Cost of Living in Belgium: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Countries

Belgium is a fantastic destination for students, known for its prestigious universities, vibrant culture, and strategic location in Europe. If you’re considering studying in Belgium, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living in Belgium to budget effectively and live comfortably.

If you are planning to move to this vibrant country, you must understand whether you can afford the cost of living in Belgium for a comfortable lifestyle and can save some money for the future. To help you with this, we will analyse the cost of living in Belgium and give you a complete breakdown in this blog. So, let’s begin our discussion without any further delay. 

Cost of Living in Belgium

The average monthly cost of living in Belgium for a single person is around EUR 931 excluding rent according to the Numbeo data. When factoring in rent for an apartment, total expenses range from EUR 699 to EUR 1200, varying based on location and apartment size.

Belgium offers a high quality of life with moderate living expenses. For international expatriates, the cost of living in Belgium encompasses expenses such as housing rent, food, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. For your convenience here, we have given the general breakdown of the average cost of living in Belgium for different categories. Let’s understand them in detail:

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Costs of Housing Rent in Belgium

In Belgium for a single person, the average cost of rent is around EUR 1,042 in the city centre. The Cost of accommodation in Belgium in Belgium can vary according to budget and lifestyle, affecting the cost of living in Belgium. A look at the cost of apartment rent in the city centre and out of the city is as follows:

Source: Numbeo

Cost of a Utility in Belgium

The average cost of a utility in Belgium for a single expat is around EUR 199/month, which is lower than the average cost of living in Belgium. The utility cost in Belgium includes electricity, gas, water, garbage, a mobile plan, and internet. We have done some research and for your convenience, we have compiled some data on the cost of utilities in Belgium as given in the table:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility Cost (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) (for 85m2 Apartment)	EUR 199
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ Data	EUR 21
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	EUR 50

Cost of Grocery in Belgium

The average cost of groceries in Belgium is around 98 EUR per month, including the cost of bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruit, and other eatable items. The cost of groceries can impact the cost of living in Belgium as it is a daily expense. The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Belgium:  

Grocery Item	Approx cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	EUR 1.11
White Bread (500g)	EUR 2.11
Rice (white), (1kg)	EUR 2.05
Eggs (regular) (12)	EUR 3.28
Local Cheese (1kg)	EUR 13.24
Apples (1kg)	EUR 2.38
Banana (1kg)	EUR 1.88
Oranges (1kg)	EUR 2.32
Tomato (1kg)	EUR 2.45
Potato (1kg)	EUR 1.65
Onion (1kg)	EUR 1.43
Lettuce (1 head)	EUR 1.21
meat, egg, drinks and Other items	EUR 65

Also Read: Cost of Living in Luxembourg: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison

Costs of Dining in Belgium 

You can go out for dinner frequently at restaurants in Belgium and enjoy mouth-watering meals at an affordable price. The cost of a Meal in Belgium at an inexpensive Restaurant is around 18 EUR. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average Dining cost at the restaurant you can expect to bear in the country:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal for 2 person at an Inexpensive Restaurant	EUR 18.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	EUR 80.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	EUR 10
Cappuccino (regular)	EUR 3.34

Transportation Costs in Belgium 

In the city centre of Belgium, public transport is easily accessible by bus, train, tram, metro, and waterbus. Students, travelling daily for work or studies in Belgium can bear a cost of around EUR 2.50 for a one-way ticket in local transport. The cost of transportation is a significant part of the overall cost of living in Belgium. The transportation costs in Belgium are shown in the table given below: 

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport	EUR 2.50
Regular Price of Monthly Pass	EUR 249.00
Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	EUR 25.00
Cost of Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	EUR 22.40
Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	EUR 237.50
Gasoline (1 litre)	EUR 21.72

Miscellaneous Costs in Belgium

In addition to the primary categories of the cost of living in Belgium, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Belgium, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a breakdown of some miscellaneous expenses:

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	EUR 12
Brand Jeans	EUR 88.75
Fitness Club	EUR 31.51
Summer Dress	EUR 39.11
Pair of Sports shoes	EUR 91.61
Doctor’s visit	EUR 28.9

Average Tuition Fees in Belgium

The average tuition fee in Belgium is between approximately EUR 1100 and EUR 20670 per year for international students, which is affordable compared to other popular study-abroad destinations. However, private institutions and business schools in Belgium can charge higher tuition fees.

Please note that tuition fees may vary based on the chosen university, level of study, and field of study. See the table below for a summary of some of the tuition fees at selected Belgium universities:

University Name	1st Year Tuition Fees
Catholic University of Leuven	EUR 1100 – EUR 8940
Ghent University	EUR 3810 – EUR 7460
Catholic University of Louvain	EUR 2800
Vrije Universiteit Brussel	EUR 11174 – EUR 14530
University of Antwerp	EUR 3460 – EUR 6480
University of Liege	EUR 4670
Hasselt University	EUR 1010 – EUR 2240
Antwerp Management School	EUR 17320 – EUR 20670

Cost of Living in Belgium Compared to Other Countries

Belgium is generally considered a moderate Country to live in. The cost of living in Belgium is 1.47 times more expensive than the world average. When compared to some other countries like, Netherlands, USA, the UK, Germany, Canada, Ireland, France, Switzerland and Australia it has lower cost of living but still it boasts a standard of living. However, it is a little bit more expensive than South Africa.

To give you an idea of ​​how the cost of living in Belgium, compares to these cities, we have provided a detailed comparison below. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City/Country Wise	Average Cost of living  (excluding rent)	Comparison with Cost of Living in Belgium
Cost of Living in the USA	EUR 1077.27	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in the Netherlands	EUR 972.9	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in the UK	EUR 958.94	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in Germany	EUR 981.49	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in South Africa	EUR 551.79	Lower than Belgium
Cost of Living in Canada	EUR 979.09	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in Ireland	EUR 985.8	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in France	EUR 954.5	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in Switzerland	EUR 1513.17	Higher than Belgium
Cost of Living in Australia	EUR 1028.96	Higher than Belgium

As shown in the table, Belgium offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than many of its neighbouring countries. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to balance a comfortable lifestyle with manageable living expenses.

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Tips for Managing Cost of Living in Belgium

Moving to Belgium presents various opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to managing your expenses. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate and optimize your cost of living in Belgium:

Budget Wisely: Create a monthly budget that accounts for essentials like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities. Stick to this budget to avoid overspending.

Accommodation Choices: Consider living in student housing or shared apartments to reduce rent costs. Explore options in different neighbourhoods to find affordable yet convenient living arrangements.

Public Transportation: Take advantage of Belgium’s efficient public transport network. Opting for a monthly pass can save you money compared to daily tickets. Additionally, walking or cycling, which are popular and safe in Belgium, can help cut transportation costs.

Part-time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Look for part-time jobs in your field or consider options in hospitality and retail, where there is often demand for multilingual skills.

Student Discounts: Make use of student discounts available on public transport, cultural events, museums, and restaurants. Always carry your student ID to benefit from these savings.

Cook at Home: While dining out can be enjoyable, cooking at home can significantly reduce food expenses. Take advantage of local markets for fresh produce and groceries.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage as required by Belgian law. Consider options that fit your needs and budget, whether through university plans or private providers.

By implementing these tips, you can effectively manage your cost of living in Belgium, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience while studying or living abroad.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Belgium

So, this was all about the cost of living in Belgium. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.