Antwerp, the vibrant port city in Belgium, is a top choice for internationals, offering a blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. But how much does it actually cost to live there?

This guide dives deep into the cost of living in Antwerp, providing insights for those planning to move to or settle in this beautiful artsy city.

What's the cost of living in Antwerp?

When considering the cost of living in Antwerp, it's important to take into account various expenses such as housing, food, transport, and entertainment. On average, a single person can expect to spend around €1,500 to €1,900 per month. This estimate includes rent, utilities, groceries, and basic lifestyle costs. If you're living in the city center, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment typically ranges from 900 to €1,200 per month, while outside the center it can be slightly cheaper, around €745 to €1,000.

Food costs are manageable, with monthly grocery expenses for one person averaging around €250 to €350. Dining out at more casual restaurants will set you back around €20 to €30 for a meal, while mid-range restaurants might cost €50 to €100 for two people. Utilities for a standard apartment (electricity, heating, water) generally cost €150 to €200 per month, and a monthly public transport pass is around €67.

For families, monthly expenses can rise to €2,500 to €3,000, depending on the size of the household and lifestyle choices.

Is Antwerp expensive to live in?

Is Antwerp expensive to live in? There isn't a short answer. While Antwerp isn’t the cheapest city in Europe, it offers a relatively affordable standard of living compared to other major cities like Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam.

The cost of living in Antwerp, Belgium strikes a balance, offering a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to other major European cities. When it comes to housing, Antwerp is notably more affordable than Brussels. Lower rental cost, along with reasonable prices for groceries and transportation, makes Antwerp a more budget-friendly option for those looking to move to Belgium, especially for internationals who want to experience the country's vibrant culture without the high expenses of the capital.

What's the cost of rent in Antwerp?

When moving to Belgium, rent will hold a significant portion of your monthly expenses. The cost of living in Antwerp is generally lower than the cost of living in Brussels, largely due to more affordable rental prices in Antwerp. This makes Antwerp an attractive option for thoose seeking to live near Belgium's economic center.

Your rent will vary depending on the neighborhood in Antwerp you choose to live. Here's a breakdown of the rent:

Type of Housing	Average Monthly Rent in Antwerp
1-bedroom apartment (City Centre)	€900
1-bedroom apartment (Outside Centre)	€745.83
3-bedroom apartment (City Centre)	€1,427.78
3-bedroom apartment (Outside Centre)	€1,077.27

Utilities and internet

Utilities for a standard apartment (around 85 square meters) cost about €190.26 per month. This includes essentials such as electricity, water, and heating. Internet services typically cost an additional €43.17 per month.

Cost of food in Antwerp

For a single person, monthly grocery expenses in Antwerp is around €250 and €350, covering essentials such as bread, milk, eggs, fresh produce, meat, and some occasional treats.

The cost of food in Antwerp is fairly affordable, especially if you stick to local markets. But the average monthly cost of food in Antwerp can vary depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.

For a family of 4, grocery costs will average around €500 to €800 per month. If you move to Antwerp with your family, you can save by shopping at budget-friendly stores and taking advantage of promotions or loyalty programs.

For internationals moving to Antwerp, understanding where to shop can make a difference. Premium supermarkets like Carrefour or organic stores such as Bio-Planet may be slightly more expensive, whereas local qeekend markets like the ones on Theaterplein can offer fresh produce at lower prices.

Here's the breakdown of grocery costs in Antwerp:

Food/Beverage	Average Cost in Antwerp
Milk (1 liter)	€1.28
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500 g)	€2.23
Rice (white, 1 kg)	€2.34
Eggs (12 regular)	€3.62
Local Cheese (1 kg)	€13.43
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)	€10.47
Beef Round (1 kg)	€17.41
Apples (1 kg)	€2.49
Bananas (1 kg)	€1.92
Oranges (1 kg)	€2.42
Tomatoes (1 kg)	€2.36
Potatoes (1 kg)	€2.36
Onions (1 kg)	€1.68
Lettuce (1 head)	€1.09
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	€7.00
Domestic Beer (500 ml bottle)	€1.72
Imported Beer (330 ml bottle)	€2.25

Transportation costs in Antwerp

The cost of transportation in Antwerp is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other European cities. Public transport, operated by De Lijn, offers a wide range of options, including buses, trams, and even waterbuses. A single journey ticket costs about €2.50, while a monthly pass for unlimited travel on public transport is around €66.96.

For those who prefer cycling, Antwerp is a bike-friendly city, and cycling is a popular, inexpensive way to get around. You can also rent bicycles from local bike-sharing services for as low as €2 per hour

Transportation Mode	Average Cost in Antwerp
One-way public transport ticket	€2.50
Monthly public transport pass	€66.96
Gasoline (per gallon)	€6.46

Entertainment and leisure

Antwerp offers diverse recreational options, but leisure comes with its own costs:

Activity	Average Cost in Antwerp
Cinema ticket (international release)	€12.00
Fitness club membership (monthly)	€38.64
Tennis court rental (1 hour on weekend)	€22.33

Antwerp offers a comfortable lifestyle with a mix of urban conveniences and cultural richness. By understanding the cost of living in Antwerp, you can better budget and plan for move to this vibrant Belgian city.