Deciding between Brussels and Toulouse for your backpacking adventure? Both cities offer unique experiences, and understanding their typical costs will help you plan wisely.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Toulouse generally offers a slightly lower daily budget compared to Brussels. While both are accessible on a backpacker budget, Brussels, as a major European capital, tends to have slightly higher costs for some services. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, and Toulouse often falls on the lower to mid-range of this spectrum, while Brussels leans towards the mid to higher end.
A realistic daily budget breakdown might look like this:
- Accommodation (hostel dorm): €15-30
- Food (groceries, street food, budget meals): €10-20
- Local Transport: €5-10
- Activities/Miscellaneous: €5-15 (depending on choices)
What Are Accommodation Costs Like for Backpackers?
Accommodation costs are relatively similar, but Brussels might edge out Toulouse for average prices. A dorm bed in a reputable hostel in either city typically ranges from €15-30 per night. In Brussels, especially in the city center or during peak season (summer), expect prices to hover more around €20-35. Toulouse might offer more options in the €18-30 range, especially outside of student peak times or summer. Remember, spring and fall generally offer lower prices than the busy summer months.
How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?
Food costs in both cities allow for budget-friendly options. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in European cities.
- Brussels is famous for its affordable street food like waffles (€3-6) and frites (€3-5), making it easy to eat on a budget. Supermarket prices for groceries are comparable to other Western European cities.
- Toulouse, known for its Southwestern French cuisine, offers excellent value at local markets for fresh produce. Many eateries offer “formule midi” (lunch specials) that are great value, often around €12-18. A backpacker aiming for €10-20/day for food can manage well in both cities by utilizing supermarkets, local markets, and affordable eateries.
What About Public Transport Costs?
Both Brussels and Toulouse have efficient and reasonably priced public transport systems. Expect to budget €5-10/day for public transport if you plan on using it frequently. Both cities also have highly walkable city centers.
- Brussels (STIB/MIVB) offers single tickets, multi-journey cards, and 24-hour passes.
- Toulouse (Tisséo) also provides single tickets and multi-day passes.
Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?
Both cities provide ample opportunities for free exploration.
- In Brussels, wandering the Grand Place, exploring the Comic Strip Walk, visiting Manneken Pis, and strolling through Parc de Bruxelles are all free. Many museums have entrance fees, though some may offer free admission on specific days or evenings.
- Toulouse offers the impressive Place du Capitole, exploring the historic center, and walking along the Garonne River as free activities. The exterior of the Basilique Saint-Sernin is free to admire, with a small fee often for interior access.
To further optimize your budget, tools like AllInMap can help identify free public amenities like restrooms and water fountains in both cities.
