Hi everyone,
Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in Belgium or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their expatriation to Belgium to plan their day-to-day budget for some key expenses.
If you are a tenant, what is your monthly rent? Please give details of the type of property you are in.
How much are your monthly charges (water, electricity, common area maintenance charges, etc.) and additional expenses (mobile phone and/or internet box subscriptions)?
How much do you spend on commuting (by public transport or using your car) each month?
How much does your grocery shopping cost in Belgium?
How much do you spend on health care (health insurance, consultations, etc.)?
How much are your children's school fees, depending on the type of school they attend?
What about your budget for leisure activities?
Do not hesitate to indicate other everyday costs if they could be useful to others.
Thank you for your contribution 
Cheryl
Expat.com team
Cost of living in Belgium in 2022
Good topic, especially now that the living cost are rising due to the covid/war crisis!
Situation: Two person householding, no kids. One parttime income 3/4 (partner not yet working, still waiting for F card while doing integration/dutch courses). Type of property: rented apartment, two bedrooms, about 75 m2. Location: village, rural community, on the Dutch-Belgium border. Crossborder worker.
Monthly rent
625 euro + service cost 12,50 = 637,5 euro
Monthly charges
-Electricity (induction cooking) and gas central heating: 197,25 euro (used to be 62,70 under last year contract)
-Water: 14 euro per month (40,56 euro 3 monthly)
-Proximus (Internet only, no tv): 32,50 euro
-Mobile phone 2x: +/- 20 euro + 15 euro = 35 euro
-Skype credit for international calls: 20 euro
-No car, public transport to work: 230 euro/month
-Partner public transport to courses: +/- 51,2 euro
-Insurance: 240,52 /12= 20,04 per month
-Community tax: 390,41/12= 32,53 per month
-Study costs: 50 euro/month
-Bijdrage vlaamse zorgkas: 54x2=108/12= 9 euro/month
Groceries (food, groceries, householding items, toiletries, clothing and personal upkeep, hairdresser etc
- 500 euro
Health care (health insurance, consultations, etc.)?
- Belgian Health care: CM membership 99,96 euro + hospitaalplan 116,64 x2 persons= 333,24/12= 27,77 euro per month
- Dutch health care (obligatory for crossborder workers): 1050,24/12= 87,52 euro
- partner CAK treaty contribution Dutch Health care: 93,46 euro per month
Other cost
- Supporting family abroad: 100 euro
- Leisure activities etc: 100 euro
Savings
- 250 euro/month for unexpected expenses.
Hello photographycecile,
Thank you for your contribution on this thread.
The information provided will be very useful to some new expats.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Expat.com team
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