Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Brussels?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Brussels or Cape Town?
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 Brussels and Cape Town. 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: Brussels or Cape Town?
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrussels €137Cape Town €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €137, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is €91. 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 Brussels and Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrussels €73Cape Town €36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrussels €146Cape Town €72
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Brussels 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: Brussels Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brussels €17Cape Town €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
-
Subway Pass€4.50
-
Atomium train ticket (2)€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $248
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels HTL-APT(BRU): $81
- Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
- Transfer Chauffeur Limousines Services: $129
- Shuttle Transfer Brussels Gare du Midi <-> Ghent (1 to 8 PLACES): $58
- Private transfer on arrival from Brussels Airport to Ghent by luxury car : $120
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Brussels from/to airport: $60
- Private Transfers Between Brussels Airport and the City: $108
- Private Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $86
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Luxembourg with Luxury car: $235
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $505
- Private Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport(BRU): $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $179
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $204
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $28
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town): $54
- Airport Transfer to Cape Town Cruise Terminal: $17
- Airport Transfer: Cape Town to Cape Town Airport CPT in Luxury Car: $88
- Airport Transfers: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Brussels 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 dayBrussels €38Cape Town €39
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
-
Ice Cream & Macaroons€4.60
-
Dessert (Turkish Delights)€4.75
-
Cheese€5.60
-
Olives and Snacks€6.98
-
Waffle€3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $30
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
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:
- 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: $70
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
- Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brussels €23Cape Town €21
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels: $24
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.30
- Christmas Gems of Brussels - Walking Tour: $262
- 2-Hour Brussels Guided Walking Tour: $15
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege: $75
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
- A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $148
- Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local: $71
- Atomium: In App Audio Tour+Ticket (ENG): $18
- Bike tour Brussels highlights and hidden gems: $36
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: $3.59
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.14
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.38
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.38
- 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
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.32
- Intaka Island Kayak Tour: $5.40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrussels €13Cape Town €19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine€10
-
Beer€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $18
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
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: $7.17
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.66
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
- 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
- From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Cape Town, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brussels or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Brussels or Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Cape Town. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Cape Town averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin January. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBrussels 18°C (65°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Cape Townin April. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBrussels 12°C (54°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Cape Town in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.
In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Cape Townin July. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBrussels 3°C (38°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Brussels or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Cape Town. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Cape Town. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Cape Town averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBrussels 10°C (49°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Brussels
| Brussels | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 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.