Cost of Living in Brussels vs. Other Belgian Cities: A Comprehensive Comparison
Belgium offers a high standard of living, but the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city you choose to live in. Brussels , as the capital and largest city, is known for being more expensive than other Belgian cities. However, smaller cities like Antwerp , Ghent , Leuven , and Bruges offer a more affordable lifestyle while still providing access to excellent amenities and quality of life. Below, we break down the cost of living in Brussels compared to other major Belgian cities.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the largest expense for most people, and this is where Brussels stands out as the most expensive city in Belgium.
Brussels
- Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,200–€1,600/month.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €900–€1,200/month.
- Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: €4,500–€6,000 (city center); €3,000–€4,000 (outside the city center).
Antwerp
- Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €900–€1,200/month.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €700–€900/month.
- Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: €3,500–€4,500 (city center); €2,500–€3,500 (outside the city center).
Ghent
- Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €800–€1,000/month.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €600–€800/month.
- Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: €3,000–€4,000 (city center); €2,000–€3,000 (outside the city center).
Leuven
- Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €700–€900/month.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €500–€700/month.
- Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: €2,500–€3,500 (city center); €1,800–€2,500 (outside the city center).
Bruges
- Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €700–€900/month.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €500–€700/month.
- Buying Property:
- Average price per square meter: €2,500–€3,500 (city center); €1,800–€2,500 (outside the city center).
2. Utilities
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) are relatively consistent across Belgium, though they may vary slightly depending on the size of your home and energy usage.
- Monthly Utility Costs for an 85m² Apartment:
- Brussels: €150–€200.
- Antwerp: €140–€190.
- Ghent: €130–€180.
- Leuven: €120–€170.
- Bruges: €120–€170.
3. Groceries and Dining Out
Grocery prices are fairly similar across Belgium, but dining out tends to be more expensive in Brussels due to its international and cosmopolitan nature.
Groceries (Monthly for One Person):
- Brussels: €250–€300.
- Antwerp: €230–€280.
- Ghent: €220–€270.
- Leuven: €210–€260.
- Bruges: €210–€260.
Dining Out:
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant:
- Brussels: €15–€20.
- Antwerp: €12–€18.
- Ghent: €10–€15.
- Leuven: €10–€15.
- Bruges: €10–€15.
- Three-Course Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant:
- Brussels: €60–€100.
- Antwerp: €50–€80.
- Ghent: €40–€70.
- Leuven: €40–€60.
- Bruges: €40–€60.
4. Transportation
Public transportation in Belgium is efficient and affordable, with slight variations in pricing between cities.
Monthly Public Transport Pass:
- Brussels: €55–€60.
- Antwerp: €50–€55.
- Ghent: €45–€50.
- Leuven: €40–€45.
- Bruges: €40–€45.
Taxi Fares:
- Starting Fare:
- Brussels: €2.50–€3.00.
- Antwerp: €2.00–€2.50.
- Ghent: €2.00–€2.50.
- Leuven: €2.00–€2.50.
- Bruges: €2.00–€2.50.
- 1 km Ride:
- Brussels: €1.80–€2.20.
- Antwerp: €1.50–€2.00.
- Ghent: €1.50–€2.00.
- Leuven: €1.50–€2.00.
- Bruges: €1.50–€2.00.
5. Healthcare
Belgium has a universal healthcare system, and costs are generally low for residents who contribute to the social security system. Private health insurance is optional but can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Monthly Health Insurance Contribution (Employed Individuals):
- Brussels: €50–€100 (depending on income).
- Antwerp: €50–€100.
- Ghent: €50–€100.
- Leuven: €50–€100.
- Bruges: €50–€100.
6. Education
Education costs depend on whether you choose public or private schools. Public education in Belgium is free or low-cost, but international schools (common in Brussels) can be very expensive.
- International School Fees (Annual):
- Brussels: €10,000–€25,000 (varies by school and grade level).
- Antwerp: €8,000–€20,000.
- Ghent: €8,000–€20,000.
- Leuven: €8,000–€20,000.
- Bruges: €8,000–€20,000.
7. Leisure and Entertainment
Entertainment costs are slightly higher in Brussels due to its cosmopolitan vibe, but other cities offer plenty of affordable options.
Fitness Club Membership (Monthly):
- Brussels: €40–€60.
- Antwerp: €35–€55.
- Ghent: €30–€50.
- Leuven: €30–€50.
- Bruges: €30–€50.
Cinema Ticket:
- Brussels: €12–€15.
- Antwerp: €10–€14.
- Ghent: €9–€13.
- Leuven: €9–€13.
- Bruges: €9–€13.
8. Overall Cost of Living Comparison
Here’s a summary of the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person (excluding rent):
| City | Monthly Cost (Excluding Rent) |
|---|---|
| Brussels | €900–€1,200 |
| Antwerp | €800–€1,100 |
| Ghent | €750–€1,000 |
| Leuven | €700–€950 |
| Bruges | €700–€950 |
