Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Geneva?
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 Geneva or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Leuven. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Geneva or Leuven?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.
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Geneva Prices
Switzerland PricesLeuven Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $288Leuven $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, while the average daily cost in Leuven is $251. 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 Geneva and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $168Leuven $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $336Leuven $218
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $11Leuven $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
- Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $186
- Geneva Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to City centre: $171
- Geneva Private Transfer to Val D' Isére or Tignes: $287
- Geneva Ski Station Transfer to Val Thorens: $142
- Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
- Geneva to Annecy Private Transfer: $161
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
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 Geneva or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $105Leuven $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227
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.Geneva $35Leuven $27
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
- Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
- Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
- International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
- Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42
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 dayGeneva $26Leuven $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When comparing the travel costs between Geneva and Leuven, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Leuven?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Leuven in the Summer?
Both Leuven and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Leuven. Geneva gets 61 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 JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Leuven. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 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 OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Leuven in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Leuven. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. Geneva is a little warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Leuven. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 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 JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Leuven. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Leuven. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 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 AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Geneva
| Geneva | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.