The Hague vs Antwerp
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~17% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $1,033 | +$513 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $779 | +$435 |
| Groceries | $319 | $294 | +$25 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $17 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $41 | +$52 |
| Utilities | $179 | $192 | $13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Antwerp |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $1,286/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $1,815/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $2,284/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Antwerp | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,244/mo | -$256 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,658/mo | -$342 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,487/mo | -$513 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Antwerp for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Antwerp is approximately 17% more affordable than The Hague when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Antwerp's 42.2 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $1,033/month in Antwerp — giving Antwerp a $513/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,156 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Antwerp ($294/mo) reflect Antwerp's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 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.