Sint-Truiden, a charming city in Belgium, offers a unique blend of historical allure and modern conveniences. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Sint-Truiden, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $27.92 on average, with a range between $26.34 and $29.5.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $97.46, with prices ranging from $94.83 to $100.1.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.01, with a range between $10.33 and $13.7.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.21 to $6.32, imported beer $4.21 to $6.32, cappuccino $2.95 to $4.95, and Coke/Pepsi $2.74 to $3.69.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.94 and $1.16 per liter, averaging $1.05.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.58 and $1.68, with an average price of $1.61.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.78 to $4.21, averaging $4.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.11 to $3.16 per kg, while oranges average $2.42 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes average $2.11 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.26 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3.69.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $2.05 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares cost $2.1 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $737.56 to $790.25, averaging $763.91.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $632.2.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $948.3 to $1159.03, averaging $1053.66.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $895.61 to $948.3, averaging $921.96.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $4214.66.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $4214.66.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $248.78 and $421.47, averaging $311.22.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $63.22 to $110.63, with an average cost of $93.07.
Worldwide
Belgium

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$27.92
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$97.46
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.01
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.27
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.27
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.21
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.48
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.95
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.05
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.61
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.00
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.59
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.79
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.48
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.58
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.11
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$9.48
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.54
Apples (1kg)
$2.63
Oranges (1kg)
$2.42
Potato (1kg)
$2.11
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.26
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.69
Tomato (1kg)
$3.69
Banana (1kg)
$2.37
Onion (1kg)
$1.58
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$16.86
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$3.69
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.05
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$31,609.93
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.10
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$35,824.58
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$763.91
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$632.20
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,053.66
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$921.96
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$311.22
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$93.07
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$31.61
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$36.88
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.64
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$65.85
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$35.82
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$97.46
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$121.17
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$4,214.66
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$4,214.66
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,896.60
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
2%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$474.15
Sint-Truiden Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Sint-Truiden offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing options compared to larger Belgian cities.

Dining out can be pricey, especially at mid-range restaurants, but there are more affordable options available.

Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices aligning with national averages.

Utilities and internet services are on the higher side, which should be considered when budgeting monthly expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sint-Truiden provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger cities.

Prospective residents should weigh the higher dining and utility costs against the benefits of affordable housing and transportation.