Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Leuven?
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 Leuven or Dresden?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden? 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 Dresden?
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.
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
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Leuven Prices
Belgium PricesDresden Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €214Dresden €158
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €214, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €158. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Dresden €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Dresden €122
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Dresden? 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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Dresden €11
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Private transfer to Wroclaw or Wroclaw to Dresden: $280
- Prague: Private transfer to Dresden or Dresden to Prague: $257
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague: $228
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $173
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $143
- Private transfer from Prague to Berlin with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $274
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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
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Food Meals for one dayLeuven €85Dresden €54
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 Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Historical tour of the old town including a Saxon dinner: $41
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Dresden €9.56
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
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dresden Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.70
- Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $11
- Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $11
- Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $12
- Dresden Transport Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in English: $15
- Elbfloren: Historical city tour: $15
- Classical Dresden Walking Tour with licensed Guide: $15
- 360° Panorama Amazonia Entry Ticket: $16
- Complete Walking Tour with Frauenkirche Visit: $16
- Church of Our Lady Guided Tour of Gallery: $16
- Semperoper Tickets and Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Dresden €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- BURLESQUE – "The art of sensual seduction": $58
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
- Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $123
- Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots: $317
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Dresden, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Dresden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dresden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dresden 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Dresden.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Dresden?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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 Leuven or Dresden in the Summer?
Both Dresden and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dresden. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Autumn?
Both Dresden and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Dresden. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dresden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dresden. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dresden in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Dresden. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dresden. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Leuven
| Leuven | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.