Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt and Leuven can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zermatt or Leuven?
Zermatt
Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZermatt $223Leuven $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Leuven is $191. 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 Zermatt and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZermatt $126Leuven $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZermatt $252Leuven $198
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt 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: Zermatt Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zermatt $53Leuven $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
- Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
- Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
- Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Zermatt or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Zermatt 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 dayZermatt $57Leuven $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
- Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119
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.Zermatt $56Leuven $24
Tours and Activities in Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
- Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
- Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
- Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
- Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
- Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
- Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
- Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZermatt $28Leuven $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
- Wine Tasting in Valais: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Leuven, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Leuven. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zermatt is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Leuven. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZermatt 23°C (73°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Leuven. The autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZermatt 15°C (58°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. Zermatt is much warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Leuven. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZermatt 5°C (41°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zermatt is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Leuven. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZermatt 13°C (55°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Zermatt
| Zermatt | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.