Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium
Famous for its irreverent Carnival parade (UNESCO-listed), this East Flemish city offers affordable housing and a strong sense of local identity.
Below Average vs Belgium avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Aalst vs Belgium Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30.0%
- VAT: 21.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €38,000
- Unemployment: 6.8%
- Population: 88,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 160/year
- Summer High: 74°F
- Winter Low: 34°F
Housing
- Median Home: €245,000
- 1BR Rent: €770/mo
Cost of Living
Aalst's cost of living index is 88 (Belgium average = 100).
| Category | Aalst | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: Statbel / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €245,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €770/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €963/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €163 |
Data source: ImmoWeb / Notaris.be, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Aalst:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Belgian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €94 | Estimated based on local climate. gas or electric heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €50 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €20 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €304 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CREG, Engie, Proximus 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Aalst
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €924/mo.
Aalst Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €847/mo.
East Aalst
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €693/mo.
West Aalst
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €732/mo.
Remote Work Score
Aalst scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Aalst has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 34°F | 2.5" |
| April | 59°F | 49°F | 2.8" |
| July | 74°F | 49°F | 1.5" |
| October | 54°F | 52°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 30%
- VAT: 21%
- Property Tax: ~1.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.8%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium?
The cost of living index in Aalst is 88, which is Lower the Belgium national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Aalst?
The median home price in Aalst is €245,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Aalst is approximately €770/mo.
Does Aalst, VOV have income tax?
Aalst is in VOV, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Aalst?
Aalst enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 74°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statbel / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: ImmoWeb / Notaris.be, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statbel Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CREG, Engie, Proximus 2025
Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.