How Much Does It Cost to Live In Belgium?
Belgium is a country that has so specific strategic location in the European Union thus making it an important country for the whole region both economically and politically.
The cost of living in Belgium is considered quite high when we compare it to the European Union countries.
Even though how much you will have to earn so as to be able to live a normal life in Belgium is definitely up to you and your lifestyle, it is advisable to get familiar with the average prices that you will encounter once settling there.
Belgium : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Belgium is a country where culinary skills are valued and emphasized.
The quality and variety of dining places are of great importance here, and that is why you can either find cheaper options for not more than $10 per person, or the more posh ones where meals can be $100.
MARKETS
Groceries are somehow expensive here and many people tend to buy them at discounted prices in those supermarkets that offer them.
The foodstuff prices vary but the average spending on monthly groceries is around $120 per person.
Again, it all depends on the brands of food you buy and the places where you purchase it.
TRANSPORTATION
The cities in Belgium have excellent and well-organized public transport.
In major Belgian cities, it is sometimes advisable to use it rather than travel with your own car, and a transport pass for the whole month would cost you approximately $53.
A one-way ticket is affordable only for those who do not often use public transportation.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Besides paying the rent which is not at all feasible if you get the minimum salary and have a big family, you need to have enough money to pay about $190 a month for utilities.
If the Internet service is added to that, then $200 a month would not be enough to cover these expenses.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Entertainment options in Belgium are numerous.
They are designed so as to suit everyone’s budget and they are available in all major cities.
Paying $30 for a fitness pass is not expensive when compared to the living standard, but renting a tennis court for one hour of practice can be taken as expensive.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Belgium is considered to have high-cost clothes, but when compared to some other countries with lower wages and a worse standard of living, buying designer clothing items would not be too unreasonable.
Still, if you are coming from a less developed country, paying $100 for a pair of running shoes would not be taken as a bargain.
RENT PER MONTH
Belgium has low mortgage interest rates and it is possible to buy your own property there.
If you still cannot afford that, you can rent an apartment in Belgium and pay for a flat with only one bedroom from $700 to $850, depending on the location.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Belgium
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $16.29 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.34 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.41 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.04 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.94 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.87 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2.72 |
| Monthly Pass | $53.22 |
| Gasoline | $2.01 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $190.47 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.25 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $52.42 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $30.93 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $19.47 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $10.38 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $92.01 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $40.55 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $91.40 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $875.84 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $714.76 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1278.96 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Belgium?
Food is the expense of the utmost importance and that is why in every country the most money is spent on it.
The second major expense is always rent for those who do not possess their own places.
Due to the fact that delicious cuisine is a symbol of Belgium, people like dining out in some of its amazing restaurants.
When commuting is in question, driving there is a good option even though gasoline prices are not low, but public transport is more advisable for those more economical ones, who want to save some money on that.
The least money is spent on clothes which are quite expensive here.
Average Costs Breakdown
Belgium: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Before coming to live in Belgium, you should find out whether you are below or above the average Belgian wage and if you are planning to look for a job there, then how high a salary to require.
Belgium is as expensive as many other European countries and Belgian employees earn $2200 per month on average.
The minimum salary is $1,973.6, so the difference is not so high as in some other countries, and this makes Brussels the most attractive country to work in.
The mortgage interest rate is so low, that you might be able to afford your own place and save on the rent.
Belgium Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Belgium Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Belgium
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Antwerp | 74.88 |
| Brussels | 75.69 |
| Gent | 75.27 |
| Leuven | 74.58 |
