Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belfast or Cape Town?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Cape Town, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Belfast or Cape Town?
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelfast £133Cape Town £78
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is £78. 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 Belfast and Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelfast £68Cape Town £31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Cape Town £62
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Cape Town? 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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belfast £14Cape Town £14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
- Private Transfer from Carryduff to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
- Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Whiterock: $62
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Warrenpoint: $135
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Trillick : $202
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strangford: $110
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $227
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Stewartstown : $151
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $11
- Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town- One way/Round Trips: $16
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Exclusive Cape Town Airport and Cruise Terminal Transfers: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Muizenberg Cape Town : $18
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Constantia: $18
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- 24 hour Private Airport Shuttle and Transfer CBD: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Belfast 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 dayBelfast £51Cape Town £33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belfast £18Cape Town £18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets£8.00
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
- Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
- Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
- (Small Group) Shore Tour from Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip: $147
- 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
- 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $93
- 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $102
- 4 Hours Private Guided Belfast City Tour: $254
- A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
- Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $439
- Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $159
- Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $126
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelfast £7.86Cape Town £17
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Cape Town, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast is in Europe and Cape Town is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belfast or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Cape Town, 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 Belfast or Cape Town?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Belfast has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Belfast or Cape Town in the Summer?
Both Cape Town and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Cape Town averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBelfast 15°C (59°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Cape Town in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Cape Town. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Cape Townin April. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBelfast 9°C (48°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Cape Town in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Cape Town. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is much colder than Cape Town in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.
In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cape Townin July. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBelfast 4°C (39°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Cape Town in the Spring?
Both Cape Town and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Cape Town. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cape Town averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Belfast usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBelfast 8°C (46°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Belfast
| Belfast | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.