Cost of Living in Brussels, Belgium
Belgium · Europe
$2,800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
78
Cost Index
NYC=100
72
Rent Index
NYC=100
80
Quality of Life
Excellent
55
Safety Index
Moderate
1.2M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $60 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $55 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $29000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $200 |
| Mobile Plan | $20 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,300/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $900/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,700/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $3000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
View Cost of Living in Belgium
Cost of Living in Brussels — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Brussels, Belgium is approximately $2,800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Brussels has a cost index of 78, making it around 22% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Brussels costs around $900/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,300/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,700/month. The rent index is 72 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Brussels scores 80/100 on the quality of life index and 55/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 86/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Brussels is approximately $3,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 78/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Brussels
The average monthly salary in Brussels is approximately $3,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 78/100.
Healthcare Costs in Brussels
Healthcare quality in Brussels is rated 86/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Brussels
Brussels has a quality of life score of 80/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Brussels
Students living in Brussels should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Brussels
Expats moving to Brussels often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Brussels, Belgium is approximately $2,800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 78 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Brussels
Living in Brussels offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 78 and a quality of life score of 80/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $3,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Brussels provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Belgium and around the world.
Key Facts About Brussels
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,800
- Cost Index: 78
- Rent Index: 72
- Average Salary: $3,000
- Quality of Life: 80/100
- Safety Score: 55/100
- Country: Belgium
- Currency: EUR
Is Brussels Expensive?
Brussels has a cost index of 78 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Brussels compare to other cities?
Brussels is located in Europe with a population of approximately 1.2M. At a cost index of 78 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Brussels stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brussels?
The average cost of living in Brussels, Belgium is approximately $2,800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 78 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Brussels?
Rent in Brussels varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 72 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Brussels alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Brussels expensive to live in?
Brussels has a cost index of 78 compared to New York City (100). At 78, Brussels is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,800.
What is the quality of life in Brussels?
Brussels has a quality of life index of 80/100 and a safety index of 55/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Brussels compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Brussels with any city worldwide. Brussels's cost index is 78 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Brussels?
Many residents live comfortably in Brussels with a monthly budget of around $2,800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Brussels good for expats?
Brussels is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Brussels?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Brussels.
Is Brussels cheaper than New York?
Yes, Brussels has a cost index of 78 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Brussels?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Brussels.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Brussels
Cheapest Ways to Live in Brussels
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Brussels typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $900/month compared to $1,300/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Brussels, Belgium.
Is Brussels Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 78/100 and a quality of life score of 80/100, Brussels is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 78 relative to New York City, Brussels remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Belgium has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Brussels Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Brussels", "Brussels monthly expenses 2026", and "is Brussels affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,800, a safety score of 55/100, and healthcare rated 86/100, Brussels offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Belgium.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026