CostLens
Home › Belgium

Cost of Living in Belgium

412 cities covered · Currency: EUR (€) · Capital: Brussels

Single person, monthly€972 ($1,057)
Couple, monthly€1,757 ($1,910)
Family of four, monthly€2,302 ($2,502)
Average net salary€3,023 ($3,286)

Average Prices in Belgium

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€9.36 ($10.18)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€37.45 ($40.70)per meal
Cappuccino€2.81 ($3.05)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€212 ($231)per month
Monthly public transport pass€34.33 ($37.31)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€90.50 ($98.37)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€26.21 ($28.49)per month
Fitness club membership€26.21 ($28.49)per month
Cinema ticket€6.87 ($7.46)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€501 ($544)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€348 ($379)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€1,045 ($1,136)per month

Major Cities in Belgium

Brussels

Brussels-Capital Region · pop. 1,249,597

Antwerp

Flanders · pop. 565,039

Gent

Flanders · pop. 272,657

Charleroi

Wallonia · pop. 204,322

Liège

Wallonia · pop. 195,278

Schaarbeek

Brussels-Capital Region · pop. 132,799

Anderlecht

Brussels-Capital Region · pop. 120,887

Bruges

Flanders · pop. 118,509

Namur

Wallonia · pop. 115,330

Moortebeek

Flanders · pop. 97,979

Sint-Jans-Molenbeek

Brussels-Capital Region · pop. 97,979

Mons

Wallonia · pop. 95,299

Aalst

Flanders · pop. 88,854

Ixelles

Brussels-Capital Region · pop. 87,632

Mechelen

Flanders · pop. 86,921

Deurne

Flanders · pop. 85,283

La Louvière

Wallonia · pop. 80,986

Sint-Niklaas

Flanders · pop. 80,167

Kortrijk

Flanders · pop. 77,741

Hasselt

Flanders · pop. 77,651

Ostend

Flanders · pop. 71,557

Tournai

Wallonia · pop. 69,554

Genk

Flanders · pop. 66,110

Roeselare

Flanders · pop. 64,495

Cheapest Cities in Belgium

Saint-GillesEtterbeekMerksemBorgerhoutBeringenDendermondeDeinzeBerchemTurnhoutVilvoordeFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Belgium

Brussels vs Antwerp

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Belgium

Brussels vs Gent

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Belgium

Antwerp vs Charleroi

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Belgium

Gent vs Charleroi

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Belgium

Cost of Living by City Size in Belgium

Living costs in Belgium vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of €972 ($1,057) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Belgium?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Belgium is €972 ($1,057), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly €2,302 ($2,502) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Belgium?
Saint-Gilles ranks among the most affordable cities in Belgium with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Belgium?
The estimated average net salary in Belgium is €3,023 ($3,286) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Belgium derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.