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Cost of Living in Belgium | Expat Exchange
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Brussels, Belgium

Cost of Living in Belgium

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 18, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Belgium is generally considered to be quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Belgium can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Belgium can range from $15 to $30 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Belgium high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Belgium, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Belgium is generally considered to be quite high, especially in the larger cities. Rent prices tend to be quite expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment in Brussels costing around €800 per month. Groceries and other everyday items can also be quite costly, with prices for basic items such as milk and bread being higher than in many other European countries. Transportation costs are also relatively high, with monthly public transport passes costing around €50," remarked one expat in Belgium.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Belgium. If you're moving to Belgium, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Belgium.

HomelikeHomelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Belgium. If you're moving to Belgium, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Belgium.
Get Quote

Will I save money living in Belgium?

"Living in Belgium can be more affordable than living in the United States in some areas. Generally, the cost of living in Belgium is lower than in the United States, with rent and groceries being particularly cheaper. Additionally, public transportation is more affordable in Belgium than in the United States, making it easier to get around. Healthcare is also more affordable in Belgium than in the United States, with the Belgian government providing free healthcare to all citizens. Overall, living in Belgium can be more cost-effective than living in the United States," explained one expat.

What is the average cost of housing in Belgium?

If you are thinking about moving to Belgium, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Belgium is generally quite high, with prices varying depending on the location and type of property. In the larger cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, the cost of housing is typically higher than in smaller towns and rural areas. Renting a property in Belgium can be expensive, with prices ranging from around €500 to €1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Buying a property in Belgium can also be costly, with the average price of a house in the country estimated to be around €250,000," said one expat in Belgium.

"Housing costs: rental, lower; water, sewer, heating, higher; buying a home, higher," wrote a person living in Bruges.

Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Belgium. If you're moving to Belgium, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Belgium.

Get Quote

Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Belgium. If you're moving to Belgium, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Belgium.

Get Quote

What are typical rental prices for expats in Belgium?

"Rental prices for 1 bedroom apartments in Belgium can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. Generally, nice 1 bedroom apartments cost between $900 and $1600 per month in Belgium. Nice 2 bedroom apartments cost between $1400 and $2800 per month in Belgium," wrote one expat.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Belgium what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Belgium typically come equipped with the necessary appliances needed for daily living such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. Additional appliances such as a microwave, television, and furniture may also be included in some properties," wrote one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Brussels, Belgium
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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Belgium
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Homelike can help you find furnished, short-term rentals in Belgium
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