A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Montego Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Brussels or Montego Bay?

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 Montego Bay. 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 Montego Bay?

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.

Montego Bay

As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay or Brussels?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Brussels Prices
    Belgium Prices
    Montego Bay Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Brussels 165
    Montego Bay 217

The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €165, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is €217. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brussels 73
    Montego Bay 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brussels 146
    Montego Bay 170
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Montego Bay

Looking for a hotel in Brussels or Montego Bay? 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.

Hotels in Brussels


Hotels in Montego Bay


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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brussels 17
    Montego Bay 12
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:

  • Brussels Airport (BRU) Transfer to Brussels/Ghent/Antwerp/Brugge: $35
  • Brussels to Brussels Airport (BRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $77
  • Transfer Shuttle Brussels South Station <-> Mons (1-8 SEATS): $77
  • Shuttle transfer Brussels Gare du Midi <-> Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $77
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $81
  • Transfer Brussels Midi Station <-> Bruges (1 - 8 PL): $96
  • Private Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $100
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $102
  • Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $114
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Brussels: $120
  • Shuttle transfer Brussels <-> Lille (1 to 8 PLACES): $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:

  • Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
  • Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
  • Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
  • Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
  • Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
  • Eden Bay Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Excellence Oyster Bay Private Transfer: $40
  • Excellence Resort Private Airport Transfer: $40
  • Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
  • Experience private Airport Transfer to Falmouth: $50
  • From Kingston One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $44
  • Grand Palladium Resort Private Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Montego Bay?

Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 day
    Brussels 66
    Montego Bay 119
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.

  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $119
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $133
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.

  • Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
  • 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
  • Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
  • Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
  • PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brussels 23
    Montego Bay 26

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brussels Hidden Delights A Self Guided Epicurean Adventure: $1.79
  • Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF: $3.59
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Brussels: $3.59
  • The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.59
  • Self Guided Tours Brussels With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
  • Free Tour of Brussels in English (with booking fee) : $3.59
  • Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.59
  • Brussels Old City’s Highlights Walking Tour: $4.81
  • Brussels (EU Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.81
  • Brussels Land of Comics: Self-Guided Tour and Puzzle Quest: $6.00
  • Leuven Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Brussels Brain Quest: Exploration Game and Tour: $6.60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:


  • Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach
    2.24
  • Snorkeling Trip
    16
  • One Tank Dive
    31
  • 1.5 Hr Horseback Ride
    36

Tours and Activities in Montego Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:

  • Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
  • Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
  • Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
  • 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
  • Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
  • Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
  • Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
  • Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
  • Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
  • Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brussels 13
    Montego Bay 11
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:

  • Discovery of the La Senne Brewery: $31
  • Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Brewery-Distillery: $79

Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay

Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in Brussels.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Brussels or Montego Bay?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?

Brussels has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Montego Bay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Montego Bay. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Brussels is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brussels 18°C (65°F) 
    Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Montego Bay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Montego Bay. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.

In October, Brussels is generally much colder than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bay. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brussels 12°C (54°F) 
    Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Montego Bay in the Winter?

Both Montego Bay and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bay. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brussels 3°C (38°F) 
    Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Montego Bay in the Spring?

Both Montego Bay and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montego Bay. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brussels 10°C (49°F) 
    Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Brussels

Brussels Montego Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)