Cost of Living in Antwerp

Is Antwerp expensive?

Antwerp ranks as the 34th most expensive city in Europe and the 2nd most expensive in Belgium, just after Brussels (Source: Numbeo). For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are around €5,146. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in Antwerp is about €1,953, which is relatively cheap.

When comparing these totals to other major cities, a single person in London faces a total monthly cost of €3,875, making London approximately €1,922 more expensive than Antwerp. In contrast, Berlin’s total monthly cost for a single person is €2,277, which is €324 more than in Antwerp.

Rent per month

Here’s an idea of the average monthly rent in Antwerp depending on the size and location of the apartment (source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €916
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €763
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €1,445
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,145

Rental prices in Antwerp are rising steadily by about 2-3% per year. Popular urban areas are driving demand, especially among young professionals and students. Suburban areas are also seeing more interest due to remote work, as renters look for more space at lower costs.

Best areas to live in Antwerp:

• Berchem — Family-friendly with parks and a strong community vibe.
• Harmonie and ‘t Groen Kwartier — Trendy with a mix of historic and modern living, focused on sustainability.
• Eilandje — Hip waterfront area, popular with creatives, full of cafes and cultural spots.
• ‘t Zuid — Vibrant nightlife and art scene, great for young professionals.
• Quartier Latin — Cultural hub with theaters and galleries, perfect for art lovers.

Up-and-coming neighborhoods:

• Nieuw Zuid — Creative and growing, attracting startups and tech companies.
• Merksem — Green and family-friendly, with a strong community feel.

Areas to avoid:

• Schipperskwartier — Higher crime rates, especially at night.
• Seefhoek (around De Coninckplein and Sint-Jansplein) — Known for safety concerns.

How to find an apartment in Antwerp

Apartment prices in the city center typically start at €900 per month, with additional costs like utilities and internet often not included. Before signing a lease, set a realistic budget, thoroughly inspect the property and make sure you understand the lease terms, which are usually in Dutch. Helpful websites for finding rentals include Immoweb, Zimmo, and Immo Vlan.

In Belgium, most leases are for 9 years, but shorter terms are available. The lease must be registered with local authorities, and a security deposit of 2-3 months’ rent is typically required. Make sure to negotiate lease terms and get everything in writing. For guidance, use resources like MyRent or consult a local real estate agency. Make sure that you pick an apartment that definitely falls within your budget (including bills), because rent is the biggest part of your Antwerp cost of living.

If you need support during your housing search in Antwerp, we’re here to help. We can provide you with a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have successfully assisted many others in finding homes in the city.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Antwerp is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €3,915/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €3,124/sqm

Property prices in Antwerp are steadily rising but still more affordable than in many neighboring countries. In Flanders, the registration tax is 6% for homes you'll live in within two years and 10% for other properties, while new properties incur a 21% VAT. Notary fees, which cover the legal side of the purchase, typically cost around 1.6% of the purchase price (Source: Investropa). You can estimate these costs using the Royal Belgian Notariat Federation tool. Don’t forget to budget for additional costs like mortgage fees, insurance, and a property survey — these will add up to a few thousand Euros. To have a survey conducted, you can find an English-speaking surveyor through RICS.

For non-residents, there are no restrictions on buying property in Belgium. However, tax implications vary based on residency status. It's essential to hire a notary from Notaire to ensure the transaction is legally binding and registered properly. Once your offer is accepted, you'll likely sign a "commitment to buy" contract, which legally binds you to the purchase. To start your property search, check out Immoweb for listings and use IPI to find licensed real estate agents in Antwerp.

Utilities

A big part of your Antwerp cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €194
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €22
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €44

These costs can add up quickly, but you can reduce them with a few smart moves in Antwerp:

• Compare energy providers: Use Aanbieders to find the best deals on electricity and gas. Bundling these services can lead to savings.
• Go green: Opt for renewable energy options from providers like Eneco or Luminus for potentially lower costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Switch providers: If you find a better deal, switching is simple with tools like Aanbieders.
• Watch water usage: Keep an eye on your water consumption; GWMWater is the main supplier in Antwerp.
• Know regional rules: Check with VREG (the Flemish energy regulator) for tips on energy savings and potential discounts.
• Optimize your internet and TV: Bundle your internet, TV, and mobile services with providers like Proximus or Scarlet to get better deals. Use comparison tools to find the best packages.
• Save on mobile plans: If you're a light user, consider a prepaid SIM card or compare contract deals through Aanbieders. Providers like hey! and Mobile Vikings often offer competitive rates.

Public transport

Getting around Antwerp is simple and convenient, and the city is small enough to explore on foot or by bike, with most attractions close by. For longer trips, you can use the De Lijn trams and buses. It's cheaper to buy tickets in advance from shops, vending machines, or through the De Lijn app. If you're staying longer, the Antwerp City Pass includes unlimited public transport. For more details, check out Visit Antwerpen.

Antwerp travel ticket (Source: De Lijn):

• Single ticket: €2.50
• Return ticket: €5
• 10-journey Ticket: €17
• 50-Journey ticket: €75
• Day ticket (24 hours): €7.50
• 3-day ticket (72 hours): €15
• Group ticket: €1.70 per person (for groups of 10 to 30 people)

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi Start (Normal tariff): €5
• Taxi 1 km: €2.40
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €40
• From the Airport to the city center: €20

Food

Major supermarkets like Delhaize, Carrefour, and Colruyt offer a wide range of products, while Aldi and Lidl are popular for their lower prices. If you're into organic or specialty items, Bio-Planet is worth checking out. Most supermarkets are open from 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday, but many are closed on Sundays. You can also visit local markets in Antwerp for fresh produce, meat, and dairy. For quick shopping trips, Spar and Carrefour Express are handy convenience stores, but on the more expensive side. If you prefer home delivery, Colruyt and Carrefour have online shopping options. And remember to bring your own bags, as supermarkets charge for plastic ones.

On average — and depending on personal habits — expect to spend the following amount on groceries monthly (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €200-€300
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€800

Here are some common grocery items to give you an idea of their prices (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.20
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.70
• Rice (1kg): €2.50
• Eggs (12): €3.70
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €9.80
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4

Childcare

Childcare in Antwerp is well-structured for children aged 3 months to 3 years, managed by two main agencies: Kind en Gezin (K&G) for the Flemish Community and l’Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (ONE) for the French Community. Childcare options include collective daycare centers and family home care, with both subsidized and non-subsidized options available. Subsidized childcare, often found in municipal centers, bases fees on parental income, which helps lower your cost of living in Antwerp if you have a family. Non-subsidized centers, on the other hand, allow providers to set their own rates, which can go up to €800 per month.

In Antwerp, the main childcare options include (Source: Expatica):

• Collective facilities: Daycare centers where groups of children are cared for.
• Family home care: Smaller groups of children cared for by a childminder in their own home.
• Subsidized facilities: Accredited by K&G, with fees based on parental income.
• Non-subsidized facilities: Authorized by K&G, with rates set by the provider.
• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €560

For sick children, there is a subsidized childcare service available through healthcare providers (mutuelle), costing around €3 per hour. Information on sick childcare support is available through your mutuelle.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• Lycée Français International Anvers: €8,490-€14,990
• Antwerp International School: €17,000-€37,000
• Da Vinci International School Antwerp:€ 16,500-€28,000
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €11,666

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