Ghentis 16% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (37/10) vs Brussels "Fair" (51/10). Dorms avg $39/night vs $41/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇧🇪 Brussels
🇧🇪 Ghent
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
17 hostels, avg 8.4 rating
★★★★★
4 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $105/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $210/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.70, dorms avg $39
★★★★★
Coffee $4.19, dorms avg $41
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $7.07, 17 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $6.21, 4 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
20 attractions
★★★★★
20 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇧🇪 Brussels | 🇧🇪 Ghent | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $68 | $58 cheaper | $11/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $104 | $89 cheaper | $15/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $152 cheaper | $152 | $0/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇧🇪 Brussels | 🇧🇪 Ghent |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $25.94 | $20.50 21% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $47.16 | $46.35 2% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $7.07 | $6.21 12% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.70 | $4.19 11% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.95 8% less | $3.19 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇧🇪▼
Brussels
Belgium
51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $39/night). Strong hostel scene (17 hostels). Plenty to see (20 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBx Downtown Brussels (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$39/night
Total hostels17
🇧🇪▼
Ghent
Belgium
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $41/night). Plenty to see (20 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHi De Draecke Gent (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$41/night
Total hostels4
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇧🇪 Brussels
🇧🇪 Ghent
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Brussels & Ghent
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇧🇪 Brussels
15°C
High
/
6°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 52mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇧🇪 Ghent
15°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 50mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇧🇪 Brussels
1. Art & History Museum
2. Autoworld Museum
3. Colonne du Congrès - Congreskolom
4. Jeanneke Pis
5. La Brabançonne
🇧🇪 Ghent
1. 1856 Edward Anseele 1938
2. Beauty, Force and Wisdom
3. De school van toen
4. Dulle Griet
5. Emile Claus
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Brussels or Ghent cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Brussels vs Ghent?+
Do I need a visa for Brussels or Ghent?+
When is the best time to visit Brussels or Ghent?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Brussels and Ghent?+
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