Your ExpatCommunity in Brussels

Brussels is home to people from all over the world, and you feel that as soon as you walk down the street. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a cultural event, a new restaurant opening, or just meeting new people from different backgrounds. Bumping into fellow expats is not uncommon.

On the flip side, the weather can be gloomy and grey. And sometimes, it feels like the city has a bit of a “transitional” vibe. People are here for work but not necessarily for the city itself. If you’re here for your career, it’s perfect. But that “homey” feeling takes longer to find.

To be comfortable, around 3,000–3,500 EUR gross salary per month is ideal.

Rent in Brussels can be high for what you get, and living in the city center is more expensive. But with this salary range, you can have a decent apartment, go out for a meal now and then, and still save a little. Anything below that, and you might start having to make some compromises. Just be aware that grocery shopping and general expenses can add up quickly here.

Here’s a detailed cost of living table to give you an overview of the monthly costs to expect.

Most people in Brussels are bilingual, so speaking only English is fine. Most expats only speak English in Brussels, as it is widely spoken, especially in the EU and business environments.

But of course, knowing some French or Dutch will make your life way easier, especially when it comes to dealing with administrative stuff or engaging with locals in everyday situations. Sure, you can get by, but speaking one of the local languages will help you connect with people on a deeper level. Plus, it’s always nice to be able to chat with the person at the bakery or ask for directions in French or Dutch.

If you want to be in the middle of everything, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and Sablon are great areas with a lively mix of cultures, restaurants, and leisure activities. Those who live in Ixelles, for example, enjoy that it’s central enough that you get a local feel and still have access to the EU institutions and nightlife.

If you want a quieter, more residential area, places like Uccle or Woluwe-Saint-Pierre are fantastic, though a bit pricier. If you’re on a budget, areas like Schaerbeek or Anderlecht are growing and becoming more popular with expats, and you’ll find more affordable housing options. To get a sense of the prices, you can try various booking platforms.

Brussels is really about balance. There’s a good mix of formality and casualness. People here are polite, but not overly warm at first. Punctuality is expected for appointments or meetings.

It’s also a city that thrives on multilingualism (French and Dutch are the official languages). But English is spoken almost everywhere, especially in the international community. You’ll see a real mix of cultures here, and that’s the beauty of it.

The Belgians themselves are more reserved than the French or Spanish, for example, which means you might need to put a little effort into getting to know people. But once you do, they’re warm and welcoming.

Brussels isn’t a city that screams “party” in the way some other European cities do, but it has a vibe of its own.

For fun, locals and expats wander through the Sablon district for antique shopping and the occasional chocolate treat. The Grand Place is a must-see attraction, although it’s touristy. And you’ll find amazing food all around the city, whether it’s top-tier Belgian waffles, a cozy pub, or great international restaurants.

If you’re into culture, check out the Magritte Museum or catch a play at one of the many theaters. You can also explore the Parc du Cinquantenaire for some outdoor time or hit up the local cafes for a drink. It’s a city for people who like a mix of culture, food, and chilling out in beautiful but low-key spaces.

In terms of overall safety, Brussels can be a bit of a mixed bag. Most parts of the city are perfectly safe, but some areas can feel a little sketchy, especially at night. Personal safety ranks poorly in the Expat Insider survey by InterNations, with nearly a quarter of expats here (23%) saying they feel negatively about it.

Pickpocketing can be an issue, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport, so it’s important to stay alert. But in general, it feels safe walking around, especially in the central areas and neighborhoods like Ixelles or Sablon. Just be cautious in less-populated spots after dark, and if you're new, get to know your neighborhood before venturing too far.