Brussels vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brussels is ~25% 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
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brussels | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,575 | $2,503 | $928 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,188 | $1,960 | $772 |
| Groceries | $358 | $422 | $64 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $28 | $8 |
| Transit Pass | $50 | $113 | $63 |
| Utilities | $233 | $258 | $25 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brussels | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,802/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $2,516/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,124/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brussels | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,992/mo | +$492 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,656/mo | +$656 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,984/mo | +$984 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brussels vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Brussels is approximately 25% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Brussels's COL+Rent Index of 54.9 vs London's 72.9 (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 $2,503/month in London — giving Brussels a $928/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,136 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brussels ($358/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect Brussels's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $20 vs $28 show Brussels 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, Brussels offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,516 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.