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

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) Approximately €600 - €800 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) Approximately €500 - €700 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) Approximately €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) Approximately €1,500 - €2,500 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) Approximately €49
Gasoline (1 liter) Approximately €1.50
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) Approximately €150 - €200 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) Approximately €45 - €60 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) Approximately €300 - €400 per month for a family of four
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Approximately €10 - €15
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant Approximately €50 - €70
Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly for 1 Child) Approximately €400 - €600
Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly for 1 Child) Approximately €4,000 - €6,000
Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly for 1 Child) Approximately €6,000 - €8,000
Private High School Tuition (Yearly for 1 Child) Approximately €8,000 - €12,000
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary based on specific locations, quality, and personal consumption habits. The cost of living in Liege is generally considered to be lower than in Brussels, the capital city, but higher than in some smaller Belgian cities. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, is one of the most significant expenses, but it is still relatively affordable compared to many other European cities. Public transportation in Liege is efficient and reasonably priced, and many residents use it for daily commuting. The cost of groceries can vary widely depending on where you shop and what you buy, but overall, food prices are relatively moderate. Eating out at restaurants can range from inexpensive to very expensive, depending on the type of restaurant. The cost of utilities is also a significant part of the monthly budget, and it can vary based on the size of the apartment and the season. Private school tuition can be quite high, especially for high school, but many families consider it a worthwhile investment in their children's education.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Liege

"The cost of living in Liege is considered moderate compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Liege are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at competitive rates. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive. Public transportation in Liege is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Owning a car can be more expensive, with costs including gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Belgium is of a high standard and is accessible, but it can be costly if you are not covered by health insurance. Overall, while the cost of living in Liege is not the cheapest, it is balanced by the high quality of life and services available," said one expat living in Liege.

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

"I've been living in Liege for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Liege is lower than in Brussels or Antwerp, but it's still a city with its own expenses. Rent will be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in trendy neighborhoods like Outremeuse or Saint-Leonard, expect to pay around $700-$800 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Grivegnee or Bressoux, you can find places for around $500-$600. Groceries will be your next big expense. If you cook at home and shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, you can keep your food budget to around $200-$300 a month. Eating out can be expensive, so you'll want to limit that. Public transportation is pretty affordable. A monthly pass for the bus and train within the city is around $50. If you have a car, remember to factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance costs. Health insurance is mandatory in Belgium and will cost you around $100 a month. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet can add another $100-$150 to your monthly expenses. So, if you're careful with your money, you can live on $1,500 a month in Liege. But you won't have a lot left over for entertainment, travel, or savings. You'll have to live a bit more frugally than you might be used to. But Liege is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so it can be worth it," commented an expat living in Liege.

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

"I've been living in Liege for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most expensive neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Liege is relatively lower compared to other Belgian cities like Brussels or Antwerp. Rent is one of the major expenses you'll have to consider. If you choose to live in the city center or in upscale neighborhoods like Cointe or Fragnée, you might have to pay around $1,000 or more for a decent one-bedroom apartment. But if you opt for more affordable neighborhoods like Saint-Laurent or Saint-Léonard, you can find a nice place for around $600-$700. Groceries are quite affordable in Liege. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20-$30 per meal. Public transportation is also quite affordable. A monthly pass costs around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high in Belgium. Healthcare in Belgium is excellent and affordable. However, it's mandatory to have health insurance, which can cost around $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Liege. You can visit the local museums, go for a walk in the beautiful parks, or enjoy a beer at one of the many local breweries. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up on some luxuries like having a large apartment in a posh neighborhood or owning a car. But overall, I believe that with careful budgeting, you can live quite comfortably in Liege on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Liege.

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

"I've been living in Liege for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to other European cities. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost you around $700-$800 per month, while outside the city center, it would be around $500-$600. If you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, consider areas like Outremeuse or Fragnée. They're beautiful, but the cost of living is higher. On the other hand, if you're looking for more affordable options, neighborhoods like Saint-Laurent or Saint-Léonard might be more suitable. Groceries are also quite affordable. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month if you cook at home. Eating out is a bit more expensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $15-$20. Utilities, including heating, electricity, and internet, would cost you around $200 a month. Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Liege. A monthly pass costs around $50. However, if you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gasoline prices are quite high, around $6 per gallon. Healthcare in Belgium is excellent and affordable. However, it's mandatory to have health insurance, which would cost you around $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Liege. You can visit museums, parks, or take a walk along the Meuse River. A movie ticket costs around $10-$12. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on eating out frequently or limit your shopping sprees. Also, if you're used to having a large living space, you might have to adjust to a smaller apartment, especially if you choose to live in the city center. Overall, living in Liege on $5,000 a month is quite comfortable. You can enjoy modern amenities and a good quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Liege.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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