City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Belgium
COL index 69.8
Belgium
COL index 61.4
Brussels vs Ghent — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Ghent is 12.0% cheaper than Brussels for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Brussels | Metric | Ghent | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69.8 | Cost of living index | 61.4 | -12.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €27,156 | Net at €50,000 gross | €27,156 | 0.0% |
| €1,480 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,220 | -17.6% |
| €2,192 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,846 | -15.8% |
| €38,905 | PPP — net / COL | €44,227 | +13.7% |
| 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 Ghent, you would need roughly €43,051 gross in Belgium (≈ €1,991 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −Heavy tax burden (45.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (65.4%)
- +Lower rent (€1,220 vs €1,480)
- −Heavy tax burden (45.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (53.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Ghent carries a lower cost-of-living index; Ghent wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Ghent edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Brussels cheaper than Ghent?+
Ghent is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Brussels 69.8, Ghent 61.4 — a 12.0% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Brussels and Ghent?+
Brussels sits at 69.8 on our COL index, Ghent at 61.4. That works out to roughly 12.0% — Ghent being the cheaper of the two.
Is Brussels a good place to live compared to Ghent?+
It depends on priorities. Brussels delivers €27,156 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 45.7% effective tax rate. Ghent delivers €27,156 at 45.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,480 vs €1,220.
How do salaries compare in Brussels vs Ghent?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €27,156/year (€2,263/month) in Brussels and €27,156/year (€2,263/month) in Ghent.
Which city has lower taxes, Brussels or Ghent?+
Belgium has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Belgium 45.7%, Belgium 45.7%.
More Brussels comparisons
More Ghent comparisons
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