Living in Luxembourg
Last updated on Mar 10, 2024
Summary: People describe life in Luxembourg as peaceful, safe, and prosperous. Expats love the high quality of life, the excellent public transportation, the low crime rate, and the diverse cultural activities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $3,000 per month. The approximate population of Luxembourg is 626,108 and the largest cities are Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, Dudelange, and Ettelbruck. The cons of living in Luxembourg include the high cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, and the limited job opportunities for expats.
What do I need to know about living in Luxembourg?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Luxembourg, they said:
"Before retiring in Luxembourg, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's tax system, as well as the cost of living and healthcare. It is also important to research the availability of public transportation, as well as the availability of leisure activities and cultural attractions. Additionally, expats should consider the language barrier, as Luxembourgish is the official language, although French, German, and English are also widely spoken. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for retirees," explained one expat living in Luxembourg.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How do I meet people in Luxembourg?
When we asked people living in Luxembourg about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Luxembourg often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Luxembourg," remarked one expat living in Luxembourg.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What is life like in Luxembourg?
When we asked people living in Luxembourg what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Luxembourg as an expat or digital nomad can be a great experience. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, a safe and secure environment, and a diverse and welcoming population. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's many cultural attractions to taking advantage of the country's excellent outdoor activities. The cost of living in Luxembourg is relatively high, but the country's high wages and generous social benefits make it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. Additionally, Luxembourg is a great place to start a business, with a strong economy and a supportive business environment," commented one expat who made the move to Luxembourg.
Is there a lot of crime in Luxembourg?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Luxembourg is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in the capital city of Luxembourg City. Additionally, there have been some reports of drug-related crime in the country," wrote a member in Luxembourg.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Luxembourg accepting of differences?
"Luxembourg is a small, diverse country with a population of just over 600,000 people. It is home to a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, including German, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Luxembourgish. People in Luxembourg are generally accepting of differences and are known for their hospitality and openness to different cultures. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and its government has taken steps to ensure that all people are treated equally and with respect," wrote one member in Luxembourg.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are the schools in Luxembourg like?
"Starting a new school is scary, but everyone in this school has been new at one time. I was so impressed with how accepting, mature and driven all the kids were. Truly impressive," said one parent with children at International School of Luxembourg in Luxembourg City.
Is the cost of living in Luxembourg high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Luxembourg, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Luxembourg is generally high, with prices for basic goods and services being comparable to those in other European countries. Housing costs are particularly high, with rental prices for apartments in the city centre being among the highest in Europe. Groceries and other everyday items are also expensive, although the cost of eating out is relatively low. Transportation costs are also high, with public transport tickets being relatively expensive," commented one expat who made the move to Luxembourg.
"The cost of living in Luxembourg is generally high, with prices for goods and services being higher than in many other European countries. The capital city of Luxembourg City is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Luxembourg City is around $1,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $2,000 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Luxembourg City can cost around $30 USD per person," remarked one expat in Luxembourg.
What type of recreational facilities are in Luxembourg?
When we asked people living in Luxembourg about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"Residents of Luxembourg enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including parks, gardens, and outdoor activities. Luxembourg City has a number of parks and gardens, such as the Parc de Merl, the Parc Merveilleux, and the Parc du Glacis, which offer a variety of activities for visitors. Luxembourg also has a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping. There are also a number of sports facilities, such as tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses. Additionally, Luxembourg has a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. Finally, Luxembourg has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants," commented one expat who moved to Luxembourg.
What is the weather like in Luxembourg?
"The weather in Luxembourg is generally mild with warm summers and cool winters. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being October and November. Snowfall is rare, but can occur in the winter months. The sunniest months are usually May and June," remarked one expat in Luxembourg.
Are there good restaurants in Luxembourg?
"One of the most popular restaurants in Luxembourg is La Cristallerie, located in the city center. This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Luxembourgish cuisine to international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers. https://www.lacristallerie.lu/ Another popular restaurant in Luxembourg is La Distillerie, located in the city center. This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on Italian dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers. https://www.ladistillerie.lu/ Finally, La Table du Pain is a popular restaurant located in the city center. This restaurant specializes in French cuisine, with a focus on traditional dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines and beers. https://www.latabledupain.lu/," said one expat.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Luxembourg?
"People living in Luxembourg typically buy groceries from supermarkets such as Cactus, Match, and Cora, as well as from local markets and specialty stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, boutiques, and online retailers," mentioned an expat living in Luxembourg.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Luxembourg?
"In order to visit Luxembourg, foreign nationals must obtain a Schengen visa from the Luxembourgish Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a travel itinerary. In order to obtain residency in Luxembourg, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for residency involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a criminal record check. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required," remarked one expat in Luxembourg.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Luxembourg?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Luxembourg are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of healthcare is high due to the country's high standards of care, and the cost of health insurance is also high due to the country's high cost of living. However, the government does provide subsidies to help make healthcare and health insurance more affordable for those who need it. Additionally, there are a number of private health insurance companies that offer competitive rates," commented one expat living in Luxembourg.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Luxembourg?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Luxembourg?
- Will I be able to find a job in Luxembourg?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Luxembourg appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Luxembourg?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Luxembourg accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Luxembourg like?
- How are healthcare services in Luxembourg?
- What are medical services in Luxembourg like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Luxembourg?
- What are emergency services like in Luxembourg?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Luxembourg?
- How are local medical facilities in Luxembourg?
- As a foreigner living in Luxembourg, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?