Brussels vs Antwerp
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~23% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brussels
Belgium
COL+Rent
54.9
Rent Index
35.6
Groceries
63.8
Restaurant
63.7
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brussels | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,575 | $1,033 | +$542 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,188 | $779 | +$409 |
| Groceries | $358 | $294 | +$64 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $17 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $50 | $41 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $233 | $192 | +$41 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brussels | Antwerp |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,802/mo | $1,286/mo |
| Typical | $2,516/mo | $1,815/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,124/mo | $2,284/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brussels | ≈ in Antwerp | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,153/mo | -$347 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,537/mo | -$463 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,306/mo | -$694 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brussels vs Antwerp for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Antwerp is approximately 23% more affordable than Brussels when combining rent and daily living costs. Brussels's COL+Rent Index of 54.9 vs Antwerp's 42.2 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Brussels costs $1,575/month versus $1,033/month in Antwerp — giving Antwerp a $542/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,504 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brussels ($358/mo) vs Antwerp ($294/mo) reflect Antwerp's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $20 vs $17 show Antwerp offers cheaper dining. 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.