Cost of living in Hasselt
Hasselt, a charming city in Belgium, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.80 on average, with a range between $12.64 and $52.68.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $79.02, with prices ranging from $63.22 to $158.05.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.54, with a range between $9.48 and $12.64.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $4.21, imported beer $4.21, cappuccino $3.48, and Coke/Pepsi $3.09.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.95 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.30.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.36 and $4.21, with an average price of $2.65.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.71 to $5.69, averaging $2.82.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.10 to $3.06 per kg, while oranges range from $1.58 to $6.32 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $3.15 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.53 to $1.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.79 and $3.16, with a monthly pass priced at $30.82.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.70 and $1.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.27, with a cost of $2.53 per km and $33.72 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $842.93 to $2107.33, averaging $908.79.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $737.56 to $860.50, averaging $737.56.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000.98 to $1475.13, averaging $1277.57.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1053.66 to $1264.40, averaging $1159.03.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $125.39 and $421.47, averaging $203.76.
- Internet - Internet services range from $33.72 to $68.49, with an average cost of $45.63.
Cost of Living Rankings
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Hasselt offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and dining expenses. While some costs like utilities and transportation are affordable, dining at mid-range restaurants can be relatively expensive.
Potential residents should consider budgeting for higher dining costs and explore public transportation options to save on commuting expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hasselt provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles.
With its affordable housing and moderate grocery prices, Hasselt is a viable choice for individuals and families looking to relocate to Belgium.