Cost of living in Brussels (Belgium) is about the same as in Cologne (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 181 prices entered by 45 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | + 18% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Brussels (Belgium) is 18% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €20 | €17 | + 19% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €11 | €9 | + 18% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €5.54 | €4.54 | + 22% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.40 | €1.38 | + 2% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €3.98 | €4.18 | - 5% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.99 | €3.67 | - 18% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €6 | €6 | + 1% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.29 | €2.47 | - 7% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.85 | €1.89 | - 2% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €2.16 | €1.06 | + 103% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €8 | €7 | + 17% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €3.05 | €2.10 | + 45% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.98 | €1.19 | + 66% | |
| Housing | - 2% | |||
| Housing in Brussels (Belgium) is about the same as in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,792 | €1,929 | - 7% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,360 | €1,540 | - 12% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €288 | €188 | + 53% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €975 | €1,167 | - 16% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €646 | €897 | - 28% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €121 | €134 | - 10% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €51 | €27 | + 88% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €422 | €480 | - 12% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €127 | €91 | + 39% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €10 | €5.59 | + 70% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €11 | €16 | - 30% | |
| Clothes | - 4% | |||
| Clothes in Brussels (Belgium) is about the same as in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €93 | €86 | + 8% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €40 | €48 | - 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €99 | €90 | + 9% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €123 | €115 | + 7% | |
| Transportation | - 12% | |||
| Transportation in Brussels (Belgium) is 12% cheaper than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €28,121 | €28,416 | - 1% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.76 | €1.85 | - 5% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €51 | €63 | - 19% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €21 | €20 | + 8% | |
| Personal Care | + 24% | |||
| Personal Care in Brussels (Belgium) is 24% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €8 | €6 | + 26% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €6 | €10 | - 38% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €37 | €46 | - 20% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €4.77 | €3.18 | + 50% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €4.65 | €2.06 | + 126% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €4.34 | €2.09 | + 108% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.83 | €1.66 | + 10% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €2.64 | €1.43 | + 84% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €28 | €22 | + 28% | |
| Entertainment | + 22% | |||
| Entertainment in Brussels (Belgium) is 22% more expensive than in Cologne (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Brussels | Cologne | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €46 | €36 | + 27% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €24 | €20 | + 19% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €63 | €195 | - 68% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €85 | €69 | + 22% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €10 | €8 | + 22% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.61 | €2.89 | + 25% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.70 | €4.37 | + 8% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €427 | €498 | - 14% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.21 | €0.08 | + 158% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €33 | €33 | - 0% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €10 | €7 | + 44% | |
 |
TOTAL | + 3% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 181 prices entered by 45 different people.
These prices were last updated on January 14, 2025.
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