Cost of Living in Belgium

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 9, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Belgium is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. For a family of four, total monthly expenses including rent average around €4,518, while a single person can expect to spend about €1,760 (Source: Numbeo).

Let’s break down the expected cost of living in Belgium, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you plan your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Belgium?

Belgium is the 13th most expensive country in Europe, with a family of four spending about €4,518 a month and a single person needing around €1,760.

Compared to other European countries, Belgium is slightly cheaper. In Germany, a family of four spends €5,048, and a single person pays €1,880. The Netherlands is even more expensive, with families paying €5,589 and individuals spending €2,352 per month. Overall, the Belgium cost of living is below its neighbors’ (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Belgium?

The most expensive city to live in Belgium is Brussels, with total monthly costs averaging around €2,104 for a single person. Antwerp follows with €1,953, while Ghent is slightly more affordable at €1,806.

Cheapest city in Belgium

The cheapest city to live in Belgium is Namur, with total monthly costs averaging around €1,226. Other affordable cities include Mons at €1,267 and Charleroi at €1,282, offering lower living expenses compared to larger cities like Brussels (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Belgium vs the UK

Belgium tends to be cheaper than the UK overall. A family of four in Belgium spends around €4,518 a month, while in the UK it's about €5,338. For a single person, costs are €1,760 in Belgium and €2,210 in the UK. Rent is a big difference — a one-bedroom in the city center costs €827 in Belgium compared to €1,249 in the UK, and a three-bedroom is €1,241 in Belgium, while it's €2,076 in the UK. Overall, Belgium is more affordable, especially when it comes to rent (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Belgium average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Belgium vs the US

The cost of living in Belgium is generally higher than in the US when excluding rent, with a family of four spending around €4,518 per month compared to €3,755 in the US. For a single person, costs are €1,760 in Belgium versus €1,055 in the US. However, rent is higher in the US, especially in city centers, where a one-bedroom apartment costs about €1,580, while in Belgium, it's around €827. This makes the overall cost of living higher in the US. Including rent, a family of four in the US might spend about €6,419 per month, compared to €4,518 in Belgium (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Here’s the average monthly rent in Belgium, which varies depending on the location and size of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €827
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €704
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €1,241
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,036

Rent in Belgium has been steadily rising, especially in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, where demand is high due to urban growth. Suburban areas like Uccle in Brussels, Berchem in Antwerp, and Sint-Denijs-Westrem in Ghent are becoming more popular for families and remote workers as a more affordable option, helping with the Belgium cost of living. Over the past few years, rental prices have increased by around 5-7%, with city centers seeing the biggest hikes. Expats should be aware of Belgium’s tenant protections and shifting trends like remote work, which could impact rental demand in the future (Source: Investropa).

How to find an apartment in Belgium

Renting an apartment in Belgium is fairly straightforward, but there are a few key steps and things to keep in mind. Start your search on property websites like Immoweb or Zimmo, which list a wide range of rental properties across cities and towns. It's a good idea to start your search early, especially if you're moving to dense areas like Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent. Once you’ve found a property you're interested in, reach out to the landlord or real estate agent to arrange a viewing. Always visit the apartment in person to check its condition, location, and surrounding amenities. Be sure to ask about additional costs such as utilities or service fees. If you're renting long-term (three years or more), make sure the contract is registered with the local authorities, as it’s required by law in Belgium.

When signing the lease, you'll need to provide a copy of your ID or passport, proof of employment or income, and in some cases, references from previous landlords. You’ll also need to pay a deposit, typically 1-2 months' rent, which is held in a blocked account until the end of the lease. Tenants are responsible for routine maintenance, but landlords cover major repairs. Be aware of Belgium’s tenant-friendly laws, which include protections like fixed rent increases and required notice periods. For additional help, you can consult tenant organizations like the Flemish Huurdersbond or Brussels Tenant’s Syndicate, which provide advice on tenant rights, dispute resolution, and local housing codes.

We’re here to assist you and provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have helped many of our users find housing in Belgium. Whether you're looking for short-term rentals or long-term apartments, we have reliable contacts to help make your search hassle-free.

Utilities

A part of your Belgium cost of living is the monthly utility costs (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €199
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €21
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €50

To save on utilities in Belgium, compare energy providers using Aanbieders to find the best deals on electricity and gas; bundling these services can help lower costs. Consider going green by choosing providers like Eneco or Luminus, which may offer lower rates. If you find a better deal, switching providers is easy through Aanbieders. Keep an eye on your water usage, with suppliers like Vivaqua in Brussels and GWMWater in Antwerp. For regional tips, check with VREG in Flanders or BRUGEL in Brussels for potential discounts and energy-saving strategies.

Public transport

In Belgium, the public transport operators are SNCB/NMBS for trains, De Lijn for Flanders, STIB/MIVB for Brussels, and TEC for Wallonia. The MoBIB card simplifies travel across all regions, allowing you to switch between buses, trams, and trains with one card. You can plan your journeys using apps like BeTrains for trains orWhim for multiple transport modes. Belgium’s strong international connections also make it easy to travel to neighbouring countries via SNCB International.

Here’s a general overview of ticket prices for public transport in Belgium (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €2.50
• Regular monthly pass: €49
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €5
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi:€37.50
• Gasoline: €1.72 per liter

Food

For groceries, you have plenty of options like Carrefour, Delhaize, and Colruyt — these shops offer a wide selection of everyday essentials. If you're looking to save, discount stores like Aldi and Lidl are popular choices, helping with your Belgium cost of living. For something a bit more premium, Bio-Planet has a great range of organic products. Most supermarkets are open from 08:00 to 20:00 and closed on Sundays. You’ll also find local markets and ethnic stores offering more affordable options. You can also get home delivery with services like Carrefour, TakeawayColruyt, or try meal kits from HelloFresh.

Groceries in Belgium cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €250-€400
• For a couple: €500-€800
• For a family of four: €800-€1200

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €18
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €80
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.37
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.70
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €2.36

Mobile phone plan

When setting up your mobile phone in Belgium, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. You’ll need proof of identity, proof of address and a local bank account to get started.

Major providers:

• Proximus: Best coverage, with monthly plans from €20 to €40.
• Orange: Strong coverage, plans range from €15 to €35 per month.
• Base: Competitive prices, with plans from €10 to €30.

Cheaper options:

• Scarlet: Affordable prepaid plans starting at €8.
• Mobile Vikings: Low-cost plans from €10 to €25.

eSIMs:

• Providers like Proximus and Orange offer eSIMs with activation fees starting at around €10.

Childcare

Belgium offers various childcare options, with subsidies available depending on income, which can significantly reduce your cost of living in Belgium. Managed by Kind en Gezin (Flemish community) and l’Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (French community), childcare services are accessible across the country. For more details, visit the ONE Belgium or Kind en Gezin websites. You can also explore private childcare options through local agencies like Gezinsbond.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Expatica):

• Public daycare (crèche/kinderopvang): Fees are income-based, typically ranging from €2.68 to €37.87 per day.
• Private daycare: Rates vary but can go up to €800 per month.
• Preschool (école maternelle/kleuterschool): Free from age 2.5 (public).
• Childminders: Around €5 to €10 per hour.
• Nannies: €8-€10 per hour.
• Au pairs: Around €450 per month, plus room and board.

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €568
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €15,751

Gym

Affordable options like Basic-Fit have flexible or yearly plans, while premium gyms like Aspria and David Lloyd include pools and wellness centers. Most provide equipment, classes, personal training, and 24/7 access, with free trials or discounts for new members.

Major gym brands and monthly prices:

• Basic-Fit: €19.99/month (flex), €16.99/month (yearly)
• JIMS Fitness: €21.99
• Fit20: €89
• Aspria: €120-€180
• David Lloyd: €100-€150
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €32