Ghentis 16% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (21/10) vs Brussels "Pricey" (31/10). 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
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇧🇪 Brussels | 🇧🇪 Ghent | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $68 | $58 cheaper | $11/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $104 | $89 cheaper | $15/day |
Flashpacker 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
🇧🇪31
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $39/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelBx Downtown Brussels (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$39/night
Total hostels17
🇧🇪21
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $41/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelHi De Draecke Gent (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$41/night
Total hostels4
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇧🇪 Brussels
🇧🇪 Ghent
City to City
Getting Between Brussels & Ghent
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇧🇪 Brussels
🌧 Rainfall: 56mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇧🇪 Ghent
🌧 Rainfall: 53mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇧🇪 Brussels
1. Art & History Museum
2. Autoworld Museum
3. Jeanneke PisFree
4. Manneken PisFree
5. Bateliers - SchippersFree
🇧🇪 Ghent
1. Beauty, Force and WisdomFree
2. De school van toenFree
3. Dulle GrietFree
4. Jacob van ArteveldeFree
5. Museum Dr. Guislain
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?+
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