Which place is cheaper, Leuven or York?
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 York or Leuven?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit York or Leuven? 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: York or Leuven?
York
York, in North Yorkshire, England, is a city rich in history that dates back to before Roman times. It is an ancient cathedral city that still has some impressive historical buildings that make it easily worth a visit. It has some of the best preserved buildings and structures in all of Europe, so if you're a history buff, then this is the place to be. It is usually tied with Manchester as the second most visited city in England, after London.
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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.
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York Prices
UK PricesLeuven Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYork £130Leuven £187
The average daily cost (per person) in York is £130, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £187. 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 York and Leuven in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYork £59Leuven £81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYork £118Leuven £162
Compare Hotels in York and Leuven
Looking for a hotel in York 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: York Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.York £12Leuven £54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in York
Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:
- Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $296
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 York or Leuven?
Prices for flights to both Leuven and York 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 dayYork £56Leuven £74
Typical Food Prices in York
Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:
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Dinner£22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.
- Breakfast Food Tour in York: $55
- Party Cruise with Drink, Dinner, and DJ: $64
- York on a Fork Food Tour: $102
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.York £11Leuven £20
Tours and Activities in York
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:
- Nidderdale Driving Tour with an APP: $12
- York’s Dark Journey: A Self-Guided Tour of its Medieval Horrors: $12
- Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Battlements of History: A Self-Guided Tour of York's City Walls : $12
- York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $13
- Wizard Walk of York Tour - Magic, Comedy & Family Fun: $15
- York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $15
- Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP: $15
- Forbidden Chronicles Ghosts and History Tour: $16
- Forbidden Chronicles- Tour of York: $16
- Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award: $16
- Historical Walking Tour of York: $16
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYork £13Leuven £22
Typical Alcohol Prices in York
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:
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A Couple Beers£9.00
Sample the Local Flavors in York
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:
- Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is York Expensive? and Is Leuven Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, York or Leuven?
York has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Leuven?
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 York or Leuven in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Leuven. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, York is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).
York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, York usually receives less rain than Leuven. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYork 16°C (62°F)Leuven 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit York or Leuven in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Leuven. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year.
In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.
York usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYork 11°C (52°F)Leuven 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit York or Leuven in the Winter?
Both Leuven and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is a little warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
York usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, York usually receives less rain than Leuven. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYork 4°C (39°F)Leuven 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit York or Leuven in the Spring?
Both Leuven and York during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, York is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.
York usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYork 8°C (46°F)Leuven 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Leuven and York
| York | Leuven | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.