Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium

Last updated on Feb 15, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Belgium include its central location in Europe, making it easy to travel to other countries, its high quality of life, and its diverse culture. Additionally, Belgium has a strong economy and a well-developed infrastructure. On the other hand, the cost of living in Belgium is relatively high, and the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Dutch, French, or German.

What are the pros and cons of living in Belgium?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Belgium responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Belgium, with its excellent public transportation, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, with its wide range of international restaurants and local specialties. Additionally, Belgium's central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Belgium to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Dutch or French," explained one expat in Belgium.

"Public transport is good, services are regular but some are 30 mins or more between buses. Restaurants can be a pain to get into. Book in advance especially in the City centre. ," said one expat in Ghent.

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What do expats in Belgium appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Belgium appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of art, music, and architecture. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of regional specialties. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the Belgian people, who are known for their hospitality and openness to foreigners. Finally, expats enjoy the country's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and explore the country," remarked one expat in Belgium.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Belgium often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many Belgians speak both French and Dutch, and English is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Belgian culture is quite formal, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more formal way of interacting with people. Furthermore, the Belgian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, making it difficult for expats to navigate the system. Finally, the cost of living in Belgium is quite high, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the higher prices," said one expat in Belgium.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.