Cost of living in Belgium compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 10% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Belgium is 10% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €19 ($21) | $22 | - 4% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €11 ($12) | $12 | - 4% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €5.79 ($6) | $5.81 | + 8% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.28 ($1.39) | $1.11 | + 26% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €3.78 ($4.09) | $5.30 | - 23% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €6 ($7) | $4.87 | + 41% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €6 ($7) | $7 | - 8% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.59 ($2.81) | $4.25 | - 34% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €2.11 ($2.29) | $2.31 | - 1% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €2.08 ($2.25) | $3.57 | - 37% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €8 ($8) | $18 | - 53% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €3.05 ($3.30) | $2.93 | + 13% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €2.00 ($2.17) | $3.16 | - 31% | |
| Housing | - 44% | |||
| Housing in Belgium is 44% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,327 ($1,437) | $3,252 | - 56% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,170 ($1,267) | $2,455 | - 48% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €265 ($287) | $230 | + 25% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €873 ($945) | $2,252 | - 58% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €663 ($718) | $1,657 | - 57% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €154 ($166) | $165 | + 1% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €54 ($59) | $63 | - 7% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €302 ($327) | $255 | + 28% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €110 ($119) | $145 | - 18% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €17 ($19) | $15 | + 29% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €12 ($13) | $34 | - 62% | |
| Clothes | + 9% | |||
| Clothes in Belgium is 9% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €89 ($96) | $58 | + 66% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €42 ($45) | $51 | - 11% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €83 ($90) | $105 | - 15% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €120 ($130) | $142 | - 9% | |
| Transportation | - 14% | |||
| Transportation in Belgium is 14% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €32,008 ($34,660) | $30,773 | + 13% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.67 ($1.81) | $0.95 | + 91% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €55 ($60) | $87 | - 31% | |
| Personal Care | - 20% | |||
| Personal Care in Belgium is 20% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €12 ($13) | $9 | + 41% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €14 ($15) | $21 | - 26% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €30 ($32) | $162 | - 80% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €5.29 ($5.72) | $9 | - 37% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €9 ($9) | $5.25 | + 81% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €4.92 ($5.32) | $7 | - 22% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €3.01 ($3.26) | $5.12 | - 36% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €4.00 ($4.33) | $2.34 | + 85% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €29 ($31) | $31 | + 1% | |
| Entertainment | - 13% | |||
| Entertainment in Belgium is 13% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Belgium | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €43 ($47) | $61 | - 24% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €26 ($28) | $30 | - 8% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €90 ($97) | $230 | - 58% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €140 ($152) | $104 | + 46% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €12 ($13) | $15 | - 15% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.51 ($3.80) | $5.86 | - 35% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €5.03 ($5.45) | $7 | - 27% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €561 ($607) | $490 | + 24% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.25 ($0.27) | $0.54 | - 50% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €82 ($89) | $72 | + 24% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €11 ($12) | $11 | + 4% | |
| TOTAL | - 23% | |||
These prices were last updated on March 25, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.083
USD
/
EUR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 16,745 prices entered by 2,040 different people.
Cost of living in Belgium is 23% cheaper than in United States
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