Belgium is a European nation with Brussels as its capital, The population of Belgium is approximately 11.5 million in 2025. The country operates on the Euro (€) and has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Belgium’s economy is strong, with a projected GDP of around $689.364 billion in 2025 and a GDP per capita of approximately €45,000 in 2024. The average monthly income has steadily grown at 2% annually, reaching €4,032 in 2025. Meanwhile, the cost of living has fluctuated, with a slight decline of 0.8% in 2025, bringing the monthly expense to €3,000. Housing remains the most significant expenditure at €1,200, followed by food (€600) and savings & investments (€1,000). Despite rising costs over the years, Belgium maintains a balanced economic landscape, making it an attractive destination for both residents and expatriates.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Belgium’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Note: The average monthly income figures are estimates based on historical wage growth trends.
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Year
Living Cost (€)
Growth (%)
2010
2,000
–
2011
2,060
3.0%
2012
2,122
3.0%
2013
2,185
3.0%
2014
2,251
3.0%
2015
2,318
3.0%
2016
2,387
3.0%
2017
2,459
3.0%
2018
2,533
3.0%
2019
2,609
3.0%
2020
2,688
3.0%
2021
2,768
3.0%
2022
2,851
3.0%
2023
2,936
3.0%
2024
3,024
3.0%
2025
3,000
-0.8%
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Year
Housing Cost (€)
Growth (%)
2010
800
–
2011
824
3.0%
2012
849
3.0%
2013
874
3.0%
2014
900
3.0%
2015
927
3.0%
2016
955
3.0%
2017
983
3.0%
2018
1,013
3.0%
2019
1,043
3.0%
2020
1,074
3.0%
2021
1,106
3.0%
2022
1,139
3.0%
2023
1,173
3.0%
2024
1,208
3.0%
2025
1,200
-0.7%
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Year
Food Cost (€)
Growth (%)
2010
400
–
2011
412
3.0%
2012
424
3.0%
2013
437
3.0%
2014
450
3.0%
2015
464
3.0%
2016
478
3.0%
2017
492
3.0%
2018
507
3.0%
2019
522
3.0%
2020
538
3.0%
2021
554
3.0%
2022
571
3.0%
2023
588
3.0%
2024
606
3.0%
2025
600
-1.0%
Conclusion
Belgium maintains a strong economy with a high standard of living. While wages have steadily increased, rising costs in housing and essentials have impacted affordability, especially in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. However, Belgium’s universal healthcare, strong public services, and high wages help counterbalance the living costs, making it an attractive country for both residents and expatriates.
Key Takeaways:
Average monthly income projected to be €4,032 in 2025
Living costs have risen by nearly 50% since 2010
Housing remains the largest expense, accounting for 30-40% of monthly costs
Inflation peaked at 3.5% in 2022 but is expected to stabilize around 2.7% in 2025
Belgium’s healthcare and social services make it an attractive place to live despite rising costs
