What is the cost of living in Leuven?

The cost of living in Leuven is 53.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 46.1). Groceries are 37.8% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 23.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately EUR 962 per month. Local purchasing power index is 155.0 (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 · #192 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Leuven?

Q: Should I move to Leuven?

Leuven, Belgium has a cost of living 53.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 46.1). It is ranked #192 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 155.0 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.

53.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

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

-53.9%

vs NYC

EUR 962

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 October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Leuven?

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: Leuven

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

46.1 Mid-priced

Rent

26.2 Very affordable

Groceries

62.2 Moderate

Restaurants

76.5 Above average

Purchasing Power

155.0 Very strong

Rent in Leuven

1-BR, city centre EUR 962/mo

1-BR, outside centre EUR 865/mo

3-BR, city centre EUR 1,772/mo

3-BR, outside centre EUR 1,410/mo

Save by going outside centre 10% 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.

🇧🇪 Gent

Belgium

CoL index 45.6

Compare Gent vs Leuven →

🇧🇪 Antwerp

Belgium

CoL index 44.8

Compare Antwerp vs Leuven →

🇧🇪 Brussels

Belgium

CoL index 50.1

Compare Brussels vs Leuven →

Ready to run the numbers?

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

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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