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Cost of Living in Knokke-Heist

If you're moving to Knokke-Heist, understanding the the cost of living in Knokke-Heist helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €800 – €1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €600 – €900 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,500 – €2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,200 – €1,800 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €4,000 – €6,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €2,500 – €4,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €3
  • Monthly public transport pass: €50 – €70
  • Taxi starting tariff: €5
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €2
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.50 – €1.70
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.90 – €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.50 – €2.50
  • Rice (1kg): €1.50 – €3
  • Eggs (12): €2 – €3.50
  • Cheese (1kg): €9 – €15
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €8 – €12
  • Beef round (1kg): €12 – €18
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 – €3
  • Bananas (1kg): €1 – €2
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.50 – €3
  • Tomato (1kg): €1.50 – €3
  • Potato (1kg): €0.50 – €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.50 – €1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €6 – €12
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1 – €2
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €3
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15 – €25
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): €60 – €100
  • McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent): €8 – €10
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €3 – €5
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3 – €5
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 – €4
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €2 – €3
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 – €2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 – €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 – €0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €30 – €60 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €4,000 – €8,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: €8,000 – €15,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: €10,000 – €18,000 per year
  • High school tuition: €12,000 – €20,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Knokke-Heist

“The cost of living in Knokke-Heist is considered to be relatively high compared to other Belgian cities. This is largely due to its status as a popular seaside resort and its proximity to the Dutch border. Housing is the most significant living cost, with prices for both renting and buying properties being above the national average. The cost of groceries and dining out in Knokke-Heist is also slightly higher than in other parts of Belgium. However, the quality of food, particularly seafood, is often cited as being worth the extra expense. Transportation costs are comparable to those in other parts of the country. Public transportation is reliable and reasonably priced, and cycling is a popular and cost-effective mode of transport. Healthcare in Belgium is of a high standard and is partially funded by social security contributions, making it affordable for residents. Overall, while the cost of living in Knokke-Heist is higher than in other parts of Belgium, many residents feel that the quality of life, the beautiful surroundings, and the amenities on offer make it worth the extra cost,” said one expat living in Knokke-Heist.

Can I live in Knokke-Heist on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Knokke-Heist for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. The more expensive areas like Het Zoute and Albertstrand are definitely out of the question. Instead, consider looking for a place in Heist or Duinbergen, where rents are more reasonable.You’ll also need to be mindful of your spending on utilities and groceries. It’s a good idea to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and try to cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas.Transportation is another area where you can save some money. If you don’t need a car, consider using public transportation or cycling around town. Knokke-Heist is quite bike-friendly, and you can save a lot on gas and parking fees.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like golfing or going to high-end art galleries. However, there are still plenty of free or low-cost things to do, like visiting the beach, going for walks in the nature reserves, or attending local events and festivals.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Knokke-Heist is possible, but you’ll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your grocery and utility spending, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Knokke-Heist.

Can I live in Knokke-Heist on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Knokke-Heist for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in this area is quite high, especially when it comes to housing. If you’re used to modern amenities, you might have to compromise on the size or location of your apartment. To make it work, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Westkapelle or Heist. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but you can still find some nice places to live. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one without all the modern amenities you’re used to, but it’s definitely doable on your budget. On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Het Zoute or the area around the Royal Zoute Golf Club, as these are some of the most expensive parts of Knokke-Heist. Renting a place there would likely eat up a significant portion of your budget, leaving you with less money for other expenses.In terms of other sacrifices, you might have to cut back on dining out or going out for drinks, as these can be quite pricey in Knokke-Heist. Instead, try cooking at home more often and look for local markets where you can buy fresh produce at a lower cost. Additionally, you might want to consider using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car, as parking and fuel can be expensive in the area.Overall, it’s possible to live comfortably in Knokke-Heist on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices,” said one expat living in Knokke-Heist.

Can I live in Knokke-Heist on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Knokke-Heist for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.Knokke-Heist is known for being a bit more upscale, so some areas can be quite expensive. If you’re looking to save on rent, I’d recommend avoiding the neighborhoods close to the beach, like Albertstrand and Het Zoute. These areas are beautiful, but the rent prices can be quite high, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to the area.Instead, consider looking for an apartment in a more affordable neighborhood like Heist or Duinbergen. These areas are still close to the beach and have a nice atmosphere, but the rent prices are generally more reasonable. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that’s not as modern as you’re used to, but it’s definitely doable on your budget.In terms of other expenses, groceries and transportation are relatively affordable in Knokke-Heist. You can save money by shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Public transportation is also quite efficient, and you can get a monthly pass for around €50, which will give you unlimited access to buses and trams in the area.Eating out and entertainment can be a bit pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, try to cook at home more often and look for local events and activities that are free or low-cost. There are plenty of beautiful parks and nature reserves in the area where you can enjoy outdoor activities without spending a lot of money.Overall, living in Knokke-Heist on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation. If you’re willing to do that, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful Belgian coastal town,” commented an expat living in Knokke-Heist.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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