Is Brussels an expensive city?

Being the European Union's capital city, Brussels isn't a cheap place to live in. However, compared to other major European cities, the cost of living in Brussels, Belgium can be considered quite average. Let's have a look: Brussels is 13% more expensive than Barcelona.

How much does a meal cost in Brussels?

Brussels Budget Dinner Prices: €12-€25

You should be able to find a traditional dinner at a restaurant in a less touristy part of town for around €14-€20.

Is Paris or Brussels cheaper?

Cost of Living Comparison Between Brussels and Paris

You would need around 5,390.4€ in Paris to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 4,600.0€ in Brussels (assuming you rent in both cities).

Is London or Brussels more expensive?

Cost of living in Brussels (Belgium) is 38% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data.

Do they speak English in Brussels?

Languages in Brussels

The capital region of Brussels is bilingual, so Belgians normally speak French and Flemish fluently. Normally locals also speak English. Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German.

Brussels: A city of contrasts between rich and poor | Focus on Europe

Can I go to Belgium if I only speak English?

Belgium has 3 official languages: Dutch, French and German.

The language locals speak depends on the region where you are. So, when moving to Belgium you don't have to learn all the official languages (phew!).

Why is food so expensive in Belgium?

Higher labour costs and higher prices charged by international suppliers to Belgian warehouses are frequently cited reasons for Belgium's more costly goods. Due to the price differences, more Belgians are shopping abroad.

Do you need euros in Brussels?

As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the many currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Many shops and restaurants in Brussels accept credit cards, but not all.

How much does a house cost in Brussels?

In the first quarter of 2023, the average price of a house in Belgium was EUR 323,031, while in Brussels it now stands at EUR 578,753. The average price of an apartment in Belgium is EUR 264,139, while the average price in Brussels is EUR 281,918.

Is Brussels more expensive than Barcelona?

Brussels is 13% more expensive than Barcelona. Brussels is 4% more expensive than Milan. Cost of living in Brussels is about the same as in Berlin and Rome. Brussels is 11.69% cheaper than Amsterdam.

Is Brussels expensive tourist?

Brussels is not a particularly expensive city, so if you organize your trip ahead of time you will manage to spend very little compared to other European capitals.

Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Brussels?

To cover your living expenses in Belgium you will need around €950 to €1,350 per month. This estimate includes study materials, housing costs (rent, heating, water, electricity, etc.), food, clothing, laundry, medical & insurance costs, and other expenses — e.g. leisure, groceries, transport, etc.

Do you tip waiters in Brussels?

The restaurant and hospitality industry in Belgium represents a well-paid group of workers. They`re usually students. Regardless, minimum wage at cafes, restaurants and bars is well above that in North America, so servers do not live off of tips. In fact, many don`t expect anything beyond coins left on the table.

What food is Brussels known for?

In Brussels, savour other typical dishes and local produce: the famous mussels and chips, grilled endive, vol-au-vent, américain (a Belgian take on beef tartare), tomato and shrimp... Enjoy a pistolet, a small round bread with a golden crust and a soft crumb.

What foods is Belgium famous for?

What food and drink are Belgium famous for? There are many foods and drink items that Belgium is famous for such as cheese, mussels, rabbit stew, chocolate, waffles, fries, and boterhammen or tartines.

Is Belgium cashless?

From 1 July 2022, Belgian legislation requires that all consumer-facing companies, big or small, must provide their customers with at least one solution that allows them to pay for their purchases electronically.

Does Belgium still use cash?

Cash money use in Belgium stayed relatively stable for many years, with consumers increasingly using less cash for their transactions in the years after 2015. This according to estimations based on the available data regarding cash withdrawals and payment transactions.

How do you tip in Belgium?

Tipping in Belgium isn't a standard practice, nor is it expected, as most service staff are paid a fair living wage. Furthermore, most restaurants automatically include a 10–15% tip in the bill. If you think the service was excellent and want to leave more, you can always leave a few euros on the table after your meal.

What is the number one food in Belgium?

Moules-frites/Mosselen met friet: mussels cooked or steamed with onions and celery served with Belgian fries. The recipe has often been referred to as the country's national dish but is also popular in the neighboring Nord region of France.

What food is big in Belgium?

Is it cheaper to live in Belgium or USA?

Here's the breakdown of your potential monthly expenses:

For context, living in Belgium is considerably cheaper than in the United States and the nearby European countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Austria.

What is the only English-speaking country in the EU?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone. CSO figures also reveal that over half a million Irish people can speak a second foreign language fluently.

What city in Belgium speaks the most English?

What Belgian cities are good for English-speaking expats? The most English-friendly cities in Belgium are Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven. Note that, in some Belgian cities, it is hard to get by if you don't know the local language. So, be sure to check about the language requirement.

Which language is not spoken by most of the people in Belgium?

German is the least prevalent official language in Belgium, spoken natively by less than 1% of the population.