The cost of living in Belgium

With its strategic position in the European Union, Belgium is an important country in the continent, both economically and politically. Its comfortable living standards attract tens of thousands of expats each year.

However, life in Belgium doesn’t come without its price tag. This overview of monthly expenses will give you a clear picture of what (money) it takes to make the country your new home.

Continue reading for the following information:

What is the state of Belgium’s economy?

Belgium is at the high end of the mid-tier economies in the European Union (EU). Its gross domestic product (GDP) is an estimated €585 million (2023), which the European Commission (EC) predicts will grow by 1.3% in 2024 and 1.4% in 2025. This is above the EU average of 1.0% and 1.6%, respectively.

Although €585 million is a lot for such a small country, its neighboring countries are all economic giants. For example, Germany’s GDP is €4.12 billion, which makes it the largest economy in the EU. Meanwhile, France has a GDP of €2.82 billion, and the Netherlands makes do with €1.07 billion. Of course, being the home base of the European Union doesn’t hurt Belgium’s financial situation either.

Belgium’s GDP works out to €49,791 per capita (2023). The equivalised disposable income (i.e., the total net income of all household members divided by the weighted number of household members) is a little lower at €28,997 per person. This is comfortably above the EU average of €20,350 per person (2023).

Despite this rosy picture, 13.7% of the Belgian population is at risk of poverty, and around 4.2% of people can’t afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent every second day.

The Belgian statistical office, Statbel (French: Direction générale Statistique), paints an even grimmer picture. It reports that 12.3% of the population is at risk of poverty, and 18.6% may experience social exclusion. Roughly 6.1% were in a situation of severe material and social deprivation (SMSD). Our article on minimum wage in Belgium explains more about average salaries and income.

In terms of purchasing power, Belgium’s average headline inflation for 2024 is expected to be a massive 4.0%, well above the European Union’s average of 2.7%. This figure is likely to decline to 2.3% in 2025, again above the EU average of 2.2%.

The cost of living in Belgium in 2024

According to Statbel, the average annual expenses in 2022 were €18,309 per person (i.e., around €1,526 per month). The average cost of living spending per region in Belgium was:

	Annually	Monthly
Flanders (Dutch: Vlaanderen, French: Flandre)	€18,475	€1,540
Wallonia (Dutch: Wallonië, French: Wallonie)	€17,777	€1,481
Brussels (Dutch: Brussel, French: Bruxelles)	€18,975	€1,581

On average, you’ll need:

Alcohol, tobacco, narcotics	€27	Transportation	€155
Food and drink	€214	Recreation, sport, culture	€122
Housing and utilities	€476	Restaurants and hotels	€106
Healthcare	€75	Education	€4
Internet and telecom	€45	Other	€1,561
Clothing and footwear	€61
Total			€2,846

Considering the inflation rate of 2.3% in 2023 and 4.0% in 2024, it’s recommended that your monthly budget have at least €1,624 per person. If you live in the capital area, you should keep aside at least €1,682 per person.

Keep reading for an overview of the cost of living expenses you might come across in your daily life.

The price of groceries

Beer, wine, and liquor

Belgium is famous for its craft beers. Indeed, the country is the fifth largest beer producer in the EU after Germany, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands.

While Belgian drinkers consume about 8.4 liters of pure alcohol per year (2020), they don’t spend much on the substance. In 2022, people spent an average of €27 per month on alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics (Flanders: €28, Wallonia: €30, Brussels: €25).

A pilsner in a local bar or restaurant will set you back around €2.70–4.50, while a craft one costs about €4.30–7.40. A glass of wine, on the other hand, can cost between €4.30–5.50.

Of course, alcohol is cheaper in supermarkets. You can get a beer from €1.75–4.50, depending on the make and size. A decent bottle of wine usually starts from €5–10. The price of most liquor (e.g., gin, vodka, or whiskey) starts from €15, depending on your choice of drink.

Food and drink

Food and non-alcoholic drinks are the second-largest monthly expenses after housing costs. In 2022, the average grocery bill was €214 per month (Flanders: €219, Wallonia: €206, Brussels: €220). Interestingly, most of the grocery money went to meat (20.4%), bread and cereals (17.6%), and milk, cheese, and eggs (11.8%).

The average price ranges* of basic supermarket items include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
Apples (1 kilo)	€1.40–4.50	Potatoes (1 kilo)	€2.28–3.78
Bread (1 loaf)	€2.49–3.19	Regular milk (1 liter)	€1.25–2.25
Cheese (1 kilo)	€7.29–27.75	Rice (1 kilo)	€1.78–14.98
Coffee (1 kilo)	€6.78–31.96	Tea (per bag)	€0.08–0.22
Eggs (12)	€2.56–4.15	Tomatoes (1 kilo)	€4.20–9.98
Orange juice (1 liter)	€1.32–4.70	Water (1 liter)	€0.20–0.98

Hygienic and household products

Hygienic and household products include everything from toothpaste and shampoo to dish soap (or washing-up liquid) and toilet bleach. The average price ranges* of these necessities include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
All-purpose cleaner (1 liter)	€0.89–11.90	Shampoo (1 liter)	€9.48–19.98
Deodorant (150 ml)	€2.55–5.75	Soap (1 liter)	€8.78–17.40
Dish soap (1 liter)	€1.78–8.00	Tampons (per tampon)	€0.07–0.27
Garbage bags (per bag)	€0.03–0.49	Toilet paper (per roll)	€0.41–1.00
Laundry detergent (per wash)	€0.12–0.61	Toothpaste (75 ml)	€2.09–6.59

Housing costs

In 2022, the average housing costs were roughly €476 per person per month (Flanders: €465, Wallonia: €461, Brussels: €509). Official data says this included rent and mortgage payments, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. However, rent and mortgage payments appear to be much higher than the total.

Rent and property prices

Property prices differ significantly throughout Belgium. For example, houses in Antwerp (Dutch: Antwerpen, French: Anvers), Bruges (Dutch: Brugge, French: Bruges), and Brussels are comparatively more expensive than rural areas and less popular cities.

In 2023, the average monthly rent for a home in Belgium was €949 (Flanders: €853, Wallonia: €779, Brussels: €1,188). The average real estate price for an attached or semi-detached house amounted to €259,500, and €372,000 for a detached house. As of August 2024, potential homeowners will pay an average of €3,041 per square meter for apartments and €2,032 per square meter for houses.

Depending on the location, you’ll pay the following average housing prices (as of August 2024):

	Average monthly rent	Average property price per square meter (apartment)	Average property price per square meter (house)
Antwerp	€890	€2,775	€2,485
Brussels	€1,100	€3,481	€2,815
Bruges	€650	€3,041	€2,326
Ghent	€920	€3,448	€2,645
Liège	€700	€2,313	€1,744

The most expensive places are Brussels, Knokke-Heist, Kraainem, and Sint-Martens-Latem. However, if you’re looking to live in Belgium on a budget, the cheapest cities to move to are (as of August 2024):

	Average monthly rent	Average property price per square meter (apartment)	Average property price per square meter (house)
Charleroi	€650	€1,621	€1,270
Colfontaine	€610	€1,506	€1,087
Erquelinnes	€810	€1,791	€1,125
Farciennes	€550	€1,839	€1,255
Quaregnon	–	€1,572	€1,165

Find out more about the real estate market and property prices by visiting our articles on buying property and renting in Belgium. Our country article on where to live highlights popular residential areas for expats. You can also check out available serviced apartments at BBF.

Utility bills: water, gas, electricity

Belgium has one of the highest utility costs in the EU. Depending on your use and property price, you can expect to pay around €120–200 per month on utilities in 2024. This is a large difference from 2022, when people spent an average of €76 per month on water, gas, and electricity.

Of course, the price of water, gas, and electricity varies per region. In Belgium, water costs an average of €3.22/cubic meter (Flanders: €2.26/m3, Wallonia: €2.80/m3, Brussels: €4.60/m3). The EC reports that, during the second half of 2023, Belgian households paid €0.0843 kilowatt/hour for gas (EU average: €0.0891) and €0.2793 kilowatt/hour (EU average: €0.2226) for electricity.

You can learn more about regional differences and providers by reading our article on utilities in Belgium.

Healthcare

Everyone living and working in Belgium must have health insurance. The public healthcare system has (almost) universal coverage, though some payments are required for prescription medication and certain medical procedures.

Many locals and expats take out supplemental private health insurance to access shorter waiting times and a wider choice of doctors and specialists. It also offers extra coverage for other healthcare services, such as dentistry or vision care.

Basic insurance packages range from €50–180 a year. The more comprehensive the plan, the higher the premium will be. Older adults and those with pre-existing conditions may also face higher payments with private insurance.

In 2022, the monthly average expenditure on healthcare in Belgium was €75 per person (Flanders: €74, Wallonia: €67, Brussels: €87).

Internet and telecom

Belgian internet and other telecommunication services are relatively expensive compared to other Western European countries, with Brussels and Antwerp having the highest internet bills. In 2021, it was reported that internet-only subscriptions were up to 30% more expensive in Belgium than in other neighboring countries.

Of course, the cost varies per location and type of connection or service. You can often get a discount when you get a telecom package that includes TV, internet, and home phone. Internet-only subscriptions start from as little as €23 a month (excluding installation). The price increases if you want to increase the speed or add (more) TV channels.

Average monthly communication costs in 2022 amounted to €45 per person (Flanders: €45, Wallonia: €44, Brussels: €47).

Clothing and footwear

The price of clothes and shoes in Belgium is in line with other EU countries. In 2022, people spent a monthly average of €61 per person on their wardrobe (Flanders: €66, Wallonia: €46, Brussels: €73).

The cost of clothing and footwear varies greatly, depending on the type and brand. For example, underwear costs around €3–10. Dresses and jeans, on the other hand, cost between €30–100. Business shoes for men and women range from €50–175.

Designer brands are more expensive, of course. The price of luxury clothing and accessories is similar to that in other parts of Europe.

Transportation

In 2022, Belgians spent an average of €155 per month on transportation (Flanders: €159, Wallonia: €191, Brussels: €115).

Public transport

Belgium has a convenient public transport network of buses, metros, trains, trams, and, in some places, bicycles. These are run locally, so fares and availability differ on your location. For example, public bicycle services are currently only available in cities such as:

• Antwerp – subscription-based; first half hour is free, €0.50 for the second, €1.50 for the third, at least €6.50 for rides that last more than 90 minutes
• Brussels – subscription-based; first half hour is free, €0.50 for the second, €1 for the third, €2 for anything after that

Bus and metro fares also vary by city. According to Numbeo’s cost of living in Belgium, a single fare costs €2.50 in Antwerp, Brussels, Bruge, and €2.45 in Liège.

If you are planning to commute to work, it’s recommended you get a monthly or yearly plan to travel at a discounted cost.

Driving and vehicle costs

Having your own vehicle is a costly business in Belgium. According to the 2022 Car Cost Index, it is the seventh most expensive country in Europe to own a car, after Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Czechia, and Germany. Belgian drivers pay an average of €1,103 per year.

Beyond the costs of lessons, a driving license, and the actual purchase of the vehicle, you’ll need to budget for:

• Car insurance – the mandatory Third Party Liability insurance costs €60–125 a month
• Annual Road Tax – the amount depends on the region, as well as the engine power of your vehicle
• Fuel costs – as of August 2024, gasoline costs €1.62 per liter, and diesel costs €1.66 per liter
• Maintenance – car maintenance typically costs around €200–400, depending on the vehicle type

Our article on driving in Belgium covers more about costs, mandatory insurance, and driving regulations.

Leisure activities

In 2022, the average person spent €122 per month on recreation, sport, and culture (Flanders: €117, Wallonia: €113, Brussels: €138). Another €106 was spent on hotels and restaurants each month (Flanders: €117, Wallonia: €86, Brussels: €119).

Movie theaters and cinemas

The average movie ticket in Belgium costs around €11–14, depending on the location. Some cinemas also offer theater passes that allow you to watch unlimited movies for an x amount per month. Others have discounted days and tickets, offering a screening for as low as €7–9.

Restaurants

Belgium – and especially Brussels – is home to some excellent fine-dining restaurants. But there are also plenty of affordable options for a date night.

Depending on your taste, a meal at an inexpensive bistro costs around €30–40. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, on the other hand, can set you back €80–120.

Sports

If you are planning to join a gym in Belgium, you can expect to pay about €25–40 a month, depending on your location and membership. For example, Brussels is more expensive than other cities. There are also gyms that offer flexible plans where you pay per gym visit.

Education and childcare

In 2022, people spent only €4 per month on education (Flanders: €5, Wallonia: €3, Brussels: €5). Obviously, this cost of living expense does not include childcare in Belgium.

Childcare

Working parents with (young) children may need to arrange for childcare from time to time. In Belgium, options include daycares, independent childminders, nurseries, and preschools.

Public childcare facilities usually charge parents based on their income. In 2024, these amount to around €136 per month for low-income families and €756 for high-earners. You can also send your child to private childcare, where fees average around €28–32 per day.

Some expat families may want to hire a nanny or au pair. Nannies have an average hourly rate of €17, whereas au pairs require room and board, as well as a minimum salary of at least €450 a month.

Children’s education

Belgium’s public schools are funded by the government. There are no tuition fees, and parents only pay for materials and outings.

Lessons are typically in Dutch or French. If this is not your primary language, you may prefer to send your children to a private or international school. These come with varying school fees depending on the school’s location, curriculum, and grade. For example, the annual cost of international kindergartens ranges from €18,500 to €37,100. High school students, on the other hand, pay up to €48,500 a year.

You can read more about school curriculums and fees in our article on international schools in Belgium.

University tuition fees

While not completely free (like, for example, in Austria or Germany), earning your university degree is much more affordable than elsewhere around the world.

Public universities typically charge around €1,000 per year for EU students and €2,500–7,500 for non-EU students. Tuition fees at private universities are a lot higher and can reach up to €10,000–20,000 per year.

Discover more about degree programs and requirements in our article on universities in Belgium.

How does Belgium compare to the rest of the world?

Although it’s not the cheapest place to live, Belgium’s high costs do come with high standards of living.

The country scores incredibly well on the OECD Better Life Index, which measures standards of living. Belgium outperforms the average in income, education, housing, health, civic engagement, and life satisfaction. The only thing on which it scores below average is social connections. Indeed, the Human Development Index ranks Belgium as the 14^th best in the world.

The highest Belgian city on the 2023 Mercer’s Quality of Living Index is Brussels (36^th), which is below Berlin (18^th) and Paris (32^nd) but ahead of Lisbon (39^th), London (45^th), and Rome (60^th).

The cost of living in Brussels

The cost of living in Brussels is cheaper than many other capital cities. The metropolis ranks 36^th on the 2023 Mercer’s cost of living index, meaning it is considerably cheaper to live in than Tokyo (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), and Stockholm (Sweden).

Compared to other capital cities, Brussel’s cost of living is (as of August 2024):

• 48.7% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 34.9% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 19.7% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 38.5% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 78.3% more expensive than Bucharest (Romania)
• 210.2% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s largest city, with a total population of roughly 544,800 people (Statbel, 2024). This port city in West Flanders is a massive creative hub, known for its vibrant culture, notable landmarks, and history of fine arts.

Compared to other cities around the world, the cost of living in Antwerp is (as of August 2024):

• 52.1% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 39.2% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 25.0% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 29.4% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 66.5% more expensive than Bucharest (Romania)
• 189.7% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Ghent

With a population of roughly 269,600, Ghent (Dutch: Gent, French: Gand) is the second-largest city in Belgium. This historic port city is the capital of East Flanders and is currently best known for its university and hosting of a ten-day festival Gentse Feesten.

The cost of living in Ghent is typically lower than in Brussels or Antwerp (as of August 2024), as well as:

• 54.5% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 42.2% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 28.8% cheaper than Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
• 22.9% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 58.2% more expensive than Bucharest (Romania)
• 175.2% more expensive than Delhi (India)

Financial aid for the cost of living in Belgium

In certain situations, Belgian residents are entitled to financial aid and social security benefits. For example, low-income households can apply for a social integration allowance, which is around €810–1,214 per month for single people. Parents receive up to €1,640 per month.

Other benefits that can help you with the cost of living in Belgium:

• Benefits in case of accidents at work or occupational diseases – available to people who are at risk of accidents in the workplace or occupational diseases
• Family benefits – to help with the cost of raising a child
• Invalidity benefits – for workers who have been incapacitated for more than a year
• Long-term care benefits – for dependent, disabled, or elderly persons who require specific equipment or long-term care
• Sickness cash benefits – available to workers who are no longer able to work due to a non-work-related illness or an accident
• Unemployment benefits – to help people who are in between jobs

If you are unable to pay for food and groceries, you can contact the local Public Centre for Social Welfare for support: 

• Flanders: Openbaar Centrum voor Maatschappelijk Welzijn – OCMW
• Wallonia: Centre public d’Action sociale – CPAS
• Brussels: OCMW and CPAS

The social workers will assess your situation and may provide you with a food parcel (Dutch: voedselpakket, French: colis alimentaire).

Useful resources

• The Consumer Mediation Service (Dutch: Consumentenombudsdienst, French: Service de Médiation pour le Consommateur) – official website of Belgium’s independent watchdog for consumers
• The Federation of Belgian Food Banks (Dutch: De Belgische Federatie van Voedselbanken – BFVB, French: La Fédération belge des Banques Alimentaires – FBBA) – website with information on food banks in Belgium