Cost of Living in Brussels

Is Brussels expensive?

Brussels ranks as the 33rd most expensive city in Europe according to the 2024 Numbeo Cost of Living Index and is the most expensive city in Belgium. For a family of four, the estimated monthly cost is €5,595, while for a single person, it totals €2,104.

When comparing this to London, a single person’s total monthly cost is €3,875, making London about €1,771 more expensive than Brussels. On the other hand, Berlin has a total monthly cost of €2,277 for a single person, which means that the cost of living in Brussels is €173 less per month than in Berlin.

Rent per month

Here’s an overview of the average monthly rent in Brussels, depending on the size and location of the apartment (source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €1,081
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €923
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,002
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,594

Rents in Brussels have been rising, with an 8.6% increase in 2023 following a rise the previous year. This has made the market less affordable, with high inflation and limited housing supply driving up prices. Budget-friendly options are becoming scarce, and this trend is expected to continue unless there's a significant increase in housing availability.

Best neighborhoods to live in Brussels

• City of Brussels — Great for being close to major attractions and nightlife.
• Ixelles — A trendy, lively area with lots of shops and cafes.
• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre — Has plenty of green spaces and is convenient for those working near European institutions.
• Uccle — A quiet, leafy area with good schools, perfect for families.

Up-and-coming neighborhoods

• Saint-Gilles — A lively neighborhood that's more affordable but still full of culture.
• Anderlecht — A growing area with a mix of local culture and new developments.

Neighborhoods to be cautious about:

• Saint-Josse-ten-Noode — It’s a crowded area with a mix of upscale and less desirable spots.
• Schaerbeek — Busy and multicultural, but commuting can be a hassle due to unreliable public transport.

How to find an apartment in Brussels

Brussels is divided into 19 communes; popular areas like Ixelles and Uccle are known for their charm but come with higher rents, while neighborhoods like Saint-Josse-ten-Noode offer more affordable options. To start your search, explore local property portals such as Immoweb, Spotahome, and BBF Apartments. These platforms list a wide range of properties, from small studios to larger family homes, and often include essential details like proximity to public transport and local amenities.

Most rentals are unfurnished, meaning they often lack even basic appliances like light fixtures, so be prepared for an initial investment in furnishings. Leases in Brussels are usually long-term, with three, six, or nine-year contracts being the norm. However, there are also options for shorter stays, particularly in serviced apartments, which can be found on sites like Homelike. Brussels also has specific regulations, such as the need to register your lease with the Ministry of Finance and a requirement for an inventory check at both the beginning and end of your tenancy.

Check out the Brussels Housing website for more comprehensive resources, including a rent calculator and a list of maintenance obligations. These will help you get an idea of your prospective cost of living in Brussels before your move. And, if you're considering more unique living arrangements like homestays or flatshares, platforms like Airbnb and Morton Place can be good options too.

If you need support during your housing search in Brussels, we’re here to assist. We can provide you with a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have successfully helped many of our users find homes in the city.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Brussels is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €4,266/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €3,818/sqm

Brussels offers relatively affordable real estate compared to other European capitals, with an average price per square meter of around €4,200 in central areas. Expats can purchase property without restrictions, whether they are residents or non-residents. However, there are taxes and fees to consider, including a 10% registration fee (with an exemption on the first €175,000), a 10% deposit on the selling price, and a 21% VAT if the property is under two years old. Additionally, notary fees range from 0.2% to 4%, and real estate agent fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the property price (Source: RMS Belgium).

Buying property starts with a "commitment to buy" contract and culminating in a "contract of sale" with a 10% deposit. You'll need to complete the purchase with a notarial deed, which must be registered within four months. If you're financing your purchase, Belgium offers both fixed and variable-rate mortgages, and the low interest rates make both options worth considering. You can find properties through real estate agents, property hunters, or online portals like Immoweb and Logic-Immo.

Utilities

A big chunk of your Brussels cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €223
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €22
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €50

These costs can really add up over the year, but you can trim them down by following these tips:

• Compare energy providers: Use Aanbieders to find the best deals on electricity and gas. Bundling these services can save you money.
• Go green: Choose renewable energy options from providers like Eneco or Luminus for potentially lower costs.
• Switch providers: If you find a better deal, switching is easy using Aanbieders.
• Watch water usage: Monitor your water consumption (Vivaqua is the supplier).
• Know regional rules: Check with BRUGEL in Brussels for tips and savings.
• Optimize your internet and TV: Consider bundling internet, TV, and mobile services with providers like Proximus or Scarlet for discounts. Use comparison tools to find the best package deals.
• Save on mobile plans: Choose a prepaid SIM card if you're a light user or compare contract deals through Aanbieders. Providers like hey! and Mobile Vikings often offer competitive rates.

Public transport

Getting around Brussels is easy and you have several available options. Public transport, run by STIB/MIVB, includes metro, buses, and trams, and you can pay with contactless methods or use a reloadable MOBIB card. For late-night travel, the run on weekends, and the operates every night. If you're into cycling, Brussels is bike-friendly, with a city-wide speed limit of 30 km/h and the Villo! bike-sharing service, which you can access via the STIB/MIVB app. Don't forget, Brussels is a low emission zone, so check if your vehicle is allowed on lez.brussels before driving. For airport access, the Airport Line offers a direct link to the city center.

Brussels travel ticket (Source: STIB/MIVB):

• Single ticket: €2.20 or €2.70 (using contactless or purchased at sales outlet)
• Brupass 1 trip: €2.60
• Brupass 10 trips: €18.20
• 1 day ticket: €7.50 or €8.00
• Airport2City ticket: €8.00
• Brupass XL 1 trip: €3.50 for 1 journey, extends travel to the Brupass XL zone beyond Brussels.
• 75 trips ticket: €123.00 for 75 journeys within 90 days

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €5
• Taxi 1 km: €2.40
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €30
• From the Airport to the city center: €45-€50

Food

Adding to your Brussels cost of living are groceries, as Belgian supermarkets tend to be more expensive than those in neighboring countries. Major supermarket chains include Carrefour Market, Delhaize, and Colruyt. For budget-friendly options, you can visit discount chains like Aldi and Lidl. If you're looking for organic or eco-friendly products, Bio-Planet is a good option. Supermarkets generally open from 08:00 to 20:00, and most are closed on Sundays.

Brussels also has many ethnic grocery stores and fresh food markets that offer international foods at more affordable prices. For home delivery, services like Colruyt and Carrefour are convenient, and there are meal-kit providers like Ekomenu and HelloFresh if you prefer ready-to-cook meals delivered to your door. On average, expect to spend the following amount on groceries monthly (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €200-€300
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€800

Here are some examples of typical grocery items to give you an idea of the prices (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.50
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.50
• Rice (1kg): €2.80
• Eggs (12): €4
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €11.50
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €5

Childcare

Belgium has a well-organized childcare system for children aged 3 months to 3 years, managed by two main agencies: l’Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (ONE) for the French Community and Kind en Gezin (K&G) for the Flemish Community. Childcare options include both collective facilities and family home care, with the availability of subsidized and non-subsidized centers. Subsidized childcare, often found in municipal daycare centers, bases fees on the parents' income, helping with the cost of living in Brussels. In contrast, non-subsidized options allow daycare providers to set their rates, which can vary significantly (up to €800 per month).

The main types of childcare facilities in Brussels include (Source: City of Brussels):

• Collective facilities: Groups of children cared for in daycare centers.
• Family home care: A childminder cares for a smaller group of children in their own home.
• Subsidized facilities: Accredited by ONE or K&G, with rates based on parental income.
• Non-subsidized facilities: Authorized by ONE or K&G, with rates set by the provider.
• Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €943.33

Additionally, there is a subsidized childcare service for sick children, available through healthcare providers (mutuelle), costing around €3 per hour. For more details on finding the right childcare option, you can visit the official sites of ONE Belgium and Kind en Gezin. Information on sick childcare support is available through your mutuelle.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• Bogaerts International School: €11,300-€22,400
• Montgomery International School: €26,000-€33,000
• Brussels International Catholic School: €10,900-€12,900
• Roots and Wings School: €12,300-€14,500
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €21,150

Explore Other Cities

Antwerp