Cost of living in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and as the administrative center of the European Union. Understanding the cost of living in Brussels is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this bustling city.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21.07 on average, with a range between $15.8 and $31.61.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $84.29, with prices ranging from $63.22 to $115.9.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.64, with a range between $10.54 and $15.8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.16 to $7.38, imported beer $4.21 to $7.38, cappuccino $3.16 to $5.27, and Coke/Pepsi $2.11 to $4.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.9 and $2.84 per liter, averaging $1.57.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.51 and $4.21, with an average price of $2.56.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.41 to $5.69, averaging $4.17.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.26 to $3.16 per kg, while oranges range from $1.58 to $4.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.05 and $3.16 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.05 to $2.11 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.9 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $51.63 and $57.95.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.69 and $2.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.27, with a cost of $2.11 to $5.27 per km and $31.61 to $57.95 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $948.3 to $1580.5, averaging $1186.83.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $895.61 to $1264.4, averaging $1000.98.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1791.23 to $2634.16, averaging $2148.04.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1369.76 to $2212.69, averaging $1687.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4214.66 to $8218.58, averaging $4425.39.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3160.99 to $6321.99, averaging $4170.75.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130.61 and $368.78, averaging $229.6.
- Internet - Internet services range from $36.88 to $73.76, with an average cost of $53.53.
Cost of Living Rankings
Brussels ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Belgium. The cost of living indices for Belgium are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Belgium, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Brussels offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Brussels are relatively moderate, with essential items like milk, bread, and eggs being affordable.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport being a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
Housing in Brussels can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with European averages, providing a balanced cost of living for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brussels presents a balanced cost of living with a mix of affordable and premium options across various categories.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, there are more budget-friendly alternatives in the suburbs.
Overall, Brussels offers a high quality of life with its rich cultural scene and efficient public services, making it an attractive place to live.