Budgeting for Brussels: a detailed look at living costs

Before making the move to Brussels, it’s essential to gauge whether you can comfortably afford living there. Will your income cover your expenses and leave room for savings and leisure activities? Let’s delve into the cost of living in Brussels to help you plan accordingly.

Is Brussels Expensive to Live In? As the capital of the European Union, Brussels ranks as a moderately expensive city compared to other major European capitals. Here’s a breakdown of its cost of living in comparison to other cities:

• Brussels is 13% more expensive than Barcelona.
• Brussels is 4% pricier than Milan.
• The cost of living in Brussels is on par with Berlin and Rome.
• Brussels is 11.69% cheaper than Amsterdam.
• Brussels is 21% more affordable than Paris.

Cost of Living in Brussels Excluding rent, you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Brussels with a budget of around €850 per month. However, factoring in rent (for a studio apartment), your total monthly expenses can amount to approximately €1,772.

Given that the average salary in Belgium hovers around €3,600 per month, you’ll likely have the opportunity to save some money while living comfortably.

Rental Prices in Brussels Rental costs in Brussels are relatively reasonable compared to other EU cities. Prices vary depending on the size and location of the accommodation. Utility expenses (electricity, heating, water, garbage) typically add around €192 per month to your living costs.

Here’s an overview of average monthly rental costs in Brussels:

• Apartment: €1,103
• Studio: €731
• Private room: €539

Food Prices in Brussels Grocery expenses in Brussels tend to be higher than in neighboring countries. However, savvy shopping at discount supermarkets like Colruyt, Lidl, or Aldi can help mitigate costs without compromising quality.

Here are average grocery prices in Brussels:

• Bottle of mid-range wine: €8.00
• Domestic beer (0.5 litre): €2.06
• Imported beer (0.33 litre): €3.01
• Coca Cola (0.5 litre): €1.25
• Milk (1 litre): €1.30
• Fresh white bread (500 g): €1.72

Costs of Leisure Activities in Brussels Exploring Brussels’ vibrant cultural and entertainment scene is a must. Fortunately, leisure activities are reasonably priced compared to other European capitals.

Here’s a glimpse of what you might spend on leisure activities in Brussels:

• Cinema ticket: €12
• Nightclub entrance: €10
• Monthly gym membership: €33
• Museum ticket: €10

Transportation Expenses in Brussels Brussels boasts an efficient public transportation network of trams, buses, and metro lines. Consider investing in a MOBIB personal card and a suitable travel subscription to manage transportation costs effectively.

Transportation costs in Brussels:

• One-way ticket: €2.10
• Monthly pass: €49
• Taxi basic fee: €2.40
• Taxi per kilometer: €1.80

With a clear understanding of the cost of living in Brussels, you can now craft a realistic budget and proceed confidently with your relocation plans. Embrace the opportunity to experience life in this captivating European capital!