| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €600 – €800 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €500 – €700 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €2,000 – €2,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | €1,500 – €2,000 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €2.00 |
| Monthly local transport pass | €50 – €60 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.40 – €1.60 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | €2.00 – €2.50 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | €0.80 – €1.20 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.00 – €2.00 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | €1.50 – €2.50 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | €8.00 – €12.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €10.00 – €15.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €50.00 – €70.00 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | €7.00 – €9.00 | |
| Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | €3.00 – €4.00 | |
| 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) | €40 – €60 per month | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | €0.20 – €0.30 | |
| 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 Ypres
“The cost of living in Ypres is considered moderate. Rent prices are relatively affordable compared to larger cities in Belgium. The cost of groceries, dining out, and general consumer goods is also reasonable. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are fairly priced, while transportation costs are also moderate, with affordable public transport and petrol prices. Health care is of high quality and is reasonably priced. Overall, the cost of living in Ypres is manageable for both locals and expatriates,” said one expat living in Ypres.
Can I live in Ypres on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Ypres 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. I’d recommend looking into areas like Sint-Jan or Boezinge, where you can find cheaper rent compared to the city center. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep your housing costs down.When it comes to transportation, you’ll want to rely on public transport or a bike instead of owning a car. The cost of owning a car, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance, can quickly eat into your budget. Ypres is a small city, so getting around by bike or on foot is quite feasible.For groceries, you’ll need to be mindful of where you shop and what you buy. Stick to local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and avoid more expensive stores like Delhaize. Cooking at home will save you a lot of money compared to eating out, so try to limit dining out to special occasions.You’ll also need to be careful with your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or attending events can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Ypres has many beautiful parks and historical sites that you can explore without spending much money.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you’ll want to be conscious of your usage to keep costs down. Turn off lights when you’re not using them, unplug electronics, and try to limit your water usage. You might also want to consider getting a prepaid phone plan instead of a contract to save on your monthly phone bill.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Ypres is doable, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your transportation and grocery expenses, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Ypres.
Can I live in Ypres on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Ypres 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 Sint-Jan, Boezinge, and Zillebeke. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find decent apartments for around $800 to $1,200 a month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the city center or areas close to the Menin Gate, as the rent prices can be significantly higher there.When it comes to utilities and other expenses, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and cable TV packages can cost around $50 to $100 a month, depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Eating out can be a bit pricey, especially in touristy areas, so you might want to limit dining out to once or twice a week to save money.Transportation costs can also be quite reasonable if you use public transportation or bike around the city. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50, and Ypres is quite bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes and paths. Owning a car can be more expensive, with costs like insurance, fuel, and parking adding up quickly.Overall, living in Ypres on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Belgian city,” said one expat living in Ypres.
Can I live in Ypres on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Ypres 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. The cost of living here is relatively affordable compared to other European cities, and you can find a nice balance between maintaining your lifestyle and saving some money.In terms of housing, you can find a decent apartment in a nice neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. I would recommend looking into areas like Sint-Jan, Brielen, and Boezinge, as they offer a good mix of affordability and quality of life. These neighborhoods are close to the city center, which means you’ll have easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Zillebeke and Dikkebus, as they tend to be more expensive and might not offer the same value for your money. Additionally, these areas are a bit further from the city center, which could make your daily commute longer and more expensive.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transport or cycling, as Ypres is a very bike-friendly city. A monthly public transport pass costs around $50, which is quite affordable. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up, so it’s worth considering other options.Groceries and dining out are also quite affordable in Ypres. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Dining out at local restaurants is also reasonably priced, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20 to $30 per person.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ypres has a rich history and many cultural attractions, such as the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate Memorial. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the nearby countryside. A gym membership will cost you around $40 to $60 a month, depending on the facilities and location.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Ypres on a $5,000 monthly budget without making too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you should be able to maintain a good quality of life while also saving some money,” commented an expat living in Ypres.
