×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Cost of Living in Belgium | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
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.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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," explained one expat living in Belgium.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
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:

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

"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," explained one expat living in Belgium.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet Quote

GeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

Learn MoreGet 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," mentioned one expat in Belgium.

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," commented one expat living in Belgium.

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
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides