Cost of Living in Mechelen

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 - €900 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €550 - €750 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 - €1,600 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €900 - €1,300 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: €3.00 Monthly public transport pass: €49.00 Taxi start (normal tariff): €5.00 Taxi 1km (normal tariff): €2.00 Gasoline (1 liter): €1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): €0.90 Bread (500g): €1.50 Rice (1kg): €2.00 Eggs (12): €2.50 Chicken breasts (1kg): €9.00 Apples (1kg): €2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): €2.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.70
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15.00 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €60.00 Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's): €8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.50 Cappuccino: €3.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50
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
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €4,000 - €8,000 per year Elementary school tuition: €8,000 - €15,000 per year Middle school tuition: €10,000 - €18,000 per year High school tuition: €12,000 - €20,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and personal preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mechelen

"The cost of living in Mechelen is considered moderate compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside of the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate and can vary based on usage and the size of the apartment.When it comes to groceries, prices can be high for items such as meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables, while dairy products, bread, and other staples are more reasonably priced. Eating out at restaurants can range from moderately priced at smaller establishments to quite expensive at high-end restaurants.Public transportation in Mechelen is efficient and reasonably priced, with options including buses and trains. Owning a car can be quite expensive, with costs including fuel, maintenance, and parking.Healthcare in Belgium is of a high standard and is funded through a combination of social security contributions and health insurance funds. However, it's worth noting that not all costs are covered, so out-of-pocket expenses can add up.Overall, while the cost of living in Mechelen is not the cheapest, it is balanced by the high quality of life, excellent public services, and the city's rich cultural and historical offerings," said one expat living in Mechelen.

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

"I've been living in Mechelen 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 and be smart about your spending. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a room in a shared house in neighborhoods like Tervuursesteenweg, Hanswijk, or Oud Oefenplein. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or the more upscale neighborhoods like Nekkerspoel or Kauwendaal.When it comes to utilities and internet, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. Try to limit your heating and electricity consumption, and look for a reasonably priced internet plan. For groceries, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be quite expensive in Mechelen, so save that for special occasions.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using a bike or walking whenever possible. If you need to use public transportation, look into getting a monthly pass to save on costs. Also, try to limit any unnecessary expenses like shopping for clothes or going out for entertainment. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Mechelen, like visiting parks, museums, or attending local events.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Mechelen 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 utility usage, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Mechelen.

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

"I've been living in Mechelen 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 an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the neighborhoods of Tervuursesteenweg, Kauwendaal, or Otterbeek. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or the more upscale neighborhoods like Nekkerspoel or Geerdegemvaart.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. Mechelen has a good public transportation system, and the city is quite bike-friendly. Plus, it's a small city, so you can easily get around on foot as well.For groceries, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, which offer lower prices compared to other supermarkets like Delhaize or Carrefour. You can also save money by cooking at home more often and limiting how often you eat out at restaurants.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Mechelen. You can visit the city's beautiful parks, like Vrijbroekpark or Tivoli Park, or explore the historic city center with its stunning architecture. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, like the annual Maanrock music festival or the Christmas market.Of course, you'll have to be mindful of your spending on things like clothing, electronics, and other non-essential items. You might also need to cut back on travel, especially if you're used to taking frequent trips to other European countries.Overall, living in Mechelen on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be budget-conscious and make some sacrifices. However, the city has a lot to offer, and you can still enjoy a good quality of life while sticking to your budget," said one expat living in Mechelen.

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

"I've been living in Mechelen for a while 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 overall, I think you'll find it quite manageable.First, let's talk about housing. Mechelen has a variety of neighborhoods, some more expensive than others. If you want to save on rent, I'd recommend looking into areas like Tervuursesteenweg, Hanswijk, or Nekkerspoel. These neighborhoods are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you could consider living in the city center or in the more upscale residential areas like Kauwendaal or Geerdegemvaart. These areas are more expensive, but they're also closer to shops, restaurants, and other amenities.As for transportation, Mechelen is a relatively small city, so it's easy to get around by bike or on foot. If you need to travel further, you can always use public transportation, which is quite affordable. A monthly pass for the bus and train within the city costs around €50, which is a fraction of what you'd spend on a car.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices in Mechelen are generally reasonable. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, or by visiting the local markets for fresh produce. If you enjoy eating out, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in the city, offering a wide range of cuisines.As for entertainment and leisure activities, Mechelen has a lot to offer. There are numerous parks, museums, and cultural events throughout the year, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee. If you're into sports, you can join a local gym or sports club for a reasonable monthly fee.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items or experiences you're used to, like eating out at high-end restaurants or shopping at designer boutiques. However, I think you'll find that Mechelen offers a great quality of life overall, and you can still enjoy many modern amenities while sticking to your budget.So, based on my experience, I'd say that living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Mechelen is definitely achievable. Just be mindful of your spending, and be open to making some adjustments to your lifestyle. Good luck," commented an expat living in Mechelen.