Cost of living comparison between Brussels (Belgium) and Washington D.C. (United States)
| Food | 6% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Brussels (Belgium) is 6% cheaper than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| Daily menu in the business district | €15.57 ($19.80) | $16.78 | 18% |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | €6.58 ($8.36) | $6.42 | 30% |
| 1/2 Kg (1 lb.) of chicken breast | €4.80 ($6.11) | $4.56 | 34% |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €0.99 ($1.25) | $3.02 | 58% |
| 12 eggs, large | €2.63 ($3.34) | $3.00 | 11% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.50 ($3.18) | $3.81 | 17% |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €4.67 ($5.94) | $6.41 | 7% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.26 ($2.88) | $4.12 | 30% |
| 2 kg (4,5 lb.) of potatoes | €2.05 ($2.61) | $3.95 | 34% |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) beer in the supermarket | €1.11 ($1.41) | $3.18 | 56% |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €6.95 ($8.84) | $13.95 | 37% |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | €2.01 ($2.56) | $2.24 | 14% |
| bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.37 ($1.74) | $2.73 | 36% |
| Housing | 42% | ||
| Housing in Brussels (Belgium) is 42% cheaper than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| monthly rent for a 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished apartment in expensive area of the city | €1,032 ($1,312) | $2,297 | 43% |
| utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €121 ($153) | $180 | 15% |
| Internet 8MB (1 month) | €33 ($42) | $50 | 15% |
| 40” flat screen TV | €623 ($792) | $600 | 32% |
| Microwave, known brand, 800/900 Watt | €118 ($150) | $181 | 17% |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €9.77 ($12.42) | $9.90 | 25% |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €8.58 ($10.91) | $41 | 73% |
| Clothes | 51% | ||
| Clothes in Brussels (Belgium) is 51% more expensive than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| 1 pair of Levis 501 | €93 ($118) | $46 | 159% |
| 1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...) | €33 ($41) | $36 | 16% |
| 1 pair of Adidas trainers | €84 ($107) | $72 | 50% |
| 1 pair of average business shoes | €108 ($137) | $89 | 54% |
| Transportation | 32% | ||
| Transportation in Brussels (Belgium) is 32% cheaper than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV 6 vel. (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €20,598 ($26,191) | $21,800 | 20% |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.50 ($1.91) | $1.40 | 36% |
| monthly ticket public transport | €44 ($56) | $116 | 52% |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 Km. (5 miles) | €22 ($28) | $26 | 11% |
| Personal Care | 26% | ||
| Personal Care in Brussels (Belgium) is 26% more expensive than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| medicine against cold for 6 days (Frenadol, Coldrex, ...) | €13.42 ($17.06) | $9.16 | 86% |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | €5.07 ($6.45) | $6.59 | 2% |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.96 ($3.76) | $3.21 | 17% |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €3.21 ($4.08) | $5.70 | 28% |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.53 ($1.95) | $3.62 | 46% |
| Tube of toothpaste | €2.29 ($2.91) | $3.49 | 16% |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €21 ($27) | $22 | 20% |
| Entertainment | 17% | ||
| Entertainment in Brussels (Belgium) is 17% cheaper than in Washington D.C. (United States) | |||
| basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €40 ($51) | $44 | 15% |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €18.28 ($23) | $22 | 4% |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €47 ($60) | $224 | 73% |
| dinner out for two in Italian restaurant with wine and dessert | €62 ($79) | $101 | 22% |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €7.58 ($9.64) | $10.43 | 8% |
| Capuccino in expat area of the city | €3.01 ($3.83) | $4.18 | 8% |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub | €2.39 ($3.04) | $5.66 | 46% |
| iPod nano 8GB (6th generation) | €147 ($187) | $137 | 37% |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.25 ($0.32) | $0.67 | 52% |
| 1 month of gym in business district | €68 ($86) | $61 | 41% |
| 1 package of Marlboro cigarretes | €4.89 ($6.22) | $6.96 | 11% |
| TOTAL | 24% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 3,307 prices entered by 316 different people.
These prices were last updated on May 13, 2012.
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Cost of living in Brussels (Belgium) is 24% cheaper than in Washington D.C. (United States)
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require
$2,400
in Washington D.C.
you would need to make just about $1,835
(€1,443)
in Brussels.