City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Belgium
COL index 63.2
Belgium
COL index 69.8
Antwerp vs Brussels — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Antwerp is 9.5% cheaper than Brussels for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Antwerp | Metric | Brussels | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63.2 | Cost of living index | 69.8 | +10.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €27,156 | Net at €50,000 gross | €27,156 | 0.0% |
| €1,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +15.6% |
| €1,927 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,192 | +13.8% |
| €42,968 | PPP — net / COL | €38,905 | -9.5% |
| 45.7% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 45.7% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Belgium = €2,263 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Brussels, you would need roughly €56,527 gross in Belgium (≈ €2,499 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,280 vs €1,480)
- −Heavy tax burden (45.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (56.6%)
- −Heavy tax burden (45.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (65.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Antwerp carries a lower cost-of-living index; Antwerp wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Antwerp edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Antwerp cheaper than Brussels?+
Antwerp is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Antwerp 63.2, Brussels 69.8 — a 9.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Antwerp and Brussels?+
Antwerp sits at 63.2 on our COL index, Brussels at 69.8. That works out to roughly 9.5% — Antwerp being the cheaper of the two.
Is Antwerp a good place to live compared to Brussels?+
It depends on priorities. Antwerp delivers €27,156 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 45.7% effective tax rate. Brussels delivers €27,156 at 45.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,280 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Antwerp vs Brussels?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €27,156/year (€2,263/month) in Antwerp and €27,156/year (€2,263/month) in Brussels.
Which city has lower taxes, Antwerp or Brussels?+
Belgium has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Belgium 45.7%, Belgium 45.7%.
More Antwerp comparisons
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