Cost of Living in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels has a cost of living index of 68/100 (New York = 100). It is 32% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

68/100
Cost Index
$5,200/mo
Median Income
62/100
Safety Index
temperate oceanic
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 65/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,320/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$850/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,200/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 58/100
Milk (1 liter)$2/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.65/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.15/kg
Dining OutScore: 60/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$85/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$11/meal
TransportationScore: 52/100
Monthly Transit Pass$58/month
One-Way Ticket$2.95/trip
Taxi (1 km)$3.07/km
UtilitiesScore: 48/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$227/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$53/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$28/month
HealthcareScore: 75/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$65/visit
Dentist Visit$95/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 58/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$14/ticket
Theater Ticket$45/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 55/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$52/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$24/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 50/100
Haircut (Men)$25/cut
Haircut (Women)$55/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 60/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$72/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$48/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$105/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$250
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Sablon, Saint-Gilles, Ixelles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brussels cheap to live in?

Brussels has a cost of living index of 68/100, where New York = 100. It is 32% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,360–$1,904 per month.

How much does rent cost in Brussels?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Brussels costs approximately $1,320/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $850/month.

Is Brussels good for digital nomads?

Brussels has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $250/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Brussels?

The median net monthly salary in Brussels is approximately $5,200 USD. The income tax rate is around 32%.

How does Brussels compare to New York for cost of living?

Brussels (cost index 68) is 32% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $800/month by moving from New York to Brussels.

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