Accommodation in Belgium: Average Rent, Best Cities, and Tips for 2025

Finding accommodation in Belgium is one of the first big steps when you plan to move there. If you are a student, a young professional, or moving with family, being aware of the average rent in Belgium for international students and others can save you a lot of stress. Rent changes depending on where you live, and the cost of living in Belgium in 2025 is something you should plan for early. Good options exist if you know where to look. 

This guide covers tips for finding accommodation in Belgium and shares the best cities for affordable housing.

Average Rent in Belgium for Students, Professionals, and Families (2025)

Group	Average Monthly Rent	Common Housing Choices
Students	€400–€700 (₹36,000–₹63,000)	Shared apartments (Kot), university dormitories, studios
Professionals	€700–€1,200 (₹63,000–₹1.08 lakh)	1BHK apartments, city-center flats
Families	€1,000–€1,800 (₹90,000–₹1.62 lakh)	2–3 bedroom suburban homes, townhouses

If you're planning to study in Belgium, here are a few useful resources to start with:

– Explore Bachelor’s Programs Abroad and Master’s Programs Abroad to find courses in Belgium.

– Browse the full guide to Study in Belgium to understand admissions, accommodation, and career options.

Left Graph shows total revenue growth from 2025 to 2029 (US$21.74bn to US$26.05bn).

Right Graph shows the consistent annual growth rate (4.62% every year).

Finding Student Accommodation in Belgium

If you want to live in a shared flat, a university dorm, or your own studio, there are plenty of student accommodations in Belgium. The average rent in Belgium for international students depends on the city you choose and the type of housing you prefer.

Types of Student Housing Options in Belgium

Type of Housing	Typical Rent Range (EUR + INR)	Details
University Dormitory	€300–€450 (₹27,000–₹40,500)	Affordable rooms close to campus, basic amenities
Shared Apartment (Kot)	€400–€600 (₹36,000–₹54,000)	Private room, shared kitchen and living spaces
Private Studio	€500–€800 (₹45,000–₹72,000)	Full independence, slightly higher rent
Furnished Apartment	€600–€1,000 (₹54,000–₹90,000)	Good for short stays, fully equipped

Most students mix affordability with location when picking housing.

Student Cities in Belgium

Some of the best cities to live in Belgium for students include:

• Leuven: Big student city, home to KU Leuven.
• Ghent: A lively university town with lots of student housing.
• Brussels: Good for international programs but slightly more expensive.
• Antwerp: Known for creative industries and strong English-taught courses.
• Liège: One of the cheapest cities to live in Belgium with a growing student scene.

Average Rent for Students by City in Belgium

City	Monthly Rent (EUR + INR)
Brussels	€500–€900 (₹45,000–₹81,000)
Leuven	€400–€700 (₹36,000–₹63,000)
Ghent	€450–€750 (₹40,500–₹67,500)
Antwerp	€450–€750 (₹40,500–₹67,500)
Liège	€350–€600 (₹31,500–₹54,000)

Monthly rent in Belgium’s major cities depends on the neighborhood and how close you are to the university.

On-Campus vs Private Housing in Belgium

• University Housing:
  Cheaper, closer to campus, and easier to manage. Good for saving money and staying near classes, libraries, and student facilities.
• Private Housing:
  Higher rent but more privacy and bigger space. Private student accommodation in Belgium suits students who want independence, flexible leases, or short term accommodation in Belgium.

If you miss university housing, private furnished flats are a good backup for short term accommodation in Belgium.

Popular Websites for Finding Student Accommodation in Belgium

You can find good student accommodation in Belgium through:

• Immoweb.be
• Appartager.be
• Student.be
• Brik.be (Brussels housing help)
• HousingAnywhere.com

Always visit the place or ask for verified listings before paying anything.

How to Secure Accommodation Early in Belgium

Start early.

Most students begin their housing search 3–4 months before classes start. It helps you get better places at better prices.

Some quick tips for finding accommodation in Belgium: contact university housing offices right after your admission, join student groups online, and check trusted websites regularly.

Need broader options? Check Student Accommodation Abroad.

Accommodation Options for Working Professionals in Belgium

Accommodation in Belgium for working professionals and expats depends a lot on the city, commute options, and type of work permit. Young professionals usually look for studios, 1BHK flats, or co-living spaces close to offices. Knowing the cost of living in Belgium 2025 helps when planning rent, transport, and other basics.

Popular Cities for Professionals and Expats in Belgium

If you are moving for work, some of the best cities to live in Belgium for expats are:

• Brussels: Most international companies are based here. Great for finance, EU jobs, tech.
• Antwerp: Known for shipping, fashion, logistics roles.
• Ghent: Popular for tech startups and life sciences companies.
• Leuven: Good for research roles and young professionals linked to universities.
• Liège: Affordable, upcoming for engineering and manufacturing jobs.

Average Rent for Working Professionals in Belgium

City	Monthly Rent (EUR + INR)
Brussels	€800–€1,400 (₹72,000–₹1.26 lakh)
Antwerp	€700–€1,200 (₹63,000–₹1.08 lakh)
Ghent	€650–€1,100 (₹58,500–₹99,000)
Leuven	€650–€1,000 (₹58,500–₹90,000)
Liège	€500–€900 (₹45,000–₹81,000)

Monthly rent in Belgium major cities depends on size, location, and if the flat is furnished.

Popular Rental Types for Professionals in Belgium

Rental Type	Who It Suits	Typical Rent (EUR + INR)
Studio Apartment	Young professionals, singles	€600–€1,000 (₹54,000–₹90,000)
1BHK Apartment	Couples, small families	€700–€1,200 (₹63,000–₹1.08 lakh)
Co-Living Spaces	Expats, interns, freelancers	€500–€800 (₹45,000–₹72,000)

Furnished apartments for rent in Belgium are common in major cities and suit people on short contracts.

Commute and Transport Options in Belgium

Most working professionals pick places based on how easy it is to commute.

Belgium’s public transport is reliable — trains, buses, and trams connect most residential areas to office zones.

• In Brussels, expect 20–40 minutes commute by metro or bus.
• In Antwerp and Ghent, commutes take around 15–30 minutes.
• Biking is common in cities like Leuven and Ghent, cutting down travel time even more.

Living near public transport hubs saves time and money on daily commutes.

Renting Process for Work Permit and Visa Holders in Belgium

If you hold a work permit or visa, landlords will usually ask for:

• A copy of your work permit or visa
• Proof of employment or work contract
• Passport copy
• Bank statements or income proof

Tips for finding accommodation in Belgium include starting your search early, using trusted rental platforms, and having all documents ready to avoid delays.

Plan your budget better with this detailed Cost of Living in Belgium guide.

Family Accommodation in Belgium: What to Expect

Family accommodation in Belgium depends on how much space you need and how far you want to live from the city. Families often look for townhouses, bigger apartments, or suburban homes close to schools and parks. Knowing the cost of living in Belgium 2025 helps you plan rent, schooling, and transport better.

Housing Options for Families in Belgium

Type	Typical Monthly Rent (EUR + INR)	Details
Townhouse	€1,200–€2,000 (₹1.08 lakh–₹1.8 lakh)	3–4 bedrooms, garden, private garage
2-3BHK Apartment	€1,000–€1,600 (₹90,000–₹1.44 lakh)	Apartment blocks, closer to city centers
Suburban Home	€1,000–€1,800 (₹90,000–₹1.62 lakh)	Larger homes with garden access, more space

Families usually pick suburbs when they want quieter neighborhoods and more space for the same rent.

Best Areas for Families in Belgium

The best cities to live in Belgium for expats with families are:

• Tervuren: Close to Brussels, big homes, top schools, peaceful streets.
• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre: Inside Brussels, green spaces, international schools nearby.
• Leuven Suburbs: Family-friendly, safe, easier commute to Brussels.
• Antwerp South (Wilrijk, Edegem): Parks, safe neighborhoods, larger houses.

How Much Rent to Expect in Belgium

Location	Rent Range (EUR + INR)
Tervuren	€1,500–€2,000 (₹1.35 lakh–₹1.8 lakh)
Brussels Suburbs	€1,200–€1,800 (₹1.08 lakh–₹1.62 lakh)
Leuven Suburbs	€1,000–€1,600 (₹90,000–₹1.44 lakh)
Antwerp Suburbs	€1,100–€1,700 (₹99,000–₹1.53 lakh)

Suburbs cost less than city centers but offer more bedrooms, gardens, and bigger kitchens.

Access to Schools, Parks, and Healthcare in Belgium

Families who move here pick areas based on school access first.

Belgium has English, French, and international schools in suburbs around Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.

Most houses are within 15 minutes of clinics, pediatricians, and emergency services. Parks and bike paths are everywhere, especially outside Brussels and Leuven.

Neighborhood Safety and Family Lifestyle in Belgium

Suburban areas like Tervuren, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, and Edegem have low crime rates, wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and outdoor cafes.

Most Belgian suburbs have small grocery stores, bakeries, and weekend markets within walking distance.

Public transport connects suburbs well, but most families prefer owning a car for daily school runs.

Real Cost vs Comfort for Families in Belgium

• More Bedrooms + Garden = Higher Rent: Expect €1,400–€2,000 (₹1.26 lakh–₹1.8 lakh) for suburban townhouses.
• City Apartments = Smaller but Central: Around €1,000–€1,500 (₹90,000–₹1.35 lakh), but less space for kids.
• Commute adds up: Families living farther out pay less rent but spend more time and money traveling daily.

Thinking about Belgium for studies? Here's everything you need to know: Study in Belgium for Indian Students.

Tips for Finding Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Belgium

Finding accommodation in Belgium on a tight budget can be simple if you know where to look. Students, young professionals, and families all have different housing needs — but one thing stays the same: starting early and staying alert saves money. Keeping the cost of living in Belgium 2025 in mind also helps you set the right expectations for rent and daily expenses.

Common Do’s and Don’ts When Renting in Belgium

Do’s	Don’ts
Start your search at least 3 months before you move	Don’t transfer deposit without checking the rental contract
Visit properties in person or through trusted agents	Don’t rely only on photos or virtual tours
Clarify what utilities are included in the rent	Don’t assume heating, water, and electricity are covered
Check public transport access if you do not plan to own a car	Don’t pick isolated areas just because rent is cheaper

Renting an apartment in Belgium is easier when you verify all terms clearly before signing.

Quick Tips for Students in Belgium

• Search for student accommodation in Belgium right after your university admission gets confirmed.
• Compare university dorms and shared flats (kot) — both offer good deals if you book early.
• Stick to trusted university housing portals; random listings often hide extra costs.
• In cities like Leuven and Ghent, basic student rooms cost between €400–€700 (₹36,000–₹63,000) per month.

Quick Tips for Working Professionals in Belgium

• If working in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent, map your office location and check metro or bus routes before choosing a flat.
• Look for furnished apartments for rent in Belgium if your work stay is under two years — it saves setup costs.
• Studios and 1BHK flats usually rent for €800–€1,400 (₹72,000–₹1.26 lakh) monthly.
• Check rental agreements carefully if you have a work permit or visa — some landlords ask for a three-month deposit upfront.

Quick Tips for Families in Belgium

• Suburbs like Tervuren, Leuven, and Woluwe offer family homes at better prices than city centers.
• Check for nearby international schools, clinics, and supermarkets when shortlisting houses.
• Townhouses and larger flats cost between €1,200–€1,800 (₹1.08 lakh–₹1.62 lakh) monthly.
• Always check safety reports before finalizing family accommodation in Belgium — some areas are better suited for kids and seniors. 

Choosing the right university is key. Explore the Top Universities in Belgium for 2025.

Also check the broader list of Universities in Belgium.

How upGrad Abroad Supports Students Moving to Belgium

Accommodation in Belgium and settling into a new country require the right preparation. 

upGrad Abroad helps students move confidently by offering exam training, application support, and career guidance tailored for Belgium.

Support Services Offered by upGrad Abroad

Service	Details
Entrance Exam Preparation	Expert coaching for IELTS, TOEFL, and other required tests
SOP and LOR Writing Help	Personalized templates, reviews, and edits for strong applications
Visa Documentation Support	Step-by-step help with paperwork, interview tips, and application reviews
Career Counseling After Graduation	Guidance on job searches, internships, and long-term career plans in Belgium

Students moving to Belgium get full support before and after admission.

Need help finalizing your university and city in Belgium? Book a free counseling session to get personalized advice based on your budget and goals.

You can also explore free short courses to strengthen your academic profile before applying.

Conclusion: Is Accommodation in Belgium Affordable for Students and Expats?

Accommodation in Belgium can be affordable if you plan ahead and choose the right city. Rents are higher in Brussels and Antwerp, but Belgium offers strong public services, a safe environment, and international career exposure that balance the costs.

Pros of Living in Belgium

• Access to high-quality healthcare for all residents
• Reliable public transport in every major city and suburb
• International exposure through universities, workplaces, and culture

Cons to Consider

• Higher rental costs in Brussels, Leuven, and Antwerp
• Additional expenses such as city taxes, insurance, and utility charges

Final Verdict

Affordable accommodation in Belgium is possible for students and expats who plan well.

Choosing suburbs, budgeting realistically, and acting early during house hunting helps reduce costs without giving up on quality of life.

Wondering about other affordable destinations? Here's a useful post on How to Study in Europe for Free.

Still deciding if Belgium is the right fit? Check out these Reasons to Study in Belgium.