Hasselt, BelgiumCost of Living in Hasselt
Summary: If you're moving to Hasselt, understanding the the cost of living in Hasselt helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €600 - €800 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €500 - €700 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €2,500 - €3,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | €1,800 - €2,500 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €3 |
| Monthly public transport pass | €49 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.50 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | €2 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | €0.90 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.50 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | €2 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €10 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €15 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €60 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) | €8 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment | €150 - €200 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | €40 - €60 per month | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | €0.20 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | €4,000 - €6,000 per year |
| Elementary School | €6,000 - €10,000 per year | |
| Middle School | €8,000 - €12,000 per year | |
| High School | €10,000 - €15,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hasselt
"The cost of living in Hasselt is considered moderate. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate. Groceries in Hasselt are priced reasonably, with local markets offering fresh produce at affordable rates. Dining out in Hasselt can range from inexpensive to high-end, depending on the restaurant. Public transportation in Hasselt is efficient and affordable, with options including buses and trains. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Hasselt is of high quality and is reasonably priced, with both public and private options available. Overall, the cost of living in Hasselt is balanced by the high quality of life and the amenities available," said one expat living in Hasselt.
Can I live in Hasselt on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hasselt 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 Runkst or Kuringen. These areas are a bit more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Kiewit and Godsheide, which can be quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Hasselt is relatively affordable, but if you want to save even more, consider getting a bike. Hasselt is a bike-friendly city, and you can easily get around on two wheels.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries. As for eating out, you'll probably want to limit that to special occasions or opt for more affordable options like kebab shops or friteries.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to be selective about what you do in your free time. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities in Hasselt, like visiting parks, attending local festivals, or going for walks in the nearby nature reserves. However, you might have to skip out on more expensive activities like going to concerts or taking weekend trips to other cities.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Hasselt is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your transportation and grocery costs, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Hasselt.
Can I live in Hasselt on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hasselt for a while 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 adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Kuringen, Sint-Lambrechts-Herk, or Kermt. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation, but it's doable.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Runkst or the city center, as they tend to be more expensive. Rent in these areas can easily eat up a significant portion of your budget, leaving you with less money for other expenses.As for transportation, I'd recommend getting a bike or using public transportation instead of owning a car. Hasselt has a pretty good public transportation system, and it's a bike-friendly city. This will save you money on gas, insurance, and parking fees.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll have to be more mindful of your spending. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries. As for eating out, you might have to limit yourself to more affordable restaurants or cook at home more often.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. Instead of going to the movies or out for drinks every weekend, you could explore the many free or low-cost activities that Hasselt has to offer, like visiting parks, museums, or attending local events.Lastly, you might have to be more conscious of your utility usage to save on bills. Turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and being mindful of your water usage can help you save on your monthly bills.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Hasselt is possible, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and making smart choices, you can make it work," said one expat living in Hasselt.
Can I live in Hasselt on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Hasselt for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. Hasselt is a charming city with a good quality of life, and it's not as expensive as some other European cities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment to make it work.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I would recommend looking into areas like Kuringen, Sint-Lambrechts-Herk, or Kermt. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a decent apartment or house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Runkst or Godsheide. These areas are closer to the city center and have more luxurious housing options, but the prices can be significantly higher, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 a month.As for transportation, Hasselt has a pretty good public transportation system, and you can get a monthly pass for around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices can be quite high, so you might want to budget around $200 a month for that.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Dining out can be quite expensive, especially in the city center, so you might want to limit that to special occasions or budget around $200 a month for eating out.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Hasselt. You can visit the local parks, museums, and cultural events, or take advantage of the city's bike-sharing program to explore the surrounding areas. If you enjoy going out for drinks or attending concerts and other events, you might want to budget around $200 a month for entertainment.In terms of healthcare, Belgium has a high-quality healthcare system, and as an expat, you'll need to have health insurance. Depending on your coverage, you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 a month for insurance premiums.Overall, living in Hasselt on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Belgian city," commented an expat living in Hasselt.
About the Author
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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