Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Brussels?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and San Jose. 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.
Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Brussels travel costs.
San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than San Jose, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while San Jose is known for its nightlife. Brussels is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.
San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.
Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Brussels. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.
San Jose is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
San Jose is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.
If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.
Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.
San Jose does not have a historic old town.
Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.
San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.
Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.
Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.
San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.
Brussels is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.
Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.
Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.
Brussels and San Jose are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.
Many backpackers visit San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.
Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.
San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.
Brussels is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.
You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.
Brussels is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.
Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.
San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.
Families should spend more time in Brussels than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Brussels, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Brussels than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brussels that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than San Jose if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Brussels.
Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
The city of San Jose offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
San Jose is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
San Jose is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €165, while the average daily cost in San Jose is €94. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Brussels or San Jose? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and San Jose, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and San Jose is in Central America, 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and San Jose, 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.
Brussels has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Brussels is much colder than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Brussels often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both San Jose and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Brussels is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Brussels usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than San Jose. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.
Both San Jose and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Brussels usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and San Jose. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Brussels is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than San Jose. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.
Brussels | San Jose | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |