The Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium

Moving to Belgium from the UK is a great adventure, but it is not without a few considerations for expats. When we’ve talked about other places in the past, they differ from Belgium in the simple way that Belgium is split into distinct regions, all with their own social and economic livelihoods.

Therefore, when we offer pros and cons, we aim to help you understand the commonalities between the regions. Let’s talk about what we mean and how you can start a new life in Belgium. If you’re still deciding where to settle, check out our guide to the best cities to live in Belgium for expats to find the perfect location for your lifestyle.

If you're thinking about moving your household belongings to Belgium, don't forget to visit our Removals to Belgium for more information.

Pro - Lots of Job Prospects

One thing that you will find out about life in Belgium is that there are a lot of job prospects on offer, and they all provide you with plenty of opportunities to find work across numerous industries.

If you want the broadest range of career options, Flanders and Brussels generally have the strongest labour markets and lowest unemployment rates. As of 2024, Flanders had an employment rate of around 73% and an unemployment rate of about 4%, while Brussels had an employment rate of roughly 64% and an unemployment rate of 11%.

Wallonia’s employment rate is lower, at about 62%, and unemployment is higher at around 12%, but the region still offers many jobs for expats, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and services, covering both skilled and unskilled work.

Con - There’s More Than One Language to Learn

As we said previously, one of the things that you’re going to need to wrap your head around is the fact that Belgium has more than one region to settle in and thus, more than one language to learn.

The regions in Belgium include Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.

Each region speaks a different language. You may find that, depending on where you settle, people speak English, German, French, or Flemish - it’s a lot to take in. You need to match your language to where you’ve chosen to live.

Pro - Housing is Affordable in Belgium

The cost of renting in Belgium, as well as buying a house, can be more affordable than in many other Western European countries, but prices vary depending on the region and city. In Brussels, for example, you might pay around €1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. In contrast, in smaller cities such as Liège or Namur in Wallonia, similar properties can be found for €650–€800.

That means it’s possible to find good-sized properties for around €1,000 a month, especially outside the capital, but it’s not consistent across the whole of Belgium. Rural areas and smaller towns tend to offer the best deals, while Brussels and popular expat hubs command higher rents. With that in mind, it is worth checking out all of the options on offer before deciding where to put down roots.

Con - Cost of Living in Belgium

You might get a pass on housing prices and rent, but that is sadly where the buck stops - the cost of living in Europe is generally quite high these days and the reality is that Belgium is no different.

Utilities are a significant cost when working out the monthly budget, but food takes on a whole new level of frugality for most. If you weren’t an expert at saving on the weekly shop and taking advantage of offers, then you will be now - this stuff gets pricey.

These points are just part of the overall pros and cons of living in Belgium. While higher utility and grocery prices can be a challenge, many expats find the benefits, from excellent public services to high-quality healthcare, make the trade-off worthwhile.

Pro - Education is Superb

If you’ve got kids and you’re thinking about settling down in Belgium, then you will be pleased to know that you can look forward to a superb standard of free public education.

The overall quality of schools in Belgium for expats also remains consistent up to the university level - universities in Belgium consistently get high marks across global league tables, so you’re in good hands.

Con - Acclimation Takes Time

Belgium has earned a reputation for being a difficult place for expats to acclimate. They are known to be somewhat reserved - not to you specifically, just generally.

This means that you may not get a warm welcome straight off the bat. It isn’t impossible to make friends and build a life in Belgium, but it is worth noting that, generally speaking, you’ll be working a little harder to make friends and influence people.

Pro - Low Crime Rates

If you’re worried about crime, then Belgium is an excellent place to go. The entire country has lower crime rates relative to other locations in Europe, with comparisons to other major cities in Europe often netting a win for the Belgian crowd.

In rural areas, crime is virtually non-existent. Most people don’t have a care in the world, and even in big cities, it’s usually just petty theft and pickpocketing.

Con - Healthcare Isn’t Free

Belgium has an excellent healthcare system, but it’s not free at the point of use, unlike the UK. Instead, you usually pay the doctor or hospital upfront and are later reimbursed for a large part of the cost, typically 50–75%, through the national health insurance system (mutuelle/ziekenfonds).

The out-of-pocket costs aren’t extreme by European standards, for example, a standard GP visit might cost €25–€30, with most of it reimbursed, but they can add up if you need frequent treatment or specialist care. This is why most residents and expats take out top-up health insurance to cover the remaining costs, including certain medications and hospital stays.

Pro - Public Transport Reigns Supreme

As a fun fact about Belgium, nearly 30% of all households don’t own a car. There is a well-established public transport system of trains and trams that you can use for the commute, getting around, and generally living life your way.

It’s rather enjoyable for people who want to be able to live without the expenses of a car, and public transport is affordable for the daily trip to work and back.

Con - High Taxes

Belgium is a beautiful place to live, but the cost of living there comes in the form of taxes. You can sometimes pay up to 50% of your income in tax - this makes a lot of people very unhappy, but it is for a good purpose.

The taxes go back into the country, helping to improve the quality of life and keep the public transport ticking over. However, if you’re a newcomer to the area, you may find the tax situation a rather unpleasant welcome gift.

Conclusion – Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium and the Next Steps

Like anywhere in the world, there are pros and cons to moving to Belgium from the UK. Yes, the cost of living can be on the higher side, and you may need to navigate language differences, but these are small trade-offs for what you get in return. Belgium offers low crime rates, stunning scenery, a rich cultural heritage, and an excellent standard of living, which are all reasons why so many expats in Belgium quickly feel at home.

If you’re ready to embrace a new adventure, enjoy a safe and welcoming environment, and make the most of everything this beautiful country has to offer, Pinnacle Removals & Storage is here to help. With years of experience in international removals to Belgium, we’ll make sure your relocation is smooth, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

Once you’ve made the move, you’ll want to start exploring. Take a look at our list of top attractions to explore in Belgium for inspiration on what to see and do in your new home.