What is the Cost of Living in Belgium 2024?

Imagine indulging in world-famous Belgian chocolates while gazing at majestic mediaeval castles — sounds like a dream, right? Belgium, with its delectable treats and stunning architecture, is a top choice for international students seeking a top-notch academic experience. 

The country houses some of the world’s most renowned and oldest universities, including KU Leuven, Ghent University, and the University of Liège. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, 7 Belgian universities are ranked among the top 500 universities globally.

Recent data from the OECD shows that over 52,000 international students were enrolled in higher education in Belgium, comprising 10% of the total student population.

But before you make the final decision to study at top-rated universities in this charming country, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Belgium. Why, you ask?

Well, that’s because when you plan to study abroad, it’s not just the tuition fees that you will have to pay. You also need to beat the accommodation charges, transportation charges, food and grocery costs, and so much more. Once you know these specific costs, you will be able to plan Belgium’s living expenses properly so nothing offsets your budget.

This in-depth guide will take you through all of the costs to take into account, as well as some of the most practical budgeting tips that will help you reduce your cost of living in Belgium.  

Ready to  focus on your studies and enjoy your time in Belgium without financial stress? If yes, keep reading further.

Key Highlights

Here are the key components you need to know about the cost of living in Belgium. From the monthly cost of living in Belgium to average tuition fees and scholarships, you will discover it all.

Aspect	Description
Cost of Living in Belgium Per Month	INR 83K (926 EUR)
Average City-wise Cost of Living in Belgium per Month (Accommodation)	Brussels: INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500) Antwerp: INR 22,000 – INR 40,000 (€250 – €450) Ghent: INR 25,000 – INR 43,000 (€280 – €480)
Utility Expenses	INR 11K – INR 31K (120 EUR – 350 EUR) per month
Average Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Belgium	INR 2L – INR 4L (2,505 EUR – 4,175 EUR) per year
Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Belgium	Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships: INR 9 L (€10,000) + a tuition fee waiver Erasmus Mundus Programmes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation: INR 1.2L (€1,400) Science@Leuven Scholarships: INR 12L (€12,000 per year)

Also read: Cicero Traineeship in Belgium for International Students

Average Monthly Belgium Living Expenses Breakdown

Understanding the average monthly Belgium living expenses is crucial for planning to study in the country. 

The estimated average monthly cost of living in Belgium for a single student is around INR 83K – INR 1L (926 EUR – 1,350 EUR). 

Here’s a table highlighting the overall calculation of the average cost of living in Belgium. This includes rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Factor	Average Cost of Living in Belgium Per Month for Indian Students
Rent for Student Accommodation (1 Bedroom Apartment)	INR 58K – INR 98K (650 – 1,100 EUR)
Food	INR 18K – INR 27K (200 – 300 EUR)
Transportation (Monthly Pass)	INR 3K – INR 5K (31 – 60 EUR)
Sports and Entertainment	INR 3K – INR 9K (38 – 100 EUR
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water)	INR 11K – INR 31K (120 – 350 EUR)
Internet	INR 3K – INR 7K (35 – 80 EUR)

Let’s break down the typical cost of living in Belgium that you can expect to encounter during your stay. 

1. Typical Costs for Meals and Beverages

Belgium offers a rich culinary environment that caters to various tastes and budgets. Some popular Belgian dishes include Belgian Waffles (Gaufres), Moules-frites (Mussels and Fries), Carbonnade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew), and Stoemp (Mashed potatoes with vegetables).

If you plan to eat out occasionally, you can expect to spend around INR 1K – INR 3K (11 – 30 EUR) for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. 

Here’s a table highlighting the overall average expenses for meals and beverages in Belgium.

Type of Meal and Beverages	Average Monthly Cost
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	INR 1K – INR 3K (11 – 30 EUR)
Meal for 2 People	INR 5K – INR 11K (55 – 120 EUR)
McMeal at McDonald’s	INR 900 – INR 1K (9 – 12 EUR)
Cappuccino	INR 200 – INR 400 (2 – 5 EUR)
Soft Drinks	INR 200 – INR 400 (2 – 4 EUR)

2. Typical Costs for Entertainment

Entertainment is an essential part of your student experience, and Belgium offers a variety of options. While cinema tickets typically start around INR 805 (€9), you can often find discounts. Many cinemas offer student rates, bringing the cost down to about INR 537 – INR INR 630 (€6-€7). Cultural events and museums frequently offer student discounts, with some museums even being free on certain days of the month.

Here’s a table highlighting the overall average expenses for entertainment in Belgium.

Sports and Entertainment	Average Cost
Cinema Ticket (1 Seat)	INR 700 – INR 1K (8 – 15 EUR)
Fitness Club (Monthly Fee)	INR 2K – INR 5K (20 – 60 EUR)
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	INR 900 – INR 2K (10 – 25 EUR)

3. Cost of Living in Belgium in Different Properties

One of the most economical housing options in Belgium for you is university dormitories. Prices for dormitory rooms start at around INR 18K (200 EUR) per month. These dorms not only provide a budget-friendly accommodation solution but also provide a sense of community and make it easier to meet other students. 

Private accommodation is widely available if you prefer more privacy or specific amenities. The cost of living in Belgium in a 1-BHK apartment starts at around  INR 58K (650 EUR) per month.

Here’s a table highlighting the overall average expenses for different types of student housing in Belgium.

Types of Student Housing in Belgium	Average Rent Per Month
University Dormitory	INR 18K – INR 36K (200 – 400 EUR)
1 Bedroom Apartment	INR 58K – INR 98K (650 – 1,100 EUR)
3 Bedroom Apartment	INR 80K – INR 2L (900 – 2,000 EUR)

Here’s a comparison of average monthly rent costs for student housing in five popular Belgian cities.

City	University Dormitory	1 Bedroom Apartment
Brussels	INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500)	INR 63,000 – INR 1L (€700 – €1,200)
Antwerp	INR 22,000 – INR 40,000 (€250 – €450)	INR 54,000 – INR 90,000 (€600 – €1,000)
Ghent	INR 25,000 – INR 43,000 (€280 – €480)	INR 58,000 – INR 99,000 (€650 – €1,100)
Leuven	INR 24,000 – INR 42,000 (€270 – €470)	INR 54,000 – INR 94,000 (€600 – €1,050)
Liège	INR 21,000 – INR 39,000 (€230 – €430)	INR 49,000 – INR 85,000 (€550 – €950)

4. Transportation Costs 

Belgium has a well-developed public transport network, making it easy to commute within and between cities. You can obtain substantial discounts on public transport. 

A monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metro services within a city starts at around INR 3K (31 EUR).

Cycling is another popular and cost-effective mode of transportation among students in Belgium. Many cities, such as Ghent and Leuven, have excellent cycling infrastructure. Purchasing a second-hand bicycle will cost you around INR 4K – INR 13K (50 -150 EUR).

Here’s a table highlighting the overall average expenses for transportation in Belgium.

Transportation	Average Cost of Transportation in Belgium
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	INR 200 – INR 300 (2 – 3 EUR)
Monthly Transportation Pass (Buses, Trams, Metros)	INR 3K – INR 5K (31 – 60 EUR)
Taxi (1 km)	INR 200 – INR 300 (2 – 3 EUR)
New Car (Volkswagen Golf)	INR 23L (25,382 EUR)

5. Books, Study Materials, and Grocery Expenses

Academic expenses, including books and study materials, can add up quickly. On average, you might spend around INR 3K – INR 4K (35- 50 EUR) per month on textbooks, photocopies, and other necessary materials. 

Your monthly groceries will generally cost you around INR 3K – INR 9K (40 – 100 EUR) per month. Shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Colruyt can help you save a lot on your living expenses. 

Here’s a table highlighting the overall average Belgium living expenses that go towards grocery shopping.

Groceries	Average Cost of Grocery Items
Milk (1 Litre)	INR 100 (1 EUR)
Bread	INR 200 (2 EUR)
Rice (1 kg)	INR 200 (2 EUR)
Eggs (12)	INR 300 (3 EUR)
Apples (1 kg)	INR 200 (2 EUR)
Bananas (1 kg)	INR 100 (1 EUR)
Tomato (1 kg)	INR 200 (2 EUR)
Potato (1 kg)	INR 100 (1 EUR)
Onion (1 kg)	INR 100 (1 EUR)
Water (1.5 litre bottle)	INR 100 (0.8 EUR)

Budgeting Tips for Students to Reduce Cost of Living in Belgium

Do you want to join the growing international community of more than 700 Indian students in Belgium? With efficient budget planning and utilising top tips and strategies, you can secure a spot in one of your dream universities in Belgium without having to worry about financial costs.

Here are some practical budgeting tips to help you plan your budget and ensure you have enough money to cover all your living expenses.

1. Maximising the Use of Student Discounts

One of the most effective ways to save money in Belgium is by taking full advantage of student discounts. Belgian cities are very student-friendly, offering a range of discounts on various services and products.

• Transportation: Many public transport providers offer substantial discounts for students. For example, in Brussels, students can get a monthly public transport pass for about INR 4K (49 EUR), which is significantly cheaper than regular fares.
• Museums and Cultural Events: Many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions offer reduced entry fees for students. Always carry your student ID to take advantage of these discounts.
• Retail and Dining: Numerous restaurants, cafes, and retail stores offer student discounts. Before making a purchase, look for student discounts.
• Entertainment: Cinemas, theatres, and concert venues often have special rates for students. Additionally, some universities organise free or discounted events for students.

2. Economical Transportation Choices Like Bicycling or Walking

The expense of transportation may add up quickly, so look into more affordable ways to get around.

• Ride Sharing: For longer trips, carpooling with friends or using ride-sharing apps can be more economical than solo travel. Some budget-friendly ride-sharing apps popular in Belgium include the following.

• BlaBlaCar
• Karzoo
• Carpool.be
• Commuty
• Taxistop

3. Cooking at Home to Reduce Meal Costs

Dining out regularly can quickly drain your budget. Cooking at home is a practical and healthier alternative.

• Groceries: Purchase groceries from budget-friendly supermarkets and local markets. Purchasing in large quantities and utilising discounts can help cut expenses even further. Some affordable supermarket chains in Belgium include the following.

• Colruyt
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Albert Heijn
• Carrefour Market
• Social Cooking: Share cooking responsibilities with housemates or friends. Hosting potluck dinners or cooking in groups can be a fun social activity while splitting costs and reducing individual expenses.

Part-time Job Opportunities for Students in Belgium

Balancing studies with part-time work is a common practice among students in Belgium. It not only helps you control your spending and lower your cost of living in Belgium, but it also gives you the opportunity to gain useful work experience and fit in with the community. 

As a student in Belgium, you can work for 475 hours in a year.

Here’s a table highlighting popular part-time job opportunities available for students in Belgium.

Job Type	Average Hourly Wage
Nanny	INR 1K – INR 2K (14 – 17 EUR) per hour
Bicycle & Scooter Courier	INR 900 – INR 1K (11 – 14 EUR) per hour
Shop Assistant	INR 800 – INR 1K (9 – 12 EUR) per hour
Library Assistant	INR 1K (12 EUR) per hour
Waiter	INR 1K (14 EUR) per hour

Popular platforms to look for student jobs in Belgium:

• Student at Work.
• English Jobs
• Student.be
• STAN

Top 3 Scholarships that Reduce the Cost of Living for Indian Students

Financing your education abroad can be a daunting task, but scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden, making your dream of studying in Belgium more attainable. 

Let’s explore some prominent scholarships available for you and how they can help reduce the cost of living and studying in Belgium.

Scholarship	Grant
Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships	INR 9 lakhs (€10,000 grant) + a tuition fee waiver
Erasmus Mundus Programmes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation	INR 1.2L (€1,400)
Science@Leuven Scholarships	INR 12L (€12,000 per year)

Government of Flanders Master Mind Scholarships

The coveted Master Mind Scholarships, which are intended for exceptional international students, including those from India, are offered by the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training for master’s degrees in Flanders and Brussels. This scholarship can significantly offset your living and study expenses.

The scholarship provides a €10,000 grant (approx. INR 9 lakhs) + a tuition fee waiver per academic year. This amount can make a substantial difference, reducing the cost of living in Belgium and the need for part-time work or additional loans.

Eligibility:

• You must be admitted to a master’s degree program at a Flemish higher education institution.
• You need to have excellent academic records with a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.
• Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL test score of 94

Erasmus Mundus Programmes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation

The highly competitive Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD), which are open to international students, including Indians, who want to pursue master’s degrees in Europe, are funded by the European Union.

EU provides individuals with a monthly scholarship of INR 1.2L (€1,400) for up to 24 months. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Students must have a bachelor’s level education from their respective countries.
• Graduate before the master’s program starts

Also read: Erasmus Scholarship 2024- Eligibility, Application, and Selection.

Science@Leuven Scholarships

The Science@Leuven Scholarships are offered by the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven, one of Belgium’s top universities (QS World University Ranking: 63). These scholarships are designed for outstanding international students like you who wish to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) program at KU Leuven.

The scholarship provides a grant of up to INR 12L (€12,000 per year). This amount can significantly reduce your financial burden of studying in Belgium, covering a substantial portion of living expenses and tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be an international student from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
• You need to have applied for admission to one of the English-taught MSc programs offered by the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven
• You should have an excellent academic record, typically in the top 5-10% of your class
• You must demonstrate strong motivation and potential for academic success
• Proficiency in English is required, typically an IELTS score of 7

Summing Up

Understanding the cost of living in Belgium and utilising the various budgeting strategies discussed above in the article can help you manage your finances effectively. 

Every little amount helps lower your overall costs, whether you cook at home, take advantage of student discounts, or select affordable transit options. 

With its world-renowned universities, diverse student community, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, Belgium is an excellent choice for your higher education.

Another significant factor in choosing this educational hub is that Belgium ranks among the top 20 happiest countries in the world. 

So, don’t wait! Get ready for the adventure, plan your budget wisely, and prepare to enjoy your time in Belgium without financial stress. Your academic and personal growth in this vibrant country awaits you!

Frequently Asked Questions