Cost Of Living in Brugge (Bruges) 2025
/cost-of-living-chart-average-monthly-expenditure-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "chart showing figures on the cost of living and how much money people spend every month in Brugge (Bruges)")
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Brugge (Bruges)
Whether you're living in Brugge (Bruges) or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: EUR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: EUR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: EUR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: EUR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: EUR
/distribution-of-monthly-cost-of-living-expenses-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "A break down of the monthly expenses in Brugge (Bruges) and how they contribute to the cost of living")
How do people spend their money in Brugge (Bruges)?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure27%
27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)
| LOW | $120 110 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $1,200 1,100 EUR |
| HIGH | $17,000 16,000 EUR |
| Per Month |
People living in Brugge (Bruges) typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,100 EUR with expenditure ranging from 110 EUR to 16,000 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $21 19 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $210 190 EUR |
| HIGH | $3,100 2,900 EUR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Brugge (Bruges) ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 190 EUR with 19 EUR and 2,900 EUR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $40 37 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $400 370 EUR |
| HIGH | $6,000 5,500 EUR |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 37 EUR to 5,500 EUR on commuting with 370 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $100 93 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $1,000 930 EUR |
| HIGH | $15,000 14,000 EUR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Brugge (Bruges) is 930 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 93 EUR to 14,000 EUR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $30 28 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $300 280 EUR |
| HIGH | $4,500 4,200 EUR |
| Per Month |
People in Brugge (Bruges) allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 28 EUR to 4,200 EUR with 280 EUR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $16 15 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $160 150 EUR |
| HIGH | $2,400 2,200 EUR |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 15 EUR to 2,200 EUR with 150 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $24 22 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $240 220 EUR |
| HIGH | $3,600 3,300 EUR |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 220 EUR per month with 22 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 3,300 EUR being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $51 47 EUR |
| AVERAGE | $510 470 EUR |
| HIGH | $7,700 7,100 EUR |
| Per Month |
/chart-percentage-of-people-who-are-in-debt-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Brugge (Bruges)")
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Brugge (Bruges)
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 24% of the people in Brugge (Bruges) have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
/chart-showing-debt-to-income-ratio-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Brugge (Bruges)")
Debt-to-income ratio in Brugge (Bruges)
Debt to income ratio
25%
15% to 35%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 25% of the people's monthly income in Brugge (Bruges) goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 10% - 20% | 18% |
| 0% - 10% | 28% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Brugge (Bruges) pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Brugge (Bruges)
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 22% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Brugge (Bruges) confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Brugge (Bruges).
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Brugge (Bruges)
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Brugge (Bruges)
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
/expenditure-to-income-ratio-and-cost-of-living-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Measures the ratio of the total expenses in a month to that of income in Brugge (Bruges)")
Spending to Income Ratio
74%
65% to 84%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 18% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 16% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Brugge (Bruges) is 74%
This means that on average, people spend around 74% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
66%
Spending-Income-Ratio
58%
74%
Couple
69%
Spending-Income-Ratio
60%
77%
Family
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
89%
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Brugge (Bruges) is 3,200 EUR. Expenses can range from 450 EUR at the minimum level to 35,000 EUR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Brugge (Bruges) is 4,500 EUR. Expenditure can range from 700 EUR to 42,000 EUR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Brugge (Bruges) is 5,200 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,000 EUR to 52,000 EUR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Brugge (Bruges) is 2,300 EUR. Students spend from 360 EUR to 26,000 EUR per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes81%
No19%
Based on the survey, 19% of the people living in Brugge (Bruges) said that they don't have an emergency fund while 81% said that they do.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Brugge (Bruges)
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Brugge (Bruges)
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Brugge (Bruges) ranges between 29 EUR and 2,300 EUR with average being 210 EUR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 220 EUR with 30 EUR and 2,500 EUR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 290 EUR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 27 EUR to 72 EUR with 54 EUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 40 EUR but can range between 24 EUR and 120 EUR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
| 0.90% | 3.7% of income | 7.3% |
The average utility-to-income ratio in Brugge (Bruges) is around 3.7%. This means that people pay 3.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 0.90% to 7.3% depending on salary and location.
/percentage-of-people-who-manage-to-save-money-from-their-income-every-month-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Brugge (Bruges)")
How much money can you save in Brugge (Bruges) every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Brugge (Bruges) manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 67% of the surveyed people in Brugge (Bruges) said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 33% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Brugge (Bruges)
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 71% | 29% |
| Couples | 64% | 36% |
| Families | 61% | 39% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
/savings-to-income-ratio-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Savings to income ratio in Brugge (Bruges)")
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
150 EUR
$160 | 1,500 EUR
$1,600 | 22,000 EUR
$24,000 |
For most people, 13% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,500 EUR on average with savings ranging from 150 EUR to 22,000 EUR.
71% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 64% of couples said the same. 61% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Brugge (Bruges)?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
150 EUR
$160 | 1,400 EUR
$1,500 | 15,000 EUR
$16,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,400 EUR with 150 EUR and 15,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
300 EUR
$320 | 1,900 EUR
$2,100 | 18,000 EUR
$19,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 32% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,900 EUR with 300 EUR and 18,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
440 EUR
$480 | 2,200 EUR
$2,400 | 22,000 EUR
$24,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Brugge (Bruges) can save anywhere between 13% to 30% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,200 EUR with 440 EUR and 22,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
/is-it-affordable-to-live-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "We asked residents whether it is affordable or economical to live in Brugge (Bruges)")
Affordable living in Brugge (Bruges)
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Brugge (Bruges)?
Around 83% of surveyed residents think that living in Brugge (Bruges) is affordable with proper budgeting while 17% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
/reasons-that-make-it-difficult-for-people-to-save-money-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Brugge (Bruges)")
Saving Challenges in Brugge (Bruges)
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Brugge (Bruges). Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
/financial-literacy-difficulty-in-budgeting-and-financial-planning-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Brugge (Bruges)")
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy78%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 22% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 78% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 19% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 81% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance19%
Easily manages finances81%
/housing-and-accommodation-affordability-property-price-to-income-ratio-rent-to-income-ratio-housing-affordability-index-chart-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Brugge (Bruges)")
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Brugge (Bruges)
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Brugge (Bruges)
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 430 EUR | 640 EUR | 1,700 EUR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 630 EUR | 1,000 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 830 EUR | 1,200 EUR | 3,300 EUR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 980 EUR | 1,600 EUR | 4,500 EUR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,000 EUR | 5,000 EUR | 10,000 EUR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 1,700 EUR | 2,500 EUR | 7,300 EUR |
House monthly rent cost
| 2,000 EUR | 5,000 EUR | 10,000 EUR |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 2,600 EUR | 6,400 EUR | 10,000 EUR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Brugge (Bruges) ranges between 430 EUR and 1,700 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 630 EUR to 2,500 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 830 EUR and 3,300 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 980 EUR to 4,500 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Brugge (Bruges) is around 2,500 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 5,000 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,600 EUR to 10,000 EUR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Brugge (Bruges)
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 83,000 EUR | 120,000 EUR | 250,000 EUR |
| $90,000 | $130,000 | $270,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 98,000 EUR | 160,000 EUR | 610,000 EUR |
| $110,000 | $180,000 | $670,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 170,000 EUR | 510,000 EUR | 1M EUR |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 560,000 EUR | 840,000 EUR | 2.5M EUR |
Townhouse price
| 710,000 EUR | 1.7M EUR | 6.2M EUR |
House price
| 820,000 EUR | 4.9M EUR | 7M EUR |
Villa price
| 980,000 EUR | 5.5M EUR | 8.2M EUR |
The average price of a studio apartment in Brugge (Bruges) can range from 83,000 EUR to 250,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 98,000 EUR to 610,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 5.5M EUR on average with prices ranging from 980,000 EUR to 8.2M EUR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Brugge (Bruges) will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 42 | x125 monthly income | 193 |
Property prices in Brugge (Bruges) can be x125 to x193 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x125 multiples of the average monthly salary in Brugge (Bruges).
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Brugge (Bruges) is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
33% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Brugge (Bruges)
/prices-and-cost-of-grocery-food-restaurant-meals-market-and-beverages-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Brugge (Bruges)")
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
/prices-and-cost-of-commute-travel-and-transportation-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Brugge (Bruges)")
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 14,000 EUR | 28,000 EUR | 38,000 EUR |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
/prices-and-cost-of-utility-energy-water-and-gas-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Brugge (Bruges)")
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
/prices-and-cost-of-clothing-and-accessories-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Brugge (Bruges)")
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
/prices-and-cost-of-housing-accommodation-and-rent-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Brugge (Bruges)")
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 430 EUR | 640 EUR | 1,700 EUR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 630 EUR | 1,000 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 830 EUR | 1,200 EUR | 3,300 EUR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 83,000 EUR | 120,000 EUR | 250,000 EUR |
| $90,000 | $130,000 | $270,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 98,000 EUR | 160,000 EUR | 610,000 EUR |
| $110,000 | $180,000 | $670,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 170,000 EUR | 510,000 EUR | 1M EUR |
/prices-and-cost-of-furniture-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Brugge (Bruges)")
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
| 590 EUR | 760 EUR | 2,700 EUR |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 360 EUR | 500 EUR | 1,100 EUR |
/prices-and-cost-of-electronic-devices-and-appliances-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Brugge (Bruges)")
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 360 EUR | 550 EUR | 1,100 EUR |
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
| 430 EUR | 620 EUR | 1,100 EUR |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
| 490 EUR | 600 EUR | 1,100 EUR |
/financial-goals-of-people-in-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Financial goals and targets of people living in Brugge (Bruges)")
Financial goals of people in Brugge (Bruges)
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Brugge (Bruges), we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 33% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 11% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Brugge (Bruges)
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Brugge (Bruges)
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Brugge (Bruges) is approximatly 11 EUR with meal cost ranging from 5.5 EUR to 18 EUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 18 EUR and 54 EUR with 27 EUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Brugge (Bruges).
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 37 EUR to 220 EUR with the average cost being 55 EUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Brugge (Bruges).
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Brugge (Bruges) is around 7.2 EUR. Price ranges between 4.5 EUR and 11 EUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Brugge (Bruges) is 4.3 EUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 5.4 EUR and the minimum being 3.6 EUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 3.7 EUR on average with 2.8 EUR and 5.5 EUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Brugge (Bruges) is between 6.1 EUR and 11 EUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 7.9 EUR.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 11 EUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Brugge (Bruges) costs around 4.1 EUR on average with prices rangeing between 3 EUR and 5.8 EUR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.1 EUR to 2.7 EUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 2.5 EUR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Brugge (Bruges) is around 22%. This means that people spend 22% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 15% to 28% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 530 EUR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 76 EUR and 5,900 EUR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 680 EUR per month. That number can be get as low as 100 EUR or a high as 6,200 EUR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 200 EUR to 10,000 EUR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
/where-to-people-choose-to-put-their-savings-brugge-(bruges).jpg "Where do people choose to put their savings in Brugge (Bruges)")
Typical saving choices for people in Brugge (Bruges)
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
/low-cost-alternatives-chart-brugge-(bruges).jpg "How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Brugge (Bruges)")
Low-cost alternatives in Brugge (Bruges)
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options63%
Few low-cost options37%
Based on the survey, 63% of the people living in Brugge (Bruges) have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Brugge (Bruges)
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Brugge (Bruges) and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Brugge (Bruges):| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 11,000 EUR |
| 30 | 22,000 EUR |
| 35 | 38,000 EUR |
| 40 | 54,000 EUR |
| 45 | 85,000 EUR |
| 50 | 120,000 EUR |
| 55 | 140,000 EUR |
| 60 | 170,000 EUR |
| 65 | 210,000 EUR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Brugge (Bruges) 250 EUR
$270 | 2,300 EUR
$2,500 | 25,000 EUR
$27,000 |
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Leuven
The average cost of living in Leuven is 2,900 EUR, which is 33% less than the country average. Leuven is ranked first in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Namur
The average cost of living in Namur is 3,200 EUR, which is same as the country average. Namur is ranked second in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Brugge (Bruges)
The average cost of living in Brugge (Bruges) is 3,600 EUR, which is same as the country average. Brugge (Bruges) is ranked third in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Brussel
The average cost of living in Brussel is 3,900 EUR, which is same as the country average. Brussel is ranked fourth in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Liege
The average cost of living in Liege is 4,300 EUR, which is 33% more than the country average. Liege is ranked fifth in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#6 Charleroi
The average cost of living in Charleroi is 4,800 EUR, which is 33% more than the country average. Charleroi is ranked sixth in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#7 Gent (Ghent)
The average cost of living in Gent (Ghent) is 5,200 EUR, which is 67% more than the country average. Gent (Ghent) is ranked seventh in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#8 Antwerp
The average cost of living in Antwerp is 5,700 EUR, which is 67% more than the country average. Antwerp is ranked eighth in Belgium in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: January 21, 2024 Last Update: May 2, 2025
