Cost of Living in Belgium for Indian Students

The cost of Living in Belgium for an Indian student is INR 83,123 (EUR 923) for a month. This amount does not include the house rent as it differs in different locations. Belgium is one of the most expensive countries in the European continent to live in.

• High quality education: Belgium is home to some of the best universities such as Catholic University of Leuven, Ghent University, Catholic University of Louvain, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, just to name a few.
• Multilingual academics: Belgium is a diamond mine for those who are interested in linguistics and other related fields. If you plan on pursuing a course in Belgium, you will be taught in Dutch, German, French, and English.
• Student-friendly destination: Belgium is a tolerant and welcoming country where students from various backgrounds can study with ease. In addition, cinemas, museums, and other recreation facilities will surely enhance your student-life experiences.
• Cost: Belgium is relatively more affordable as compared to other European countries. On an average, you are required to shell out €800 - €1,000 on a monthly basis for your living.
• Scholarships: You can apply for various scholarships such as VLIR-UOS Training and Masters Scholarships, Ghent University Top-up Grants for Developing Countries, Belgian Development Agency (BTC) Scholarships, etc. in order to reduce your overall costs of studying and living in Belgium.

Related Blog: Cost of Studying in Belgium

Cost of Living in Belgium: Various Factors

The exact cost of living in any country cannot be provided since it is dependent on various factors. However, an average and estimated cost can be provided based on various survey results and data. Some of the factors that determine your cost of living in Belgium include:

• Accommodation preference: Your cost of living in Belgium will be highly dependent of what kind of accommodation you choose. You may choose on-campus accommodation, a single apartment, a shared apartment, a homestay, etc. Every option will come with a different cost. However, you can say that you need to spend in the range €300 to €1,000 per month.
• Location: Locations such as Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp, etc. will obviously be more expensive. The more you move towards cities and metropolitan areas, the more you will have to spend.
• Dietary and cooking choices: You dietary and cooking choices will definitely impact your cost of living in Belgium. If your university can provide meals, it will obviously be more affordable. If you choose to buy from a supermarket and cook for yourself, you can control your costs. If you subscribe to meal plans, then the cost might be relatively higher. In addition, if you consume exotic fruits and vegetables, then your cost might be higher.
• Transportation: Your transportation mode will also determine your cost of living. If you choose to use public transport, your cost will be lower as compared to taxi or private transport.
• Books and Clothing: Your study material and weather-appropriate clothing will also determine your cost of living in Belgium. Course books’ cost is more or less fixed, however, your clothing cost will depend on your choice of brands, number of purchases, etc.
• Entertainment and Recreation: This cost will be completely dependent on your lifestyle. Gym membership, sports club membership, visit to cinemas, eating out in restaurants, etc. are some of the components that you need to manage.
• Miscellaneous cost: Various other miscellaneous expenditures include electricity cost, water cost, internet subscription, insurance, medicines, etc. These too will affect your cost of living in Belgium.

Cost of Living in Belgium: An Estimate

The table given below provides an average living cost in Belgium for international students. Various items of daily use are covered in the table. Students must note that these values will change on the basis of university, location, local economy, inflation, etc.

Housing (Monthly)
Student Room	€300 - €500
Single-bedroom Apartment	€600 - €850
Two-bedroom Apartment	€850 - €1,000
Food and Groceries
Overall Monthly Average	€300 - €400
Milk (1 liter)	€0.90
Bread Loaf	€2
Cheese (1 kg)	€12
Rice (1 kg)	€2
Single meal a university	€4 - €7
Single meal in a restaurant	€25 - €50
Transportation
One-way bus ticket (public transport)	€2.5
One-way train ticket (Brussels-Leuven)	€5.6
Bicycle rent (1 year)	€70
Gasoline (1 liter)	€1.85
Taxi per km	€2
Books and Clothing
Study material, stationery, etc. (1 year)	€400 - €800
1 pair of jeans	€150
1 pair of formal shoes	€200
1 T-shirt	€15 - €20
Entertainment and Recreation
Fitness Club Monthly	€20 - €40
Cinema (1 seat)	€12
Fast food large meal	€25
3 course dinner for single person	€50
Miscellaneous
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) per month	€90 - €180
Internet and TV per month	€40 - €100
Insurance (monthly cost varies)	€6 - €10

Cost of Living in Belgium: Additional Costs

Besides the above-mentioned costs, there are various other expenditures that contribute to your overall living cost in Belgium. Some of them have been provided below:

• Travel expenditure between Belgium and India
• Furniture, car, TV, and other large items
• Medical expenditures not covered under insurance
• Addition study costs, exam fee, miscellaneous university charges, etc.
• College parties, functions, etc.

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