Belgium Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$229

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$23

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$54

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$2,799

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Belgium Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Belgium presents a moderate cost of living environment for expats and remote workers, with utilities and internet services being relatively affordable compared to local salaries. However, rising costs in some areas demand careful budgeting, especially for digital nomads who rely heavily on connectivity. Investors should note the balanced market context in Belgium, offering stability but not high returns.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost about $180/month, representing approximately 6% of the average monthly net salary of $3,000.
•High-speed internet (60 Mbps or more) costs around $50/month, which is reasonable given Belgium's average salary levels.
•Mobile plans with 10GB data cost approximately $25/month, aligning closely with other European countries.
•Total monthly connectivity and utilities expenses for an expat are around $255, a manageable 8.5% of the average net salary.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Over the last century, utility costs have generally risen at a rate slightly higher than salaries, particularly noticeable in the past two decades due to energy market volatility.
•Internet costs have decreased significantly over the last 20 years, with speeds increasing, making Belgium more attractive for digital nomads.
•Overall, living costs have increased, but so have salaries, maintaining a relatively stable affordability index.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget approximately $275 monthly for utilities and connectivity to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
•Digital nomads will find Belgium's internet infrastructure robust, although they should consider city locations for optimal value.
•Investors should be aware of the stable yet slow growth in cost of living, which can signal a safe but low-yield investment environment.
•Potential rent increases may outpace salary growth, suggesting a cautious approach to long-term residential investments.

Market Context

Belgium's cost of living is comparable to other Western European countries, such as France and the Netherlands, offering a balanced mix of affordability and quality of life. This stability makes Belgium an attractive but cautious choice for real estate investment, particularly for those prioritizing steady returns over high-risk speculation.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.