Brussels, Belgium
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Brussels, Belgium is 1.2 million people. People often describe Brussels as a vibrant, international city with a rich cultural heritage. Expats love living in Brussels for its diverse population, excellent public transportation, and its proximity to other European cities. The weather in Brussels is generally mild with temperatures ranging from an average low of 35°F (2°C) in the winter to an average high of 68°F (20°C) in the summer. The average cost of living in Brussels for an expat is estimated to be around $2,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in Brussels is estimated to be around $1,200 per month, while a two bedroom apartment is estimated to be around $1,800 per month.
What are the pros and cons of living in Brussels?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Brussels responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like the following aspects of living in Brussels: 1. Multicultural environment: Brussels is known for its diverse population, which makes it an exciting and welcoming place for expats and digital nomads from all over the world. 2. High quality of life: The city offers a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and public transport systems. 3. Central location: Brussels is located in the heart of Europe, making it easy to travel to other European cities for work or leisure. 4. Rich history and culture: The city is home to many historical sites, museums, and cultural events, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and entertainment. 5. Vibrant food scene: Brussels offers a wide variety of international cuisine, as well as local Belgian specialties such as waffles, chocolate, and beer. 6. Language diversity: While French and Dutch are the official languages, many people in Brussels speak English, making it easier for expats and digital nomads to communicate and navigate the city. However, there are also some aspects that expats and digital nomads may dislike about living in Brussels: 1. High cost of living: Brussels can be an expensive city, particularly when it comes to housing and dining out. 2. Weather: The city is known for its rainy and grey weather, which can be a downside for those who prefer sunnier climates. 3. Bureaucracy: Expats and digital nomads may find the Belgian bureaucracy to be slow and complicated, particularly when dealing with visas, work permits, and other administrative tasks. 4. Traffic congestion: Brussels is known for its traffic jams, which can make commuting and getting around the city frustrating at times. 5. Language barriers: While many people speak English, expats and digital nomads may still encounter language barriers when dealing with local authorities or in more rural areas outside of Brussels. 6. Safety concerns: While Brussels is generally a safe city, there have been instances of terrorist attacks and petty crime, which may be a concern for some expats and digital nomads," said one expat in living in Brussels, Belgium.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Brussels?
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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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.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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