Belgium is neither Portugal-cheap nor Switzerland-dear. Rents are moderate outside Brussels, groceries are fair, restaurants add up, and healthcare costs a fraction of US out-of-pocket. Here's the budget with sources — not vibes.
Figures verified 9 July 2026| Item | Figure (2026) | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation, 2025 average | 2.5% (Jan 2026: 1.1%) | Statbel CPI; 2024 was 3.1% |
| 1-bed apartment rent, Brussels | ≈ €1,110/month | Sector barometers, early 2026 — indicative |
| 1-bed rent, Antwerp / Ghent | ≈ €850–1,050/month | 20–30% below Brussels per m² — indicative |
| 1-bed rent, Wallonia cities | ≈ €650–750/month | Cheapest region — indicative |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water), couple | ≈ €200–300/month | Supplier/regulator data — Belgian energy is on Europe's expensive side; indicative |
| Internet + mobile | ≈ €40–60/month | Operator pricing — indicative |
| Restaurant main course | ≈ €18–25 | Indicative; Brussels tourist zones higher |
€1 ≈ US$1.14 (July 2026). Rents and utilities are labelled indicative because Belgium publishes no official national rent statistic — treat them as planning figures, not quotes.
A retired couple renting a two-bedroom apartment in Ghent, Leuven, or a good Brussels commune, running one small car, eating out weekly: plan around €2,800–3,500/month all-in. Swap to a Walloon town like Namur and the same life runs closer to €2,300–2,800. Those are our editorial estimates built from the components above — generous on contingency, because Belgian utilities and insurance surprise newcomers more than groceries do.
Brussels commune, Ghent, and Namur — line by line for a retired couple.
Why they're high, how the regional regulators' comparison tools work, and fixed vs variable.
The same retirement income in three countries — what changes, with sources.
Tell us your income and your shortlist of towns — we'll answer with real figures, or introduce a relocation specialist we've independently vetted.