Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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: Lucerne or Leuven?
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
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 The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.
-
Lucerne Prices
Switzerland PricesLeuven Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $302Leuven $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $302, 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 Lucerne and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $159Leuven $109
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $318Leuven $218
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne 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: Lucerne Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $15Leuven $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
- From Basel, Basel Port, Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $428
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
- Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $201
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Basel, Basel Port, Airport: $428
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $327
- Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver: $247
- St Moritz: Private transfer from Zurich airport to St Moritz: $597
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $299
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $257
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $257
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Namur MB E Class 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $245
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $221
- Private transfer DE BRU Airport - - > Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $203
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $191
- Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Luxury Van: $182
- Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with Mercedes V class 7 pax: $167
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
- Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
- Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and Lucerne 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 dayLucerne $125Leuven $99
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $39Leuven $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
1 Day Bicycle Rental$39
-
The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$41
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $6.29
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.29
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $23
- Culture & Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $31
- Official Guided City Tour of Lucerne: $32
- Guided Walking Tour in Lucerne: $34
- Round-Trip Catamaran Cruise on Lake Lucerne: $35
- Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise : $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $37
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $25Leuven $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- Walking and Boat Tour with Cheese & Wine Tasting: $112
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $314
- Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $326
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Leuven, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Leuven?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Leuven?
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 Lucerne or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Leuven. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Leuven. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Leuven in the Autumn?
Both Leuven and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Lucerne is around the same temperature as Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Leuven in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Leuven. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Leuven. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.