As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Germany: a mid-range day costs about $152 there, against $153 in the other (Belgium), a gap of 1.1%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Germany (+5.4% after inflation, against +4.4%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | Belgium | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $153 | $152 |
| Lean day | $72 | $71 |
| Comfortable day | $338 | $334 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.4% | +5.4% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | −0.8% | +0.7% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.8 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 55 | 56 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | May, Jun, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Oct, Dec | Apr, Oct, Dec |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Three medieval cities and a capital within an hour of each other by train.
The catchBrussels hotel prices swing with the EU calendar, and Bruges is crowded and marked up from Easter to September.
Europe's largest economy, and cheaper to travel than its neighbors to the west and south.
The catchLong-distance trains run late often enough to plan around, cash is still expected in many places, and Munich prices triple during Oktoberfest.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.