economy was once mostly based on their Lace making factories and coal mining industries, though not much of these industries still remain in the area. The economy now has shifted more to the service industry and tourism and is a popular shopping destination.

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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £152. 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 Nottingham and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Leuven £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Leuven £52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Leuven £42

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.
    Nottingham £28
    Leuven £19

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

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

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Leuven £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nottingham and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Nottingham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nottingham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nottingham 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 Nottingham.

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Leuven?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Leuven?

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 Nottingham or Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Leuven. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Leuven. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Leuven can be very cold. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is a little warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Leuven. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Leuven. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nottingham is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Nottingham

Nottingham Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)