Before committing to a move, it's essential to assess whether you can afford the lifestyle in your potential new home. That's why understanding the cost of living in Belgium is a key first step.
On average, a single person can expect monthly expenses around €2,015, while a family of four might spend approximately €4,351. Compared to other countries, Belgium's cost of living is higher than 71% of Western European nations and 81% of countries worldwide.
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Cost of Living in Belgium: Key Highlights
The average monthly cost of living in Belgium is approximately €1,565 (US$1,692) for a single person renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
While living in Belgium may not be the cheapest, the relatively high cost is balanced by strong salaries and a high standard of living.
For a family of four living in a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre, the monthly cost rises to about €4,075 (US$4,406).
Here’s a breakdown of common monthly expenses in Belgium:
These figures give a good snapshot of the typical costs you can expect when living in Belgium.
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How Much Does Rent Cost in Belgium?
To get a better idea of rental prices across Belgium, let’s explore the average costs of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in some of the largest cities.
As you can see, renting in Belgium is relatively affordable, with Brussels being the most expensive city to rent in.
The good news is that finding a rental in Brussels isn't as challenging as it might be in cities like Amsterdam or Berlin. However, be aware that the most common rental contracts in Belgium are long-term, usually lasting 9 years. It’s important to understand your obligations and tenant rights, as breaking the lease early could result in hefty penalties.
If you are choosing a place to study abroad, compare the costs and benefits to make a well-informed decision. Check out multiple courses and locations, such as the cost of living in Switzerland, Ireland and New Zealand, before committing to a course!
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How Does the Cost of Living Compare to Belgian Salaries?
To get a clear picture of how far your salary can stretch in Belgium, it's useful to compare the average income with the cost of living.
In 2021, the average monthly net income in Belgium was €2,428 (US$2,625).
If you’re spending about €1,565 (US$1,692) to cover basic living expenses, you’d still have around €863 (US$933) left over each month. This gives you some room to save or enjoy additional spending.
However, it's important to note that salary levels can vary. When starting in Belgium, your salary may be lower than the average, often by a couple of hundred euros. On the bright side, if you're a non-European citizen with certain work permits, like an EU Blue Card or ICT manager permit, you might earn a higher salary than the national average. These permits often come with higher minimum wage requirements, which can make your life in Belgium even more comfortable.
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Utility Costs in Belgian Cities
Utility costs in Belgium can vary depending on the city you live in, as well as factors like your consumption habits and the size of your accommodation. On average, you can expect to pay between €150 and €300 (US$162–345) for utilities, which typically include electricity, water, heating, internet, and garbage collection.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a comparison of utility costs for an 85m² apartment in some of Belgium's most popular cities:
As you can see, utility prices are relatively consistent across major cities, though Liège tends to be a bit more expensive.
Here’s a breakdown of the utility costs on average:
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Food Costs in Belgium
On average, you can expect to spend around €250/month (US$270) on groceries in Belgium. However, this figure can fluctuate depending on your eating habits and preferences.
If you're trying to stick to a tight budget, shopping at stores like Colruyt, Lidl, and Aldi can help you save money. Additionally, keep an eye out for weekly discounts and promotions at Albert Heijn.
If dining out is part of your lifestyle, be prepared for higher food expenses. Let’s take a look at the cost of some common food items if you eat out:
Let’s look at the price of some common grocery items if you cook for yourself:
So, whether you're cooking at home or enjoying a meal out, Belgium offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
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Health Insurance Costs in Belgium
Health insurance in Belgium is mandatory and primarily funded through social security contributions. Every month, 13.07% of your gross salary is deducted, while your employer contributes an additional 25%. The only cost you need to pay personally is a small monthly membership fee of €8 (US$8.65) to join your health insurance fund.
This health insurance covers a broad range of expenses, including:
- Maternity costs
- Basic dental care
- 20% of prescription costs
- 50–75% of doctor, hospital, and clinic fees
For example, after reimbursement, a consultation with a general practitioner (GP) will typically cost you only €4 (US$4.32).
If you're not paying social security contributions (for instance, as a student), you'll need to pay a quarterly legal contribution on top of the monthly membership fee. This legal contribution depends on your taxable income, either in Belgium or abroad, and ranges from €0 to €785.10 (US$762) per quarter.
Overall, the Belgian health insurance system is relatively affordable, especially given the wide range of services it covers.
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Transportation Costs in Belgium
Belgium offers a well-connected public transportation network, making it easy to travel both within cities and between them. However, due to significant traffic congestion, using a car isn't always the best option!
In Brussels, the public transport system is quite efficient, with a solid underground network covering the central areas. For other cities, cycling is often the most practical way to get around.
Transportation prices can vary slightly depending on the city, but here’s a general idea:
Overall, Belgium’s public transport system is affordable and efficient, especially for urban dwellers looking to avoid the hassle of driving.
Leisure Costs in Belgium
Living in Belgium isn’t just about work and daily expenses—you’ll want to budget for some fun too! Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for leisure activities:
- Cinema tickets: Around €12 (US$12.97)
- Nightclub entry (early bird): Typically between €10 (US$10.81) and €12 (US$12.97)
- Monthly gym membership: Generally ranges from €24 (US$25.95) to €40 (US$43.25)
- Museum tickets: Usually between €10 (US$10.81) and €15 (US$16.22)
Whether you're catching a movie, enjoying a night out, staying active at the gym, or exploring the local culture, Belgium offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy your free time without breaking the bank.
University Tuition Fees in Belgium
Studying at Belgian universities is relatively affordable compared to neighbouring countries like the Netherlands, France, and Germany, or English-speaking countries such as the United States and the UK. If you're an EEA student, you can expect to pay around €1,000 per year (US$1,084). For students from non-EEA countries, tuition fees typically range from €1,000 to €8,000 per year (US$1,084 to US$8,650), depending on your program and credit requirements.
The good news is that students from the least developed countries pay the same tuition rate as EEA students at universities in Wallonia and Brussels. If you're not eligible for this rate, you may be able to ease your financial burden by applying for scholarships or grants.
Keep in mind that textbooks can be quite expensive, costing around €400 to €800 per year (US$433 to US$865). However, you can recoup some of that cost by selling your books after the academic year ends!
Schooling Costs in Belgium
Public schools in Belgium are tuition-free as they are funded and operated by the Belgian government. However, your children will be taught in the official language of the region where the school is located, whether it's Dutch, French, or German.
If you have older children with little knowledge of these languages, you can opt for international schools that offer an English or bilingual curriculum. Tuition fees at private and international schools can range from €6,000 to €35,000 per year (US$6,487 to US$37,844).
Cost of Living in Belgium vs India
When comparing the cost of living in Belgium and India, it’s clear that Belgium is significantly more expensive across various categories.
The overall cost of living in Belgium is 223.3% higher than in India, excluding rent, and when rent is factored in, this difference jumps to 244%.
On the positive side, local purchasing power in Belgium is 49.6% greater than in India, which can help offset some of these higher expenses.
Let’s take a look at the cost of living in Belgium and India side by side.
Restaurants
Restaurant prices in Belgium are also much higher—347.7% more expensive than in India, while grocery costs are 174.5% higher.
Here’s a general comparison:
Markets
Here’s an idea of the price of regular grocery items in Belgium and India:
Transportation
Transportation can significantly contribute to the overall expenditure. Here’s a comparison of transportation costs in India vs. Belgium:
Utilities (Monthly)
Rent prices alone in Belgium are 348.6% higher than in India, making housing one of the most significant financial differences between the two countries.
Here’s a comparison of the utility costs:
Overall, living and studying in Belgium is not as expensive as it might initially seem. With affordable tuition rates, free public schooling, and reasonably priced living expenses, Belgium can be a great option for students and families alike.
Ready to make the move? Start searching for your dream college in Belgium now and start your financial planning to ensure you get the most out of your course!
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