Is Ghent expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Ghent is moderately expensive, in line with other Belgian and Dutch cities, but usually cheaper than Bruges for hotels and cheaper than Amsterdam or Paris overall. Expect about €90 a day per person on a budget, about €175 mid-range and €310 or more for comfort. Beds and sit-down meals take most of the money; the compact, walkable centre keeps transport costs low.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €40 | €80 | €150 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €55 | €95 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €30 | €45 |
| Local transport | €5 | €10 | €20 |
| Per person, per day | €90 | €175 | €310 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Ghent day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Cone of frites with sauce | about €4–6.50 |
| Belgian beer in a café | about €3.50–7 |
| Gentse waterzooi in a restaurant | €20–28 |
| Bag of cuberdons | €4–8 |
| Ghent Altarpiece ticket (St Bavo's) | around €16 |
| Gravensteen castle ticket | around €13 |
| Canal boat trip (40 minutes) | around €10–12 |
| De Lijn tram/bus ticket (bought in advance) | about €3 |
| CityCard Gent (48 hours) | roughly €40 |
| Mid-range double room in the old centre | €130–200 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost: hostels near the Belfry and Korenmarkt start around €60–110 for a private room, central hotels on the quays are €130–200, and boutique hotels in the Patershol and on the canals €200–380, plus the city tourist tax. Food comes next — a three-course dinner costs €35–55 and beers at €4–6 add up over an evening. Sights are reasonably priced at €10–16 each, and transport is cheap because the centre is walkable; the main extra is the Bruges train at about €16–20 return.
When it is cheaper
Outside July — when the Gentse Feesten pushes hotel prices up — and outside the December Christmas-market weekends, rates are generally lower, especially from January to March and in November. Check prices for your dates, as conferences and university events can also fill hotels.
How to spend less
- Buy the CityCard Gent only if you will visit four or more sights; it also covers trams and buses.
- Order the dagschotel (dish of the day) at lunch, the best-value sit-down meal.
- Have a drink on the Graslei for the view, then eat in the Patershol or side streets where prices are lower.
- Sleep in Ghent and visit Bruges as a day trip; Ghent hotels are generally cheaper.
- Buy De Lijn tickets in advance by app or SMS; they cost more on board.
- Avoid planning museum days on Mondays, when most museums are closed.
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Common questions
Is Ghent expensive?
Moderately. It is similar to other Belgian cities and usually cheaper than Bruges for hotels. Plan on about €90 a day on a budget, €175 mid-range and €310 for comfort.
How much does a beer cost in Ghent?
Usually about €3.50–7, depending on the beer and the café.
Is the CityCard Gent worth it?
Yes, if you visit four or more sights such as the Altarpiece, Belfry, Gravensteen and a boat trip; it also covers trams and buses.