Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Belgium Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Belgium Property Pack
Living in Belgium requires careful financial planning, with housing costs varying significantly between major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
As of September 2025, a single person needs approximately €2,300-€2,800 per month to live comfortably in Brussels, while families of four typically require €4,000-€5,000 monthly to cover all essential expenses and maintain a decent quality of life.
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Monthly living costs in Belgium range from €2,273 for a single person in Brussels to €5,000 for a family of four, with housing representing the largest expense category.
Major Belgian cities show significant rent variations, with Brussels commanding the highest prices at €1,082-€1,415 for city center one-bedroom apartments, followed by Ghent at €980-€1,346, and Antwerp at €903-€1,051.
| Expense Category | Single Person (Brussels) | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | €1,200 | €2,000-€2,500 |
| Utilities | €200 | €350-€400 |
| Groceries | €300 | €800-€1,200 |
| Transportation | €53-€200 | €150-€400 |
| Healthcare | €20-€50 | €50-€150 |
| Entertainment | €150 | €300-€500 |
| Other Expenses | €350 | €700-€1,000 |
| Total Monthly | €2,273 | €4,350-€5,650 |
How much is the average monthly rent for an apartment in Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent?
Rental prices in Belgium's major cities vary significantly, with Brussels commanding the highest rates among the three main urban centers.
In Brussels, one-bedroom apartments in the city center cost between €1,082 and €1,415 per month as of September 2025. The capital's status as the de facto European Union headquarters drives demand and keeps rental prices elevated throughout most neighborhoods.
Antwerp offers more affordable rental options, with city center one-bedroom apartments ranging from €903 to €1,051 monthly. This port city provides better value for money while still offering excellent amenities and job opportunities in Belgium's second-largest urban area.
Ghent falls between Brussels and Antwerp in terms of rental costs, with one-bedroom city center apartments priced between €980 and €1,346 per month. The university city attracts both students and professionals, creating steady rental demand across different price segments.
It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.
How much do you need to pay for utilities like electricity, heating, water and internet each month?
Utility costs in Belgium typically range from €150 to €300 per month for a standard 85-square-meter apartment, with an average of approximately €200 monthly.
Electricity and heating represent the largest portion of utility expenses, especially during Belgium's cold winter months when heating bills can spike significantly. Water costs remain relatively stable throughout the year and are generally included in the overall utility package.
Internet service alone costs between €30 and €50 per month for standard broadband connections. Many providers offer bundled packages combining internet, television, and phone services for €40 to €90 monthly, which can provide better overall value.
Seasonal variations affect utility costs substantially, with winter months potentially adding €50 to €100 extra for heating compared to summer periods. Energy-efficient apartments and newer buildings typically have lower utility costs due to better insulation and modern heating systems.
Most utility providers in Belgium offer monthly payment plans that spread annual costs evenly, helping residents budget more effectively for these essential expenses.
What is the average cost of groceries for a single person or a family of four in Belgium?
Grocery expenses in Belgium vary considerably based on shopping habits, dietary preferences, and family size.
| Household Size | Monthly Grocery Budget | Weekly Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | €250-€400 | €60-€95 |
| Couple | €450-€700 | €110-€170 |
| Family of Three | €650-€950 | €155-€230 |
| Family of Four | €800-€1,200 | €195-€290 |
| Family of Five | €950-€1,450 | €230-€350 |
Basic food staples cost approximately €1.12 per liter for milk, €3.50 per dozen eggs, and €10.47 per kilogram for chicken breast as of September 2025. Fresh produce prices fluctuate seasonally, with local Belgian vegetables typically offering better value during their respective growing seasons.
Families can reduce grocery costs by shopping at discount supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl, which offer significant savings compared to premium stores. Belgian supermarket loyalty programs and weekly promotional offers can cut monthly grocery bills by 10-15% for regular shoppers.
Organic and specialty imported foods command premium prices, potentially increasing monthly grocery budgets by 20-30% for households prioritizing these options.
How much does public transport cost if you use it daily, and what about owning and maintaining a car?
Public transportation in Belgium's major cities costs between €50 and €53 monthly for unlimited city-wide passes, making it an economical choice for daily commuters.
Car ownership in Belgium involves substantial annual costs averaging €1,500 to €2,000 yearly when including all expenses. Insurance alone costs approximately €1,000 annually, while vehicle registration tax adds another €170 per year to ownership expenses.
Monthly fuel costs average around €50 for typical urban driving patterns, though this varies significantly based on commuting distance and fuel efficiency. Vehicle maintenance and repair expenses add approximately €300 annually for average-condition cars.
Belgium's mobility budget system increasingly allows employees to combine public transportation, bicycle sharing, and occasional car usage for optimal cost efficiency. This flexible approach often proves more economical than traditional car ownership for urban residents.
Parking costs in Belgian city centers range from €1 to €3 per hour, with monthly parking permits costing €80 to €150 in prime locations, adding significant expenses for car owners working downtown.
How much should you budget for health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses in Belgium?
Belgium's healthcare system combines mandatory public insurance with optional private supplementary coverage to provide comprehensive medical protection.
Mandatory public health insurance contributions are automatically deducted from salaries at approximately 4.7% of gross income, ensuring universal coverage for all employed residents. This public system covers 50-75% of most medical costs, leaving patients responsible for modest co-payments.
Supplementary private health insurance costs between €10 and €20 monthly for basic coverage, or €30 to €70 monthly for comprehensive plans that reduce out-of-pocket expenses significantly. These private plans often cover dental care, optical services, and alternative treatments not fully covered by public insurance.
Out-of-pocket medical expenses typically include doctor visit co-payments of €4 to €12 per consultation, prescription medication costs, and specialist referral fees. Most residents budget €20 to €50 monthly for routine healthcare expenses beyond insurance premiums.
Emergency medical care and hospitalization remain heavily subsidized through Belgium's public system, minimizing financial risk for major health events compared to many other countries.
What do Belgians usually spend per month on eating out, cafés and entertainment?
Belgian dining and entertainment expenses typically range from €100 to €250 monthly per person for moderate social activities and regular restaurant visits.
Simple restaurant meals cost approximately €18 per person, while three-course dinners at mid-range establishments cost around €80 for two people. Belgium's famous café culture encourages frequent coffee and beer consumption, adding €30 to €60 monthly for regular café visits.
Entertainment options like cinema tickets, cultural events, and nightlife activities contribute another €50 to €100 monthly for socially active residents. Belgium's rich cultural scene offers numerous museums, concerts, and festivals that enhance entertainment budgets throughout the year.
Weekend dining and special occasion meals can significantly increase monthly food expenses, particularly in Brussels where international cuisine commands premium prices. Budget-conscious residents often balance expensive restaurant visits with more affordable local bistros and traditional Belgian brasseries.
Seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations cause temporary spikes in entertainment spending, especially during Christmas markets and summer outdoor events that are central to Belgian social life.
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How much does childcare or schooling cost, whether public, private or international?
Childcare costs in Belgium vary dramatically between public and private options, with income-based public childcare offering significant savings for eligible families.
Public childcare operates on a sliding scale from €2.68 to €37.87 per day based on family income, resulting in monthly costs between €60 and €750 for full-time care. This system makes quality childcare accessible to families across different economic backgrounds.
Private childcare facilities charge €600 to €800 monthly regardless of family income, providing more scheduling flexibility and often smaller child-to-caregiver ratios. Many working parents choose private options for convenience despite higher costs.
Public schools in Belgium provide free tuition but require parents to cover books, supplies, and field trips, typically costing €100 to €400 annually per child. These additional expenses remain manageable for most families while ensuring quality education access.
International schools charge substantial tuition fees ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 annually, targeting expatriate families and locals seeking specific language instruction or international curricula. These schools often provide superior facilities and smaller class sizes but represent major family budget commitments.
It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.
What are the typical costs of mobile phone plans and streaming subscriptions in Belgium?
Mobile phone plans in Belgium range from €8 monthly for basic calling and texting to €25 monthly for unlimited data packages with international roaming.
Standard mobile subscriptions with adequate data allowances for typical usage cost between €15 and €20 monthly. Major providers like Proximus, Orange, and Base offer competitive packages with varying data limits and additional services.
Internet and television bundles cost €40 to €90 monthly depending on connection speed and channel packages. Many residents find bundled services more economical than purchasing internet and mobile plans separately.
Popular streaming services add €10 to €60 monthly to entertainment budgets, with Netflix costing €9.99 to €19.99, Disney+ at €10.99, Amazon Prime Video at €2.99, and HBO Max ranging from €5.99 to €13.99 per month. Multiple subscription services can quickly accumulate substantial monthly expenses.
Family mobile plans and shared streaming accounts often provide better value for households with multiple users, reducing per-person communication and entertainment costs significantly.
How much do you need to set aside for clothing, personal care and household items each month?
Personal care, clothing, and household expenses typically require €80 to €200 monthly per person, varying based on lifestyle preferences and shopping habits.
Basic toiletries, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products cost approximately €30 to €50 monthly for average consumption. Premium brands and specialty products can increase these costs by 50-100% for consumers preferring higher-end options.
Clothing budgets vary enormously based on fashion preferences, professional requirements, and seasonal needs. Conservative estimates suggest €50 to €100 monthly for replacing worn items and adding seasonal pieces to wardrobes.
Household items including small appliances, kitchenware, and home maintenance supplies average €20 to €50 monthly when spread across annual purchases. Larger household purchases like furniture or electronics require separate budgeting outside regular monthly allowances.
Seasonal shopping patterns affect these expenses significantly, with winter clothing and holiday gift purchases causing temporary budget increases that residents should anticipate in their financial planning.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Belgium versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What is the average tax rate on salaries, and how much do you actually keep after deductions?
Belgium operates a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 25% to 50% depending on income levels, making it one of Europe's higher-tax jurisdictions.
For an average gross salary of €48,912 annually, employees typically take home €2,200 to €2,600 monthly after all deductions including income tax, social security contributions, and healthcare premiums. This represents an effective tax rate of approximately 40-45% for middle-income earners.
Minimum wage workers earn approximately €1,594 monthly after deductions, while higher earners face increasingly steep marginal tax rates that can exceed 50% on income above certain thresholds. Social security contributions cover healthcare, unemployment insurance, and pension benefits automatically.
Tax deductions for professional expenses, mortgage interest, and childcare can reduce overall tax burden for eligible taxpayers. Many residents benefit from company car programs and meal vouchers that provide tax-efficient compensation alternatives.
Self-employed individuals face different tax structures and must manage quarterly tax payments independently, often requiring professional accounting assistance to optimize their tax positions legally.
How much does it cost to travel within Belgium or take a short holiday abroad from Belgium?
Domestic travel within Belgium costs €2 to €5 per train ride for regional connections, with monthly rail passes available for €50 for frequent travelers.
Hotel accommodation for domestic trips ranges from €50 to €100 nightly for budget options, while mid-range hotels cost €150 or more per night in major cities and tourist areas. Belgium's compact size makes day trips feasible from any major city to most destinations.
Short international holidays from Belgium typically cost €200 to €500 for 2-3 day trips including budget airline flights and accommodation. Brussels' central European location provides excellent access to neighboring countries through low-cost carriers and high-speed rail connections.
Weekend breaks to Paris, Amsterdam, or London can cost €300 to €800 depending on accommodation quality and activities chosen. Many Belgian residents take advantage of their country's strategic location for frequent short international trips.
Annual vacation budgets for Belgian households often range from €1,500 to €5,000 depending on destinations and travel styles, with many families splitting time between domestic and international destinations.
How much should you realistically save each month to feel financially secure while living in Belgium?
Financial security in Belgium requires setting aside 10-15% of net monthly income as savings, with emergency funds of €5,000 to €10,000 for individual security.
Belgian households maintain an average savings rate of 11.7% of disposable income, reflecting the country's culture of financial prudence and long-term planning. Individual savings vary widely, with median household savings around €14,000 and average savings reaching €39,000.
Single professionals should target monthly savings of €200 to €400, while families typically need €500 to €800 monthly savings to maintain financial stability and prepare for future expenses. These amounts provide cushions for unexpected costs and long-term financial goals.
Emergency funds covering 3-6 months of living expenses provide essential financial security for most residents. This typically means maintaining €6,000 to €15,000 in readily accessible savings accounts for individuals and families respectively.
Long-term financial goals including retirement planning, property purchases, and children's education require additional savings beyond emergency funds. Many Belgian residents use automatic savings transfers and employer pension contributions to build wealth systematically over time.
It's something we develop in our Belgium property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Living in Belgium requires careful budgeting with housing costs representing the largest expense category for most residents.
The country's comprehensive social benefits system provides excellent healthcare and education value, though high tax rates require significant gross income to maintain comfortable net living standards.
Sources
- Brussels Times - Average rent in Brussels
- Relocate.me - Cost of living in Belgium
- Expatica - Cost of living in Belgium
- Wise - Belgium cost of living guide
- Robin Jobs - Cost of living in Belgium
- Trading Economics - Belgium personal savings
- PWC - Belgium individual tax rates
- Expatica - Health insurance in Belgium
- Expatica - Childcare in Belgium
- Salary After Tax - Belgium salary calculator