Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Dublin? 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 Dublin?
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.
Dublin
Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.
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Leuven Prices
Belgium PricesDublin Prices
Ireland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €214Dublin €179
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €214, while the average daily cost in Dublin is €179. 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 Dublin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Dublin €68
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Dublin €136
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Dublin
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Dublin? 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 Dublin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Dublin €19
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:
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Rental Car for a Day€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:
- “Executive Limousine Transfer from Dublin Airport – Private: $180
- Arrival Transfer Dublin Airport to Dublin City by Van or Minibus: $127
- Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Luxury Van: $129
- Chauffeur Luxury Driver Private Transfer: $156
- Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $186
- Conrad Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $184
- Departure Transfer Dublin to Dublin Airport by Van or Minibus: $127
- Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $119
- Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $129
- Driven by Excellence , Defined by Prestige Wheels Transfers: $94
- Dublin Airport & City Transfers : $240
- Dublin Airport (DUB) Private Transfer to Dublin City Centre: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Dublin?
Prices for flights to both Dublin 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 €85Dublin €85
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
Typical Food Prices in Dublin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:
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Lunch Lynam's Pub€3.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $32
- Food on Foot: Dublin Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $33
- Dublin Irish House Party Live Show, Dinner Option Available: $36
- Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $59
- Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $82
- Irish Dinner & Dance Show at Johnnie Fox’s: $88
- Ultimate Dublin Food Tour: $93
- Delicious Walking Food Tour: $94
- Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $96
- Skip the Line: Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner Ticket: $102
- Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Dublin €25
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin
Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Wild Wicklow Tour€26
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Guinness Brewery for Two€27
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St Pauls Cathedral€4.50
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Dublin Writer's Museum€6.30
Tours and Activities in Dublin
Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Tours Dublin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
- Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $4.70
- Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.88
- Dublin Ghost Hunt Exploration Game and Tour: $6.00
- Ardgillan Castle Entry Ticket: $7.05
- Interactive Guided Tour of Printing History: $7.21
- Dublin Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
- Dublin Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
- The Mystical Hill of Tara: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Scenic Coastal Dublin (Dun Laoghaire): $10
- A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
- Dublin Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Dublin €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin
Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Generation Pub Crawl: $16
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $24
- The Black Experience Pub Tour: $24
- Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $26
- Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $26
- City Pub Crawl Experience: $29
- Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings: $36
- Dublin Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour and Tasting 45 mins: $37
- Dublin Jameson Distillery Guided tour and Tasting in French: $37
- Pub Crawl Walking Tour Through the Heart of Irelands Capital: $38
- Jameson Distillery Secret Whiskey Tasting Experience: $47
- Gin Tasting Masterclass In Stillgarden Distillery: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Dublin, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Dublin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Dublin?
Dublin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Dublin, 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 Dublin?
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 Dublin in the Summer?
Both Dublin and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Leuven is a little warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Dublin. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Dublin 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dublin in the Autumn?
Both Dublin and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Dublin 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dublin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Dublin. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can be very cold during winter. In January, Leuven is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Dublin 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Dublin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Dublin. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.
Leuven is a little warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Dublin 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Dublin and Leuven
| Leuven | Dublin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°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.