Living in Belgium

Belgium is often overlooked as a destination for overseas living but it offers residents an appealing combination of high standards with affordability. Within a small area, Belgium contains vibrant multicultural cities, medieval towns and lush countryside. In this article, we explore some of the key aspects involved with living in Belgium such as reasons to relocate, pros and cons, costs of living, quality of life and cultural insights. We will also recommend top locations.

Why Move to Belgium?

• Culture – Belgium’s cultural heritage encompasses French, Dutch and German influences visible through architecture, festivals, cuisine and art. There is always an event occurring.
• Location – Situated at the crossroads of Western Europe, Belgium provides easy access to major economic centres in neighboring countries via excellent road and rail links.
• Cost of living – While not as low-cost as elsewhere, living expenses in Belgium remain reasonable compared to surrounding countries offering high living standards.
• International outlook – Major cities like Brussels are hubs of EU governance and foreign affairs, supporting a diverse, globally-minded community with 170+ nationalities residing there.
• Scenic landscapes – Quaint medieval towns, North Sea beaches, forested Ardennes region and fertile Flemish countryside offer scenic natural beauty amid vibrant urban areas.
• Stable economy – As a founding EU member, Belgium maintains political stability and economic prosperity through diverse industries like manufacturing, services and agriculture.

Living in Belgium: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Universal public healthcare, affordable tertiary education and robust social welfare systems.
2. High-quality local cuisine blending influences including moules-frites, waffles and chocolates.
3. Central location within a few hours of major European capitals via excellent infrastructure.
4. Relatively affordable housing in most Belgian cities compared to neighbouring regions.
5. Bilingual government respects French and Dutch linguistic groups despite complexity.

Cons:

1. Complex political system hampers decision making and raises tax burden.
2. Unemployment higher than European average, especially among youth.
3. Bruges, Ghent and Brussels rentals increasingly expensive due to tourism demand.
4. Climate is influenced by proximity to North Sea making winters cooler, wetter.
5. Significant linguistic, cultural differences exist between Flanders and Wallonia.

The Cost of Living in Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

Rent :

• Rental prices vary regionally.
• Brussels averages €900-1300/month for apartments while provincial towns like Leuven cost €600-1000.

Utilities :

• Heating season from October runs utility bills to around €80-150 per month depending on energy usage and dwelling type.

Groceries :

• Belgian markets offer high quality, affordable produce and prepared foods.
• Weekly grocery costs are €60-100 for individuals, €150-250 for families.

Healthcare :

• National health insurance covers a range of medical services for a modest co-payment.
• Annual premiums are approximately €100-120 per person.

Transportation :

• Well-developed public transit systems coupled with moderate fuel prices and vehicle taxes create low overall transport costs.

Internet :

• Fiber-optic rollout progresses rapidly, offering fast domestic connectivity.
• Basic home broadband starts from €30/month.

Cafes/Restaurants :

• Belgium is renowned for casual dining culture.
• Budget €10-20 per person for beer, fries and main courses in typical establishments.

Quality of Life in Belgium

Belgium consistently achieves a very high quality of life through policies promoting health, education, work-life balance and stability. Key attributes include:

1. Universal public healthcare with one of Europe’s highest doctor-to-patient ratios and hospital bed capacities.
2. Strong welfare state providing income support, pensions and cultural programs through sustained budget surpluses.
3. Free tertiary education and vocational training pathways support lifelong learning and social equity.
4. Minimum 4 weeks of paid leave standard across many sectors with additional public holidays.
5. Low unemployment outside urban areas as Belgian economy diversifies beyond manufacturing.
6. Multi-cultural, multi-lingual environment prizes diversity and civic engagement at local levels.
7. High connectivity through infrastructure investment in rail, roads and upcoming 5G rollout.

Belgium consistently ranks within Europe’s top five nations for stability, prosperity, healthcare, social protections and citizen happiness. Relocating provides an enviable quality of life.

A Beginner’s Guide to Belgian Culture

• French and Dutch are official languages while English is also widely spoken. Integration requires basic skills in at least one national language.
• Hospitality is highly valued, seen in open cafe sociability forming the backbone of Belgian social life.
• Rich culinary heritage combines French, Flemish, Germanic influences evident in Charcuterie, Chocolates, waffles, fries and beers.
• EU-minded outlook balances reasonable conservatism with progressivism on social issues like LGBTQ+ rights and multiculturalism.
• Catholic roots shaped conscious work ethic, frugality and strong community spirit lingering in many towns and villages.
• Medieval architecture, Renaissance and Rococo structures abound due to Late Middle Ages affluence of cities like Bruges and Ghent.
• Sports-minded culture adores soccer and cycling while comic books gain international acclaim through Hergé and Schuiten.

Best Places to Live in Belgium

1. Brussels – Vibrant, culturally diverse EU capital withinternational schools and amenities yet high property costs. Excellent transport links.
2. Ghent – Picturesque Flemish city renowned for medieval architecture and student life and situated halfway to Brussels and coastal towns.
3. Leuven – Historic university town an hour from Brussels via frequent trains. Lower rents than capital with high quality of life.
4. Antwerp – Belgium’s second city boasting historic ‘t Zuid district, fashion scene and vibrant cultural offerings close to Flemish countryside.
5. Ostend – Seaside resort ranked one of world’s most livable coastal cities for amenities and proximity to Bruges under 2 hours by transit.
6. Ardennes – Rural region in southern Wallonia provides scenic villages and outdoor activities amid forests and rivers.

In conclusion, Belgium rewards overseas residents with rich cultural roots and a very high quality of life supported by its progressive, multi-faceted communities and connections to wider Europe. With careful planning, much can be enjoyed across inviting regions.