Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Southampton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Southampton or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Southampton or Leuven? 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: Southampton or Leuven?
Southampton
A port city on the southeast coast of England, Southampton is a relatively large city in England. It is home to two universities so much of the population is generally young and there are no shortage of activities around town. The town dates back to the Roman and Saxon times and you can see some of the Roman ruins in a suburb named Bitterne Manor. During the Sazon times, the city was Britain's premier trading post. The city put up a protective wall during the Middle Ages and some remains of this wall can still be seen around town. The architecture throughout Southampton is quite modern, in large part because much of the city was destroyed during World War II.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySouthampton £132Leuven £152
The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, 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 Southampton and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSouthampton £85Leuven £79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSouthampton £170Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Southampton 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.
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: Southampton Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Southampton £8.70Leuven £52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:
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Ferry to Isle of Wight£16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton
Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
- "Private Stress-Free Transfer: Southampton to Heathrow.": $109
- "Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port.": $110
- From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
- Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
- Heathrow Airport to Southampton Ports - Private Transfer: $275
- London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
- London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
- London to Southern England Cruise Terminals Transfers: $119
- London: City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer: $131
- Private Minicab Transfer from Southampton Port to London: $287
- Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport: $226
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 Southampton or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Southampton 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 daySouthampton £37Leuven £42
Typical Food Prices in Southampton
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:
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Breakfast£4.00
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.Southampton £19Leuven £19
Tours and Activities in Southampton
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.
- Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
- Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
- New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
- Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
- Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
- Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
- London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
- Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
- Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySouthampton £21Leuven £21
Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton
Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
When comparing the travel costs between Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Southampton or Leuven?
Southampton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Leuven. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences.
Southampton is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.
Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Leuven. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySouthampton 18°C (64°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Southampton or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Southampton this time of year.
In the autumn, Southampton is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Leuven. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSouthampton 12°C (53°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Southampton or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. In January, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.
Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Leuven. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySouthampton 4°C (40°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Southampton or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Leuven. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty.
Southampton is around the same temperature as Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Leuven. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSouthampton 9°C (48°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Southampton
| Southampton | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 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.