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If you've ever considered moving to Belgium, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Belgium?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Belgium and whether the reported $2189 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2213.52.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
14.33 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
66.86 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.6 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.82 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.82 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.84 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.33 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.11 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.9 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.67 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.74 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.52 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
11.7 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.68 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
14.26 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.14 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.52 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.12 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.17 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.3 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.12 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.04 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.75 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.21 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.55 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.89 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.16 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.39 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
46.8 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.76 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.91 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
28.65 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.77 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23876.86 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24182.97 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
163.72 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.21 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
46.22 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
26.95 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.86 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
10.51 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
485.67 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
15908.5 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
81.21 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
35.92 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
79.5 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
107.04 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
772.17 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
622.34 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1121.7 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
913.35 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3153.38 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2541.7 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
2213.52 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
1.75 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 14.33 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 66.86 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.9 USD, a loaf of bread 1.67 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.52 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 2.39 USD and a monthly pass around 46.8 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 163.72 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 26.95 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 17.86 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 485.67 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 15908.5 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 81.21 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 79.5 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 772.17 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 622.34 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 3153.38 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 2541.7 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 2213.52 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 1.75% annually.
Belgium
Overall, Belgium is a safe country to travel to. Crime rates are low and anything happening to you on the streets of Belgium is unlikely. The only issue to keep an eye on, apart from being vigilant for terrorist attacks, is petty theft and pickpocketing.
Transportation in Belgium is very reliable and safe. However, be careful when taking a ride on the bus or a train, since they are frequented by pickpockets and thieves that might try to snatch your personal belongings.
Belgium being a top tourist destination in Europe, the chances of encountering a pickpocket are high, especially in Brussels, Belgium's capital. Be wary at subways and train stations, and keep your valuables tightly by your side in order to prevent someone snatching them.
Belgium is not exposed to any type of natural disaster risks and there haven't been any natural disasters in its recent history.
As for muggings, Belgium is relatively safe. There haven't been many reports of someone being violently mugged or kidnapped, but some areas of Brussels should definitely be avoided. Ask local people or authorities about areas of Brussels that you should skip, or that are considered dangerous.
As for terrorism, the threat unfortunately exists, and the risk of it happening is high. Since 2015. there have been numerous attacks and attempts of attacks so it is recommended to avoid crowded places, areas, events, or demonstrations.
As in any country, especially those frequented by tourists, there are high chances of someone trying to scam you. Always double-check your change, negotiate everything in advance, and be wary of people trying to distract you are offering help with your luggage, as it might be a way to steal something from you.
Belgium is, generally speaking, very safe for women travelers. Try to avoid walking alone along with dark, poorly lit, or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
EU nationals do not need a visa to enter Belgium and are allowed to stay as long as they want. For the majority of other European or US nationals, a visa is not required. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
The official currency in Belgium is the euro. The prices here are generally the same as in other bigger European countries. The northern part of the country is more expensive than the south.
The weather in Belgium is mostly cold and wet since it has a temperate maritime climate. The average temperature during the year is 10°C, so it is best to visit during summer, which is from June to mid-September.
Brussels Airport is the biggest international airport, located northeast of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Other large airports in Belgium are located in Antwerp, Ostend, and Liège.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Belgium, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.