What is the cost of living in Brussels?

The cost of living in Brussels is 49.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.1). Groceries are 25.3% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 15.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately EUR 1,188 per month. Local purchasing power index is 120.2 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Belgium?

In Belgium, a gross salary of EUR 50,000 per year results in approximately EUR 2,685 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 35.6%). Use our Belgium tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇧🇪 Belgium · #146 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Brussels?

Q: Should I move to Brussels?

Brussels, Belgium has a cost of living 49.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.1). It is ranked #146 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 120.2 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Belgium earning EUR 50,000 gross take home approximately EUR 2,685/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

49.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-49.9%

vs NYC

EUR 1,188

1-BR, city centre

EUR 2,685

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Brussels?

Example: EUR 50,000 gross/year in Belgium → EUR 2,685/month net after tax (35.6% effective rate). Full Belgium tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Brussels

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.1 Expensive

Rent

32.4 Very affordable

Groceries

74.7 Moderate

Restaurants

84.5 Above average

Purchasing Power

120.2 Very strong

Rent in Brussels

1-BR, city centre EUR 1,188/mo

1-BR, outside centre EUR 1,024/mo

3-BR, city centre EUR 2,189/mo

3-BR, outside centre EUR 1,786/mo

Save by going outside centre 14% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Belgium take-home pay

EUR 50,000 → EUR 2,685/Net take-home (35.6% effective rate, single filer)

Full Belgium tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇧🇪 Leuven

Belgium

CoL index 46.3

Compare Leuven vs Brussels →

🇧🇪 Gent

Belgium

CoL index 45.6

Compare Gent vs Brussels →

🇧🇪 Antwerp

Belgium

CoL index 44.9

Compare Antwerp vs Brussels →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Brussels after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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