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

Should you visit Leuven or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Avignon? 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: Leuven or Avignon?

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.

Avignon

Avignon is a beautiful medieval walled city southeast of Paris. Often referred to as the City of Popes due to the large number of popes who have resided there over the years, Avignon boasts a wonderful history of art and culture. Located on the leafy banks of the Rhone, it is probably best-known these days for the children's song - Sur le pont d'Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city's Unesco-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city's intact ramparts and pedestrianized center lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each summer, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d'Avignon. History surrounds you, sharing its secrets as you roam Avignon's quiet, shaded, cobblestone streets. Decorated with gorgeous fountains, avenues and squares, although Avignon is quite a big township, you'll see that this beautiful walled city still maintains its small town charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Avignon or Leuven?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €214, while the average daily cost in Avignon is €725. 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 Leuven and Avignon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Avignon 647
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Avignon 1,294
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Avignon

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Avignon? 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 Leuven


Hotels in Avignon


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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Avignon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Avignon 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Zaventem Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Liège (1 to 8 PLACES): $96
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $167
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $257
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $191
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Namur MB E Class 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $245
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $221
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $132
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $299
  • Private transfer from Brussels BRU Airport - Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon by Sedan: $101
  • Avignon to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon to Avignon Airport AVN by Van: $147
  • Minivan Arrival Transfer from Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City: $147
  • Private Sedan Departure Transfer Avignon to Avignon Airport AVN: $101
  • Spirou Park Day - Tickets and Transfer - Marseille: $233
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $179
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $179
  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Avignon?

Prices for flights to both Avignon and Leuven 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
    Leuven 85
    Avignon 58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking with Agnes: $30
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $227
  • Cooking Classes in Provence at La Belugue : $233
  • Cooking lessons: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Avignon 15

Tours and Activities in Leuven

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

  • Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $31
  • Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $69
  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $90
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $299
  • Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $81
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $69

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Van Gogh Self-Guided Walking Tour : $9.99
  • "Avignon with the Family" Flash Tour: $21
  • History and Legend Walking Tour: $24
  • All About Avignon Tour: $24
  • Enchanting Historical Walking Tour in Avignon: $24
  • Avignon City Pass: Tourist sites in Avignon and Villeneuve Lez Avignon: $28
  • Around The Palace Tour: $35
  • La Noctambule du Pape Night Tour: $42
  • Half-Day Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $81
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $82
  • Half Day Hilltop Villages of Luberon Tour from Avignon: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Avignon 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.57
  • Outing EN Solex and Wine Tasting DE: $73
  • From Wine Tour in 3 places inc. Châteauneuf du Pape: $93
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • From Châteauneuf du Pape Half-Day Wine Tour: $105
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $106
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $108
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $125
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $188
  • Luberon and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour : $202
  • Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour: $209
  • Private Provence Olive Oil & Wine Tasting + Vinaigrette Workshop: $279


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Leuven Expensive? and Is Avignon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Avignon?

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

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 Leuven or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Avignon. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Avignon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Avignon. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Avignon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. Leuven is much colder than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Avignon. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Avignon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Avignon. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Leuven is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Avignon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Avignon and Leuven

Leuven Avignon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)