City Comparison
Antwerp vs Brussels
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~23% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Brussels
Belgium
COL+Rent
54.9
Rent Index
35.6
Groceries
63.8
Restaurant
63.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Antwerp | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,033 | $1,575 | $542 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $779 | $1,188 | $409 |
| Groceries | $294 | $358 | $64 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $20 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $41 | $50 | $9 |
| Utilities | $192 | $233 | $41 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Antwerp | Brussels |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,286/mo | $1,802/mo |
| Typical | $1,815/mo | $2,516/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,284/mo | $3,124/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Antwerp | ≈ in Brussels | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,951/mo | +$451 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,602/mo | +$602 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,903/mo | +$903 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antwerp or Brussels cheaper to live in?
Antwerp is approximately 23% cheaper overall. Antwerp's COL+Rent Index is 42.2 vs Brussels's 54.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Antwerp vs Brussels?
A 1BR in Antwerp city center costs ~$1,033/mo vs $1,575/mo in Brussels. Outside the center: $779 vs $1,188.
What is $2,000/month in Antwerp worth in Brussels?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Antwerp has the purchasing power of approximately $2,602/month in Brussels.
Are groceries cheaper in Antwerp or Brussels?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $294 in Antwerp vs $358 in Brussels. Groceries Index: 52.4 vs 63.8 (NYC = 100).