| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €600 – €800 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €450 – €600 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €2,000 – €2,500 per square meter |
| Price per square meter outside city center | €1,500 – €2,000 per square meter | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €2.10 |
| Monthly local transport pass | €49 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.40 – €1.60 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | €2 – €2.50 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | €0.80 – €1.20 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.20 – €2.50 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.50 – €2.50 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €7 – €12 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €10 – €15 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €50 – €70 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | €7 – €9 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment | €100 – €200 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | €30 – €50 per month | |
| Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract) | €0.10 – €0.20 per minute | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | €4,000 – €8,000 per year |
| Elementary School | €6,000 – €12,000 per year | |
| Middle School | €8,000 – €15,000 per year | |
| High School | €10,000 – €18,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Namur
“The cost of living in Namur is considered moderate compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. Groceries in Namur are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at competitive rates. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive. Public transportation in Namur is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Owning a car can be more expensive, with costs including fuel, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Belgium is high-quality and is funded through a combination of social security contributions and health insurance funds. However, the cost can be high if you are not covered by health insurance. Overall, while the cost of living in Namur is not the cheapest, it is quite reasonable when compared to other cities in Belgium and Europe. It is possible to live comfortably in Namur without spending excessively,” said one expat living in Namur.
Can I live in Namur on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Namur 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 an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared flat in neighborhoods like Bouge, Jambes, or Salzinnes. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Wépion and Vedrin, which can be quite expensive.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Namur is relatively affordable, but if you want to save even more, consider walking or biking to work. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so I’d avoid that if possible.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be budget-conscious. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be pricey in Namur, so reserve that for special occasions or opt for more affordable options like friteries or sandwich shops.For entertainment, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in Namur. There are beautiful parks, like Parc Louise-Marie and Parc de la Plante, where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The city also hosts various free events and festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those.In terms of healthcare, make sure you have a good insurance plan that covers your needs. Medical care in Belgium is generally affordable, but it’s essential to have insurance to avoid any unexpected expenses.Lastly, be prepared to cut back on non-essential expenses like shopping, travel, and other luxuries. Living on $1,500 a month in Namur is doable, but you’ll need to prioritize your spending and make some sacrifices to make it work,” commented an expat living in Namur.
Can I live in Namur on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Namur for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to choose a smaller apartment or live in a more affordable neighborhood. In terms of neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into areas like Jambes, Salzinnes, or Bouge. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent apartment for around $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Namur Centre or Sambre, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. The public transportation system in Namur is quite good, and a monthly pass costs around $50. If you prefer biking, there are many bike lanes and bike-friendly streets in the city.For groceries and other daily expenses, you can find affordable options at local supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Colruyt. Eating out can be a bit pricey, so you might want to cook at home more often to save money. However, there are still some affordable restaurants and cafes in the city where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Namur. You can visit the beautiful parks and gardens, explore the historic city center, or attend one of the many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you’re into sports and fitness, there are also several affordable gyms and sports clubs in the city.Overall, living in Namur on a $3,000 monthly budget is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your daily expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Belgian city,” said one expat living in Namur.
Can I live in Namur on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Namur for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life with modern amenities.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Bouge, Jambes, or Salzinnes. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Vedrin or Wépion, but keep in mind that the rent prices there can be significantly higher, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 a month.As for transportation, public transport in Namur is quite efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for buses and trams costs around $50, which is a great way to save money compared to owning a car. However, if you prefer to drive, you should be prepared to spend more on fuel, insurance, and parking.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you can find a wide range of options in Namur. If you’re on a budget, you can shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, where you can find most of your daily necessities at reasonable prices. For dining out, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in the city center, where you can enjoy a meal for around $15 to $20 per person. Of course, if you prefer fine dining, there are also more expensive options available, but you might want to limit those to special occasions to stay within your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of things to do in Namur without breaking the bank. You can visit local museums, parks, and historical sites for free or at a low cost. If you’re into sports and fitness, there are several gyms and sports clubs in the city with affordable membership fees. Additionally, you can catch a movie at the local cinema for around $10 to $12 per ticket.Overall, living in Namur on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending habits and prioritize your expenses, and you should be able to make it work without too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Namur.
