Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Cardiff?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cardiff or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cardiff 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: Cardiff or Leuven?
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.
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Cardiff Prices
UK PricesLeuven Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCardiff £188Leuven £187
The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £188, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £187. 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 Cardiff and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCardiff £93Leuven £81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCardiff £186Leuven £162
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Cardiff 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: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cardiff £21Leuven £54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $10
- Cardiff; EV Airport Transfer Service: $135
- Gatwick Airport : Bus transferring to/from Cardiff: $13
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $96
- Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $99
- Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $102
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Luxury Van: $182
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $95
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $38
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Antwerp (1 to 8 PLACES): $54
- Business SEDAN Transfer from Brussels Airport to City Center MB E Class 1-3 PAX: $132
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $89
- PRIVATE MPV TRANSFER FROM/TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT (Max 6 pax) ONE-WAY: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Cardiff 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 dayCardiff £76Leuven £74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cardiff
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cardiff.
- City Flavors Guided Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $120
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Food Tour: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cardiff £25Leuven £20
Tours and Activities in Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
- City Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: $16
- Techniquest Science & Discovery Centre Entry Ticket: $17
- 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
- 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
- Doctor Who City Walking Tour: $23
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Doctor Who Cardiff Bay Walking Tour: $24
- Silent Disco Adventure Tour: $31
- Gower Peninsula Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
- Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $31
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $69
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $69
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $81
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $90
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCardiff £13Leuven £22
Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $24
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Leuven, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Leuven?
Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Cardiff is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Leuven. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCardiff 17°C (63°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cardiff or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Leuven. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 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 OctoberCardiff 11°C (52°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cardiff or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Leuven. Many travelers come to Cardiff 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 Cardiff. In January, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Leuven. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 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 JanuaryCardiff 3°C (38°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Cardiff or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Leuven. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Cardiff is around the same temperature as Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 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 AprilCardiff 9°C (48°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Cardiff
| Cardiff | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.