Cost of Living in Mons

Category	Details	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center	€600 - €800 per month
	1-bedroom apartment outside city center	€450 - €600 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center	€1,800 - €2,500 per square meter
	Price per square meter outside city center	€1,200 - €1,800 per square meter
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	€2.50
	Monthly local transport pass	€50 - €60
	Gasoline (1 liter)	€1.40 - €1.60
	Taxi (1 km)	€2.00 - €2.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter)	€0.80 - €1.20
	Bread (500g)	€1.00 - €2.00
	Rice (1 kg)	€1.50 - €2.50
	Chicken breasts (1 kg)	€7.00 - €12.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	€10.00 - €15.00
	Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	€50.00 - €70.00
	Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's)	€7.00 - €9.00
	Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught)	€3.00 - €5.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment	€100 - €200 per month
	Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	€30 - €50 per month
	Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans)	€0.10 - €0.25
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten)	€4,000 - €8,000 per year
	Elementary School	€6,000 - €12,000 per year
	Middle School	€8,000 - €15,000 per year
	High School	€10,000 - €18,000 per year

The cost of living in Mons, varies depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The table above provides an overview of the costs associated with apartment rentals and purchases, transportation, groceries, restaurants, utilities, and private school tuition in Mons. Keep in mind that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mons

"The cost of living in Mons 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 Mons are priced reasonably, with local markets offering fresh produce at affordable prices. Dining out in Mons can range from inexpensive to high-end, depending on the restaurant. Public transportation in Mons is reliable and affordable, with options including buses and trains. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the costs of gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Mons is of high quality but can be expensive if you are not covered by health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Mons is balanced by the high quality of life and the cultural and historical richness of the city," said one expat living in Mons.

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

"I've been living in Mons 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 an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared flat in neighborhoods like Ghlin, Jemappes, or Cuesmes. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or more upscale neighborhoods like Nimy or Saint-Symphorien.To save on transportation costs, consider using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. The bus system in Mons is quite reliable, and a monthly pass costs around €50. If you prefer biking, there are many bike lanes throughout the city, making it a safe and convenient option.For groceries, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be expensive in Mons, so limit dining out to special occasions or opt for more affordable options like friteries or sandwich shops.When it comes to entertainment, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in the city. Mons has several parks, museums, and cultural events throughout the year that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. For example, the Doudou Festival in June is a must-see event, and it's free to attend.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or cable TV. Instead, consider working out at home or using streaming services for entertainment. Additionally, you may need to be more conscious of your spending on clothing, electronics, and other non-essential items.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Mons is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and a willingness to make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Mons.

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

"I've been living in Mons 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 sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Jemappes, Cuesmes, or Nimy. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center, where rent can be quite high. You can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 for a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods.When it comes to transportation, I suggest using public transport or biking instead of owning a car. The cost of owning a car in Belgium can be quite high, especially when you factor in insurance, fuel, and parking. Public transport in Mons is quite reliable, and a monthly pass costs around $50. Biking is also a great option, as the city is quite bike-friendly.For groceries, I recommend shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can save a lot of money by cooking at home and avoiding eating out too often. Eating out in Mons can be quite expensive, especially in the city center. However, there are some affordable options like kebab shops and small cafes where you can grab a meal for around $10.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you'll have to be selective. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in Mons, like visiting the beautiful parks, attending local festivals, or exploring the numerous museums and historical sites.In terms of healthcare, make sure you have a good insurance plan that covers your needs. Healthcare in Belgium is generally of high quality, but it can be expensive if you don't have proper coverage.Overall, living in Mons on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Mons.

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

"I've been living in Mons 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. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Mons include Jemappes, Cuesmes, and Ghlin. These areas have a good mix of housing options, from apartments to houses, and you should be able to find something within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Nimy, Saint-Symphorien, or the city center, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you might need to rely more on public transport, such as buses and trains, rather than owning a car. This will not only save you money on car payments and insurance but also on parking, which can be quite expensive in some areas of Mons. The public transport system in Mons is quite efficient, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around.As for dining out and entertainment, you might have to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and bars in Mons, but you'll want to avoid the more upscale establishments if you're trying to stick to your budget. Additionally, you might want to limit the number of times you go out to the movies or attend concerts, as these can also add up quickly.In terms of groceries and household expenses, shopping at local markets and discount stores can help you save a significant amount of money. You might also want to consider cutting back on non-essential items, such as cable TV or gym memberships, and instead opt for more budget-friendly alternatives like streaming services or outdoor activities.Overall, living in Mons on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and choosing more affordable options, you should be able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Mons.