Which place is cheaper, Rouen 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 Rouen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Rouen? 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 Rouen?
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.
Rouen
Rouen is a city on the River Seine in the north of France. It is the capital of the region of Normandy. It was formerly one of the largest and most prosperous cities of Medieval Europe. The city has had a turbulent history. It was devastated by fire and plague several times during the Middle Ages, and was occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War. The young French heroine Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in the central square in 1431. And during WWII, Allied bombing raids laid waste to large parts of the city, especially south of the cathedral.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.
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Leuven Prices
Belgium PricesRouen Prices
France Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €214Rouen €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €214, while the average daily cost in Rouen is €135. 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 Rouen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Rouen €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Rouen €104
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Rouen
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Rouen? 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 Rouen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Rouen €34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $38
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Antwerp (1 to 8 PLACES): $54
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $60
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $80
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $81
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by luxury Van: $86
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $86
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $89
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $95
- Zaventem Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Liège (1 to 8 PLACES): $96
- Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Rouen?
Prices for flights to both Rouen 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 €85Rouen €61
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.Leuven €23Rouen €18
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 Rouen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:
- Rouen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.77
- Rouen audio guided tour: $11
- Audio Guided City or Joan of Arc Tour: $18
- Audio Guided City and Joan of Arc Tour: $18
- Rouen : Museum Immersive Viking Experience: $19
- Rouen : Must-see Private Walking Tour: $22
- Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $28
- Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $29
- The Official 1-Hour English tour of the must-sees of Rouen: $30
- Treetop adventure course in the heart of Rouen: $31
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $53
- Official English 2hrs Guided Tour of the Must-Sees of Rouen: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Rouen €7.86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Rouen, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Rouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rouen 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 Rouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leuven Expensive? and Is Rouen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Rouen?
Rouen has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Rouen, 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 Rouen?
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 Rouen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Rouen. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Rouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Rouen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rouen this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Rouen. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Rouen 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Rouen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Rouen. Also, many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Rouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Rouen averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 127 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rouen. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Rouen 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Rouen in the Winter?
Both Rouen and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally cooler than Rouen. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Rouen fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Rouen during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Rouen receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Rouen. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Rouen 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Rouen in the Spring?
Both Rouen and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Rouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Rouen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Rouen. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rouen receives 172 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Rouen. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rouen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Rouen 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Rouen and Leuven
| Leuven | Rouen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.