Antwerp vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~42% 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
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Antwerp | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,033 | $2,503 | $1,470 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $779 | $1,960 | $1,181 |
| Groceries | $294 | $422 | $128 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $28 | $11 |
| Transit Pass | $41 | $113 | $72 |
| Utilities | $192 | $258 | $66 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Antwerp | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,286/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $1,815/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,284/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Antwerp | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,591/mo | +$1,091 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,455/mo | +$1,455 |
| $3,000/mo | $5,182/mo | +$2,182 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Antwerp vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Antwerp is approximately 42% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Antwerp's COL+Rent Index of 42.2 vs London's 72.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Antwerp costs $1,033/month versus $2,503/month in London — giving Antwerp a $1,470/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $17,640 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Antwerp ($294/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect Antwerp's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $28 show Antwerp is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Antwerp offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,815 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.