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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Antwerp 2024
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Cost of Living in Antwerp

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: If you're moving to Antwerp, understanding the the cost of living in Antwerp helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Antwerp - Cost of Living in Antwerp

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Antwerp is €1,000 to €1,500 per month. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Antwerp is €200,000 to €400,000. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Antwerp is €2.50 for a single ticket, €7.50 for a day pass, and €50 for a monthly pass. The cost of a taxi ride in Antwerp is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.50 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Antwerp is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Antwerp varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €7.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €20.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Antwerp is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is €0.20 per kWh, the average cost of water is €2.50 per cubic meter, and the average cost of internet is €30.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Antwerp varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €500 per month, the average cost of elementary school tuition is €1,000 per month, the average cost of middle school tuition is €1,500 per month, and the average cost of high school tuition is €2,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Antwerp

"The cost of living in Antwerp is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Rent prices are generally lower than in other major cities in Europe, and groceries and other everyday items are also relatively affordable. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two people costing around €30-40. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, with a monthly pass costing around €50," said one expat living in Antwerp.

Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Antwerp for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Borgerhout, Deurne, or Berchem. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Zurenborg, Het Eilandje, or Het Zuid.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using a bike or public transportation instead of owning a car. Antwerp has a great network of trams and buses, and a monthly pass costs around €49. If you prefer biking, you can find a decent second-hand bike for around €100-€200.For groceries, you'll need to be smart about where you shop. Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer lower prices compared to more upscale stores like Delhaize or Carrefour. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, as restaurants in Antwerp can be quite pricey.In terms of entertainment, you'll have to be selective about the activities you choose. Going out for drinks or attending concerts can add up quickly, so you might want to limit those outings. Instead, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, like visiting museums on free admission days, attending outdoor festivals, or exploring the beautiful parks.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Antwerp is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation or biking, shopping smart for groceries, and being selective about your entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Antwerp.

Can I live in Antwerp on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Antwerp for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to choose a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Borgerhout, Deurne, or Berchem. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transportation and have a good mix of shops, restaurants, and parks. You'll find that rent prices are much more reasonable in these areas compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Zurenborg, Het Eilandje, or the historic city center.When it comes to transportation, I'd recommend getting a monthly public transportation pass, which costs around €50. This will give you unlimited access to buses, trams, and trains within the city. Owning a car can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in parking, insurance, and fuel costs. Plus, Antwerp is a very bike-friendly city, so you can always consider cycling as a cheaper and healthier alternative.For groceries, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, which offer good quality products at lower prices. You can also visit local markets for fresh produce, which can be cheaper than buying from supermarkets. Eating out can be quite expensive in Antwerp, so try to cook at home as much as possible and limit dining out to special occasions.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Antwerp. You can visit the city's many parks, museums, and galleries, or take advantage of free events and festivals throughout the year. If you're a fan of sports or fitness, consider joining a local sports club or gym, which can be more affordable than paying for individual classes or sessions.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Antwerp is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smartly for groceries, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Antwerp.

Can I live in Antwerp on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Antwerp for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to afford a huge apartment in the most expensive neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice place in a more affordable area.When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Berchem, Borgerhout, or Deurne. These neighborhoods are more affordable than the city center, but they still have a lot to offer in terms of shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Plus, they're not too far from the city center, so you can easily get there whenever you want.On the other hand, I'd probably avoid neighborhoods like Het Zuid or Het Eilandje if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget. These areas are more expensive, and you might not be able to find an apartment that fits your budget without sacrificing too much in terms of space or quality.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries and public transportation are quite affordable in Antwerp. Eating out can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. You might have to cut back on some luxury items or expensive hobbies, but overall, I think you'll find that living in Antwerp on $5,000 a month is definitely doable.One thing to keep in mind is that if you're an expat, you might have some additional expenses related to your visa, health insurance, or taxes. Make sure to factor these costs into your budget as well.Overall, I've found that living in Antwerp on $5,000 a month is comfortable and enjoyable. You might have to make some sacrifices, but you'll still be able to enjoy a high quality of life and take advantage of everything this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Antwerp.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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