How Much Does It Cost to Live In Antwerp?
Antwerp is one of the major cities in Belgium, and even though it is not as expensive as Brussels, it is not exactly a budget destination for foreigners, especially those that come from less developed countries.
So, before deciding, get familiar with your monthly expenses and earnings which will give you an idea of the cost of living there and prepare you for the expenses that you will need to cover.
If these two things match, than you should not worry about the living conditions in Antwerp.
Belgium : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
For those who would rather eat out than prepare their own food at home, there is a wide range of options in Antwerp, and in most inexpensive restaurants you can eat a decent meal for $17.
The price will depend on what you order, but the dining tend to be a little more expensive than is some other major European cities.
MARKETS
If you want to make your shopping for food more affordable, then you should thin about Antwerp large outdoor markets where you can find fresh products at reasonable prices.
Another way of saving some money is to visit huge supermarkets and purchase groceries at discounted prices.
TRANSPORTATION
You can either use public transportation system or your own car if you possess it to commute through Antwerp.
The price of gasoline is high, but still affordable.
If you do not have a car, than buses and trains would be your way of getting through the city and monthly tickets cost approximately $52.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
It is good thing to know that you can choose which electricity and gas supplier you want and this allows you to compare prices and decide on which is most appropriate for you.
The same situation is with the Internet service providers and you can pick the one that best suits your needs and budget.
SPORTS & LEISURE
The entertainment is an important part of social life and cinemas are frequently visited in Antwerp, even though the prices of the latest releases are not low.
There is plenty of stuff that you can do outdoors, but for the fitness lovers there are numerous gyms at the price of $30 per month.
Renting a tennis court is too expensive compared to other countries.
CLOTHING & SHOES
As in most cities in Belgium, you can afford going shopping if there is enough money left after all the costs are paid.
In general, Antwerp citizens rarely spend a lot of money on clothes, due to the fact that the prices are not reasonable, except when there are discounts and sales.
RENT PER MONTH
Being at the heart of the European Union, Belgium attracts people from all over the world and once they get there, renting an apartment is their first obligation.
Rental properties in Antwerp are widely available and if you earn at least an average salary there, the price of the rent would be considered reasonable.
It still depends on the property, whether it is furnished or not and its location within the city.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Antwerp
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $17.29 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.61 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.15 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.06 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.92 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.90 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2.54 |
| Monthly Pass | $51.86 |
| Gasoline | $1.60 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $168.41 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.23 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $51.61 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $29.46 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $24.49 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $11.90 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $102.50 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $36.88 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $106.53 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $814.28 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $687.41 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1310.07 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Antwerp?
It is not unusual that food and rent takes the most of monthly budget in the majority of cities in the world, and Antwerp is not an exception.
As there is a broad range of accommodation options, it is advisable for new settlers to avoid apartments in the city center if possible and decide on renting one in the suburbs and rural areas, as that will be great for his/her budget.
Restaurants are frequently visited and higher amount of money is spent on them rather than on transportation.
Clothing items are the least important expense in Antwerp.
Average Costs Breakdown
Antwerp: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
It is true that Antwerp as well as Whole Belgium is famous for its cuisine, but the popular and prominent restaurants would not be affordable for an average person who earns above minimum.
There is not a big difference between a minimum and average monthly net salary, and this makes living conditions here very desired and attractive.
All the expenses can be covered and some money can be left aside.
If you own your place, then you will have a monthly saving of more than $200 that would be otherwise given for the rent.
Antwerp Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Antwerp Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Antwerp
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Brussels | 75.69 |
| Gent | 75.27 |
| Leuven | 74.58 |
