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

Should you visit Brussels or Saint John?

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 Saint John. 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 Saint John?

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.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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, Saint John 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
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Brussels $193
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is $193, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brussels $86
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brussels $172
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Brussels or Saint John? 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 Saint John


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brussels $20
    Saint John $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    $5.28
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $9.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $102
  • Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $130
  • Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $142
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) Transfer to Brussels/Ghent/Antwerp/Brugge: $35
  • Brussels Airport (CRL) Private Transfer to Brussels City/Hotels: $139
  • Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $114
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $81
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $77
  • Brussels to Brussels Airport (BRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Direct private transfer from Brussels to Bruges, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges with Business car: $181
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Ghent by Luxury car: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 $77
    Saint John $97
Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $5.40
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.57
  • Cheese
    $6.57
  • Olives and Snacks
    $8.19
  • Waffle
    $3.52

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brussels $27
    Saint John $23

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

Tours and Activities in Saint John

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

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brussels $15
    Saint John $44
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12
  • Beer
    $7.04

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 Saint John 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Saint John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Brussels or Saint John?

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

Should I visit Brussels or Saint John in the Summer?

Both Saint John and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Brussels is much colder than Saint John in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Saint John. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brussels 18°C (65°F) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In the autumn, Brussels is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brussels 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Saint John in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Saint John. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Saint John. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brussels 3°C (38°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Saint John. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

Brussels is much colder than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brussels 10°C (49°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Brussels

Brussels Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)