How Much Does It Cost to Live In Brussels?
Whether you will find the Brussels living conditions too expensive for your taste or not, highly depends on the country you are coming from.
If you are from England, it probably will not be intriguing to find out the high prices of some services and items, due to the fact that they are the same or even higher in your country.
But, generally speaking, the average cost of living in Brussels is slightly higher than in any other Belgian city, as well as in the majority of huge European cities.
Belgium : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Eating out in Brussels is quite an experience, due to the amazing cookery skills their cooks possess.
If you want to save some money, and still eat out, bear in mind the fact that dinner is more expensive than lunch.
The prices in inexpensive restaurants are generally pretty good.
MARKETS
Food is rather expensive here, and more than the third of monthly budget is spent on it.
If your lifestyle can match the same way as your own lifestyle in your home country, than you will be satisfied with the prices.
Otherwise, these expenses would definitely be considered unreasonable.
TRANSPORTATION
If you do not possess your own car than this modern city has to offer you a very functional and organized public transportation system.
It is good to know that one bought your ticket lasts one hour and you can travel by different modes of transport that exist there.
The price of gasoline is far too expensive and not affordable at all.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
According to the data, utility costs are expensive in Brussels and how much they will cost you depends on the number of people living in the same apartment and season, as heating would take a lot of money during winter months.
Phone communication is not expensive at all, but the Internet price is rather high.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Entertainment is part of every person’s social life and its costs generally depend on how you want to entertain.
If you are such a person who likes spending time at the fitness clubs, you will have to devote $30 per month for that satisfaction.
A ticket to the cinema can cost $12 for the latest international release.
CLOTHING & SHOES
It is not unusual that the least money is spent on clothes here in Brussels, due to the fact that all the other expenses are of the utmost importance when compared to apparel.
The other reason might be the price of shoes and clothes, which is pretty high here, but still not so unreasonable as in some of Belgium neighboring countries.
RENT PER MONTH
Your main cost, once you get to Brussels, will be housing, and how much you will need to pay for it would depend on the location and size of the apartment.
According to your budget, you will probably have to choose between those expensive in the city center or those more affordable out of the city.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Brussels
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $17.05 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.55 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.39 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $4.62 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.95 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.19 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2.39 |
| Monthly Pass | $55.70 |
| Gasoline | $6.19 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $155.60 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.24 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $49.48 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $29.35 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $18.79 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $12.50 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $104.27 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $40.16 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92.92 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $928.35 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $794.20 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1614.05 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Brussels?
Brussels is one of the top European destinations for both tourists and settlers and this makes it a rather expensive city.
People here tend to satisfy the basic needs first, and then spend money on less important things.
That is why the rent and food are sharing the first place when the spending is in question.
Brussels boasts magnificent restaurants and cuisine, so pretty much money is given there,too, unlike clothes which takes just 3% of the monthly budget.
Average Costs Breakdown
Brussels: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
In order to fulfill your basic needs, you need to earn enough money and those people whose earning would not be suitable enough for living in Brussels should take into consideration some of other less expensive cities or even countries.
On the other hand, knowing the basic expenses and the amount of possible salary, if you will start being paid here, would be of great help to prepare you for the life in Brussels.
The minimum wage is not so low in comparison with the average salary, and it is estimated to be high enough for a decent life there.
Brussels Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Brussels Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Brussels
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Antwerp | 74.88 |
| Gent | 75.27 |
| Leuven | 74.58 |
