Cost of Living in Brussels

Download our Moving to Brussels Guide (PDF)

The cost of living in Brussels is fairly high, as one would expect of a major European capital. In the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living survey, Brussels was ranked 37th out of 226 cities worldwide.

Housing and electricity are particularly expensive, but expats can save significantly on food and public transport. In addition, the cost of eating out in Brussels is lower than in many other major cities.

Cost of accommodation in Brussels

Housing is usually the most significant expense for expats in Brussels. Those moving to the city will find that some landlords are willing to negotiate lease prices. Prospective tenants should ask how long a property has been vacant, and if the figure is above six months, they may have some leverage.

The cost of apartments and houses in Brussels varies dramatically and depends on size, quality, and proximity to the city centre. Utilities such as heating and electricity are generally steep and are an additional expense for expats.

Certain neighbourhoods are more expensive than others. There are many choices for finding a place to live in Brussels, and there is something for every budget. Ixelles, Uccle and Woluwe St Pierre are among the costliest in the city. Further outside the city, in areas such as Waterloo, Tervuren and Overijse, expats can expect to find more family-friendly homes with large gardens, garages and sometimes pools.

Cost of transport in Brussels

Many people drive in Brussels, and this might be unavoidable depending on where an expat lives. However, if one works and lives in the city centre, public transport is affordable with metro, bus, and tram connections.

Using public transport in Brussels is less of a headache than driving, since expats will not have to deal with expensive and limited parking or parking fines. If you regularly use public transport, you can also save money by buying multiple-ride cards.

Cost of groceries in Brussels

There are dozens of speciality stores in Brussels. The leading supermarket chains are Delhaize, Carrefour and Colruyt. These offer everything from meat and fish to laundry detergent and cat food. In general, items are similarly priced to those in the US and other EU countries. Fresh produce can be expensive in the winter, but prices are better in season.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Brussels

Brussels provides no shortage of entertainment options for expats. Some of the best bargains in Brussels are found in the city's many good restaurants. The snack stands around town sell local specialities such as the famous Belgian frites in heaped quantities for a few euros. Waffles are best bought from the trucks set up in tourist locations and the main squares.

For high-end fare, many of the finer restaurants around the city offer a great chance to try the food at a fraction of the cost of the dinner menu on the prix fixelunch menu. Dining in Brussels is a pleasure that will not disappoint any taste or budget.

Brussels is a city rich in culture and history, providing a wide array of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike. The iconic Grand Place is a must-visit, renowned for its ornate Baroque buildings and vibrant atmosphere. The city also hosts numerous annual festivals and events celebrating its diverse culture.

Cost of education in Brussels

The cost of education in Brussels varies depending on the type of institution. International schools, often preferred by expats for their world-class curricula and expanded slates of extracurriculars, can be pretty costly. Scholarships and financial aid programmes are available at some schools, making them more affordable.

On the other hand, state-funded Belgian schools are free of charge, although additional costs for things like textbooks, school trips and extracurricular activities can add up. There are also private schools that follow the Belgian curriculum. These charge a tuition fee, but this is typically lower than international schools. Bilingual (French-Dutch) education is also widely available in Brussels, offering another option for parents looking for a cost-effective solution.

Cost of healthcare in Brussels

Healthcare in Brussels is of high quality, but the cost can vary. Expats working in Belgium must contribute to the state healthcare system through social security deductions from their salary. Once registered, a large percentage of their medical costs are reimbursed, making the out-of-pocket expenses quite manageable. Still, medicines and certain procedures can be an additional expense.

Many expats opt for private healthcare insurance to cover the costs not fully reimbursed by the state or for services at private clinics and hospitals. The cost of private insurance depends on the coverage level chosen and the individual's health condition, but generally, it ensures more comprehensive coverage and quicker access to specialists. Dental care, while not fully covered by the state, is also largely affordable, particularly in comparison to countries like the UK or the US.