Cost of Living in Brussels

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Brussels

"The cost of living in Brussels is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices are particularly expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around €800 per month. Groceries and other everyday items are also quite costly, with prices comparable to those in other major European cities. Eating out can also be expensive, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around €50. Public transportation is relatively affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €50," said one expat living in Brussels.

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

"I've been living in Brussels 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 more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Ixelles, Uccle, and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Schaerbeek, Molenbeek, or Anderlecht. These areas are more affordable, but they might not be as trendy or have as many amenities as the more expensive neighborhoods.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive in Brussels, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl can help you save on groceries. When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting parks, museums, and local events.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using public transportation instead of owning a car. A monthly pass for public transportation in Brussels costs around €50, which is much more affordable than the costs associated with owning a car.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other monthly expenses. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider using a more affordable internet and phone plan.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Brussels is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation and lifestyle," commented an expat living in Brussels.

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

"I've been living in Brussels 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 and be smart about your spending. First, you'll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Schaerbeek, Jette, or Anderlecht. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transport and have a lower cost of living compared to more central areas.On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Saint-Gilles, as they tend to be more expensive. Rent will be your biggest expense, so finding a reasonably priced apartment is crucial. You can expect to pay around €800-€1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in an affordable neighborhood.Next, you'll want to be mindful of your grocery spending. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can save you a lot of money compared to more upscale stores like Delhaize or Carrefour. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will also help you save on food costs.Public transport in Brussels is relatively affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €50. If you live close to your workplace, you could also consider walking or biking to save on transportation costs.As for entertainment and socializing, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Brussels. You can visit parks, museums with free entry days, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. Going out for drinks or dinner can be expensive, so try to limit those outings or look for happy hour deals and budget-friendly restaurants.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Brussels is possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about grocery shopping, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Brussels.

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

"I've been living in Brussels for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with 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 there are plenty of affordable options in other areas.When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Ixelles, Etterbeek, or Saint-Gilles. These neighborhoods are quite affordable and still offer a good quality of life. They have plenty of shops, restaurants, and public transportation options, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Uccle or Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, as they tend to be more expensive.In terms of housing, you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in the affordable neighborhoods for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Of course, if you're willing to share an apartment with roommates, you can save even more on rent. Utilities and internet should cost you around $200 a month, depending on your usage.Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. You can find a decent meal for around $15 to $20, and there are plenty of cheap eats like frites stands and kebab shops.Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable in Brussels. A monthly pass for the bus, tram, and metro will cost you around $60. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be a bit of a challenge in some areas, and gas prices are higher than in the US.Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month in Brussels without making too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and eating out, and you should be able to enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Brussels.