The cost of living in Belgium is quite low, but as a newcomer to the country, it can be difficult to know what you’re getting into. This article explores the costs of living in Belgium so that you can make your own educated decision on whether it’s worth it for you or not.
History of Belgium
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe. The area of Belgium has been occupied by many different groups of people, including the Celts, the Romans, the Franks, the Germans, and the Dutch. The first inhabitants of present-day Belgium were the Celts. Belgians are descendants of these Celtic people.
Belgium became a country in 1830. It was then divided into two parts: the southern part (which became Belgium) and the northern part (which became Luxembourg). Belgium was united in 1830, but it wasn’t until 1839 that it became a full member of the European Union.
Belgium’s economy is heavily dependent on its large sector of services, which includes a significant amount of industry, trade, and transportation. The country’s main exports include goods such as machinery, chemicals, and electronics. In recent years, Belgium has been focusing on increasing its exports of food products.
Read also: List of Belgium Scholarship for International Student
Benefits of Living in Belgium
- Low Cost of Living
Belgium is one of the most affordable countries in the world to live in. The cost of living is lower than in many other European countries and even cheaper than in some U.S. cities. This means that you can save money on your groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
- Quality Healthcare
Many people consider Belgium to have excellent healthcare. This is because the country has many top-notch hospitals and clinics, as well as a wide variety of medical treatments available. You will be able to find whatever medical care you need at a reasonable price.
- Plenty of Outdoor Activities
Belgium is home to many great outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and swimming. There are also many cultural attractions to enjoy, such as museums and galleries. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Belgium has something for everyone.
- Economic Stability
Belgium has enjoyed long periods of economic stability, which has allowed it to maintain high levels of social welfare and education spending. This makes living in Belgium very affordable for families.
Read also: The Ultimate Moving to Germany from the USA Checklist
Gross Domestic Product of Belgium
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the total economic output of a country. Belgium’s GDP was $318.4 billion in 2016, making it the 18th most economically powerful country in the world. The majority of Belgium’s GDP comes from its service industries, particularly finance, insurance, and real estate. In contrast, manufacturing makes up a small portion of the Belgian economy.
Belgium’s cost of living is relatively high when compared to other European countries. The overall price level in Belgium is about 10% higher than the EU average and 25% higher than the U.S. average. This is due in part to Belgium’s high levels of income and property taxation. As a result, consumer goods are more expensive in Belgium than they are in other countries.
Different Costs of Living in Belgium
Cost of Feeding:
The country has a wide range of different types of food, from fresh produce in the bigger cities to artisanal products in the rural areas. The cost of food in Belgium is also very diverse. While some items are more expensive than in other countries, others are quite affordable.
One of the most expensive items you can find in Belgium is milk. A liter of whole milk costs around €1.50, which is about twice the price of milk in the United States. However, a liter of skimmed milk is only around €0.90, which makes it a much cheaper option if you want to drink milk regularly.
In terms of fruits and vegetables, Belgian prices are usually on par with those in other Western European countries. For example, a kilo of apples costs €2.50-€3.00, while a kilo of potatoes costs €1.70-€2.10.
Cost of Transportation:
There is a very efficient and comprehensive transport system. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, but also has a very low rate of traffic congestion. There are many ways to get around, including public transportation, taxis, bicycles, and cars.
The cost of transportation varies depending on the mode of transportation. For example, the cost of public transportation is generally lower than the cost of taxis or cars. However, the cost of bicycles can be high depending on the type of bike and the location. The cost of cars also varies depending on the make and model.
Read also:Â America Visa Lottery: Your Path to a Better Life
Cost of Healthcare:
The majority of health care in Belgium is provided by public sector institutions. There are three types of healthcare providers in Belgium: Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim. The Catholic system provides health care for Catholics and Protestants receive care through their respective systems. Muslims have their system which is funded by the government.
The government makes a concerted effort to keep the costs of healthcare low through several measures including setting up a single-payer system, making use of technology to improve efficiency, and keeping down the number of staff involved in providing care. In addition, Belgium has many social security schemes which help to offset the cost of healthcare.
Cost of Entertainment:
When it comes to entertainment, Belgium is not cheap. Prices for cinema tickets, concerts, and other forms of entertainment can easily bump up the budget by several hundred euros. Some cities, like Brussels and Antwerp, are more expensive than others, but even in smaller towns prices for entertainment can be steep.
There are a few ways to cut costs when it comes to entertainment in Belgium. The first option is to look for cheaper options outside of the city center. Concerts in smaller towns often cost much less than their counterparts in the city center, and cinemas often have cheaper showings on weekdays, while another option is to find deals online.
Cost of Insurance:
One of the biggest expenses when living in Belgium is insurance. Healthcare is mandatory and typically costs around $6000 per year, while travel insurance can run up to $200 per year. Furthermore, car rental insurance can be expensive, averaging around $27 per day.
Overall, the cost of living in Belgium is relatively low when compared to other Western European countries. It is important to keep in mind that each individual’s cost of living will vary significantly depending on factors such as income, age, and health status.
Other Interesting Contents
- Average Income: What is a Good Salary in Canada?
- Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in Madrid
- Updated Price List on the Cost of Living in Serbia
Conclusion
Belgium may be a small country, but its cost of living index is high compared to other European countries. That means that even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still enjoy all the cultural riches Belgium has to offer without feeling too pinchy.