City Comparison
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:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brussels or Antwerp cheaper to live in?
Antwerp is approximately 23% cheaper overall. Brussels's COL+Rent Index is 54.9 vs Antwerp's 42.2 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Brussels vs Antwerp?
A 1BR in Brussels city center costs ~$1,575/mo vs $1,033/mo in Antwerp. Outside the center: $1,188 vs $779.
What is $2,000/month in Brussels worth in Antwerp?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Brussels has the purchasing power of approximately $1,537/month in Antwerp.
Are groceries cheaper in Brussels or Antwerp?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $358 in Brussels vs $294 in Antwerp. Groceries Index: 63.8 vs 52.4 (NYC = 100).