Cost Of Living in Brussel 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Brussel

Whether you're living in Brussel 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

5,300 EUR

per month
$5,800

410 EUR   $440
$58,000   53,000 EUR

Single

3,700 EUR

per month
$4,000

1,200 EUR   $1,300
$27,000   25,000 EUR

Couple

6,100 EUR

per month
$6,700

2,000 EUR   $2,200
$36,000   33,000 EUR

Family

8,200 EUR

per month
$8,900

2,900 EUR   $3,100
$49,000   45,000 EUR

Student

2,600 EUR

per month
$2,900

1,100 EUR   $1,100
$5,100   4,700 EUR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Brussel is 3,700 EUR. Expenses can range from 1,200 EUR at the minimum level to 25,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Brussel is 6,100 EUR. Expenditure can range from 2,000 EUR to 33,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Brussel is 8,200 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,900 EUR to 45,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Brussel is 2,600 EUR. Students spend from 1,100 EUR to 4,700 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.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Brussel


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.70 EUR 0.80 EUR 0.92 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.76 $0.86 $1.00
Fast food combo meal
6 EUR 12 EUR 20 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $13 $22
Restaurant meal for one
20 EUR 30 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $64
Fine dining meal for one
39 EUR 59 EUR 240 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$43 $64 $260
Soda or Soft Drink
0.85 EUR 1.00 EUR 1.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.93 $1.1 $1.3
Cappuccino or latte
5 EUR 8 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.6 $13

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
4 EUR 4.8 EUR 6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $5.2 $6.5
Loaf of bread
0.72 EUR 0.82 EUR 0.95 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $0.89 $1
12 eggs
3 EUR 4 EUR 6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.3 $6.5
Fresh whole chicken
6.8 EUR 8.8 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.4 $9.5 $13
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
8 EUR 12 EUR 24 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $26
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
3.2 EUR 4.4 EUR 6.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.8 $6.7
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.2 EUR 1.6 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $3.2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.1 EUR 2.8 EUR 4.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3 $5

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
4.9 EUR 5.9 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $6.4 $13
Average car full tank
30 EUR 40 EUR 80 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $43 $86
Average car 1-day rental
29 EUR 39 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $42 $63
Average car price
15,000 EUR 30,000 EUR 40,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16,000 $32,000 $43,000
Bus ticket one way
0.98 EUR 1.5 EUR 2.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $3.2
Car Service
39 EUR 59 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $63 $130

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
74 EUR 220 EUR 1,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80 $240 $1,600
Utility Bill - Couple
100 EUR 310 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $330 $1,800
Utility Bill - Family
86 EUR 250 EUR 1,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93 $270 $1,500
Internet and cable
30 EUR 60 EUR 80 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $65 $86
Mobile phone charges
24 EUR 40 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $43 $130

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
15 EUR 20 EUR 30 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $22 $32
One month gym membership
47 EUR 59 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $63 $130

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
34 EUR 49 EUR 73 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $53 $79
Woman dress
33 EUR 45 EUR 150 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $49 $160
Woman shoes
31 EUR 42 EUR 98 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $45 $110
Men's shoes
27 EUR 33 EUR 65 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $35 $70
Men suit
29 EUR 37 EUR 200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $40 $210
Regular t-shirt
15 EUR 20 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $63

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
490 EUR 730 EUR 2,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $790 $2,100
1-bedroom apartment
730 EUR 1,200 EUR 2,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,200
2-bedroom apartment
980 EUR 1,500 EUR 3,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,600 $4,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
98,000 EUR 150,000 EUR 290,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $160,000 $320,000
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 EUR 200,000 EUR 730,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $210,000 $790,000
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 EUR 590,000 EUR 1.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $630,000 $1.3M

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
600 EUR 750 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $810 $1,100
Double Bed
400 EUR 600 EUR 750 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $650 $810
Single Bed
350 EUR 460 EUR 600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $500 $650
Living Room
660 EUR 850 EUR 3,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$720 $930 $3,200
Dining Table
300 EUR 400 EUR 750 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $430 $810
Sofa or Couch
400 EUR 540 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $590 $1,300

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
400 EUR 600 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $650 $1,300
Fridge or Freezer
350 EUR 540 EUR 750 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $590 $810
Washing Machine
460 EUR 660 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $720 $1,300
Stove or Cooker
430 EUR 540 EUR 750 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $590 $810
Mobile Phone
500 EUR 600 EUR 850 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $650 $930
Laptop or Computer
540 EUR 660 EUR 1,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $720 $1,300

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Brussel

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.


Spending to Income Ratio

78%

68% to 88%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%15%
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 Brussel is 78% This means that on average, people spend around 78% 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
70%
Spending-Income-Ratio
61%
79%

Couple
74%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
83%

Family
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
92%

How do people spend their money in Brussel?

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$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$1,700   1,600 EUR
HIGH$17,000   16,000 EUR
Per Month

People living in Brussel typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,600 EUR with expenditure ranging from 120 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, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$22   20 EUR
AVERAGE$290   270 EUR
HIGH$2,900   2,700 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Brussel ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 270 EUR with 20 EUR and 2,700 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$44   41 EUR
AVERAGE$580   530 EUR
HIGH$5,800   5,300 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 41 EUR to 5,300 EUR on commuting with 530 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$110   100 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$14,000   13,000 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Brussel is 1,300 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 100 EUR to 13,000 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$31   29 EUR
AVERAGE$400   370 EUR
HIGH$4,000   3,700 EUR
Per Month

People in Brussel 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 29 EUR to 3,700 EUR with 370 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$18   16 EUR
AVERAGE$230   210 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 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 16 EUR to 2,100 EUR with 210 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$27   25 EUR
AVERAGE$350   320 EUR
HIGH$3,500   3,200 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 320 EUR per month with 25 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 3,200 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$58   53 EUR
AVERAGE$750   690 EUR
HIGH$7,500   6,900 EUR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Brussel 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 Brussel manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
69%
Not Saving
31%

Almost 69% of the surveyed people in Brussel said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 31% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Brussel

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles73%27%
Couples68%32%
Families64%37%

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.


Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

180 EUR
$190
2,300 EUR
$2,500
23,000 EUR
$25,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 23% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,300 EUR on average with savings ranging from 180 EUR to 23,000 EUR.

73% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 64% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Brussel?

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

17% 27% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

530 EUR
$570
1,600 EUR
$1,700
11,000 EUR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,600 EUR with 530 EUR and 11,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

880 EUR
$950
2,600 EUR
$2,800
14,000 EUR
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 34% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,600 EUR with 880 EUR and 14,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 22% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 EUR
$1,300
3,500 EUR
$3,800
19,000 EUR
$21,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Brussel can save anywhere between 14% to 31% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,500 EUR with 1,200 EUR and 19,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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.

Affordable living in Brussel

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Brussel?


Yes
81%
No
19%

Around 81% of surveyed residents think that living in Brussel is affordable with proper budgeting while 19% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Brussel

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 options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Brussel have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

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 of Brussel whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes79%

No21%


Based on the survey, 21% of the people living in Brussel said that they don't have an emergency fund while 79% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Belgium

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 Belgium 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 Belgium have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the 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%

Financial goals of people in Brussel

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Brussel, 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence9%

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 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% 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.

Saving Challenges in Brussel

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Brussel. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

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. 10% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Brussel

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Brussel

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Brussel and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Belgium 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:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Brussel:
AgeAmount
2515,000 EUR
3030,000 EUR
3553,000 EUR
4076,000 EUR
45110,000 EUR
50160,000 EUR
55190,000 EUR
60240,000 EUR
65280,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Brussel about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Brussel

880 EUR
$950
2,600 EUR
$2,900
18,000 EUR
$19,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Brussel


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
23%
Debt Free
77%

According to the survey, 23% of the people in Brussel have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Brussel

Debt to income ratio

24%

15% to 34%

( 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 24% of the people's monthly income in Brussel goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Brussel pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% 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 Brussel

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan36%

13% of debtors in Brussel 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 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Brussel.


About credit score and debt management

Managing 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 Brussel

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Brussel 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
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Brussel

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Brussel

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
490 EUR 730 EUR 2,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$530 $790 $2,100
1-bedroom apartment
730 EUR 1,200 EUR 2,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,200
2-bedroom apartment
980 EUR 1,500 EUR 3,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $1,600 $4,200
3-bedroom apartment
1,200 EUR 2,000 EUR 5,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,100 $5,800
Furnished apartment
2,300 EUR 5,900 EUR 12,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $6,300 $13,000
Townhouse
2,000 EUR 2,900 EUR 8,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $3,200 $9,100
House
2,300 EUR 5,900 EUR 12,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,500 $6,300 $13,000
Villa
2,900 EUR 7,300 EUR 12,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,200 $7,900 $13,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Brussel ranges between 490 EUR and 2,000 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 730 EUR to 2,900 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 980 EUR and 3,900 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,200 EUR to 5,300 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Brussel is around 2,900 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 5,900 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,900 EUR to 12,000 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Brussel

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
98,000 EUR 150,000 EUR 290,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $160,000 $320,000
1-bedroom apartment
120,000 EUR 200,000 EUR 730,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $210,000 $790,000
2-bedroom apartment
200,000 EUR 590,000 EUR 1.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $630,000 $1.3M
3-bedroom apartment
650,000 EUR 980,000 EUR 2.9M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$700,000 $1.1M $3.2M
Townhouse
840,000 EUR 2M EUR 7.3M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$910,000 $2.1M $7.9M
House
980,000 EUR 5.9M EUR 8.4M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1M $6.3M $9.1M
Villa
1.2M EUR 6.5M EUR 9.8M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3M $7M $11M

The average price of a studio apartment in Brussel can range from 98,000 EUR to 290,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 120,000 EUR to 730,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 6.5M EUR on average with prices ranging from 1.2M EUR to 9.8M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Brussel 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


48 x143 monthly income 222
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Brussel can be x143 to x222 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x143 multiples of the average monthly salary in Brussel.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 34% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Brussel is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 44% 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
32%

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.


FROM
2.5%
AVERAGE
3.5%
TO
4.5%

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.


8.2 EUR 110 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Brussel

Housing33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$480   440 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$9,600   8,900 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$80   74 EUR
AVERAGE$240   220 EUR
HIGH$1,600   1,500 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$110   98 EUR
AVERAGE$320   300 EUR
HIGH$2,100   2,000 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$210   200 EUR
AVERAGE$640   590 EUR
HIGH$4,300   3,900 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$360   330 EUR
HIGH$2,400   2,200 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$67   61 EUR
AVERAGE$200   180 EUR
HIGH$1,300   1,200 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$27   25 EUR
AVERAGE$80   74 EUR
HIGH$530   490 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$240   220 EUR
AVERAGE$720   660 EUR
HIGH$4,800   4,400 EUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Brussel

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$730   680 EUR
AVERAGE$2,200   2,000 EUR
HIGH$12,000   11,000 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$110   100 EUR
AVERAGE$330   310 EUR
HIGH$1,800   1,600 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$270   250 EUR
AVERAGE$800   740 EUR
HIGH$4,300   3,900 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$310   290 EUR
AVERAGE$930   860 EUR
HIGH$5,000   4,600 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$240   230 EUR
AVERAGE$730   680 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$130   120 EUR
AVERAGE$400   370 EUR
HIGH$2,100   2,000 EUR
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$44   41 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$710   660 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$380   350 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   1,000 EUR
HIGH$6,000   5,600 EUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Brussel

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$1,000   920 EUR
AVERAGE$2,800   2,600 EUR
HIGH$16,000   14,000 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$250   230 EUR
AVERAGE$710   660 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$560   520 EUR
AVERAGE$1,600   1,500 EUR
HIGH$8,800   8,100 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$250   230 EUR
AVERAGE$710   660 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$160   140 EUR
AVERAGE$440   410 EUR
HIGH$2,400   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$440   400 EUR
AVERAGE$1,200   1,100 EUR
HIGH$6,800   6,300 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$370   340 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   980 EUR
HIGH$5,900   5,400 EUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Brussel

Housing21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$270   250 EUR
AVERAGE$690   630 EUR
HIGH$1,200   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$46   42 EUR
AVERAGE$110   110 EUR
HIGH$210   190 EUR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$80   74 EUR
AVERAGE$200   180 EUR
HIGH$360   330 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$230   210 EUR
AVERAGE$570   530 EUR
HIGH$1,000   950 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$69   63 EUR
AVERAGE$170   160 EUR
HIGH$310   280 EUR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$57   53 EUR
AVERAGE$140   130 EUR
HIGH$260   240 EUR
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$220   200 EUR
AVERAGE$540   500 EUR
HIGH$980   900 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$170   160 EUR
AVERAGE$430   390 EUR
HIGH$770   710 EUR
Per Month
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