Skyline of Antwerp
Cost of Living: 105 530,630

Antwerp, Belgium

A dynamic port city and the diamond capital of the world, known for its stunning cathedral, vibrant fashion scene, and historic guild houses.

Updated October 4, 2026

Overview

Antwerp is a city in Antwerp with a population of 530,630. A dynamic port city and the diamond capital of the world, known for its stunning cathedral, vibrant fashion scene, and historic guild houses. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.

Last updated: October 04, 2026

Cost of Living 105

Above Average vs Belgium Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income €43,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.5%

Job market health

Antwerp vs Belgium Average

Cost of Living
Antwerp: 105
Belgium Avg: 100
Housing Index
Antwerp: 120
Belgium Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Antwerp: 30%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 30.0%
  • Sales Tax: 21.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: €43,000
  • Unemployment: 6.5%
  • Population: 530,630

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 165/year
  • Summer High: 75°F
  • Winter Low: 34°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Internet Speed

  • Average 200 Mbps: 130 Mbps
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations

Housing

  • Median Home: €380,000
  • 1BR Rent: €1050/mo

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Cost of Living

Antwerp's cost of living index is 105 (Belgium average = 100).

CategoryAntwerpNational AverageDifference
Overall105100+5.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: Statbel / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price€380,000
Median Rent (1BR)€1050/mo
Median Rent (2BR)€1,313/mo
Price per Sq Ft€253

Data source: ImmoWeb / Notaris.be, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

€
%
$90,000 down
%
%
€

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Antwerp:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity€100
Heating & Cooling€89Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water€40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)€50Broadband average
Garbage / Trash€20Private service
Total Utilities€299Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CREG, Engie, Proximus 2025

Remote Work Score

Antwerp scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 105
Rent
— €1050
Sunny Days
— 165
Tax
— 30%
Unemployment
— 6.5%
Climate
— 75°F / 34°F
Safety
— 1.4 homicides/100k
Population
— 530,630
Internet Speed
— 130 Mbps

Climate

Antwerp has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January54°F34°F2.5"
April60°F49°F2.8"
July75°F50°F1.5"
October55°F52°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Antwerp faces the following natural hazards:

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Belgium experiences winter storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 30%
  • Sales Tax: 21%
  • Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Antwerp per 100,000 residents:

691.1
Violent Crime
2,159.5
Property Crime
1.4
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Eurostat

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Trimester — Autumn (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Apr), Summer (Apr-Jun)
Summer Break July to August (8 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Follows French Community or Flemish Community calendar depending on region.

Universities & Higher Education

2
Universities
#297
Top University Rank
1
Top 500 Universities
Top-Ranked University University of Antwerp

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Antwerp is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

EU foreign
10.7%
Foreign
24.0%
Foreign-born
35.8%
National
76.0%
Non-EU foreign
13.3%

Education

Religion

Demographic composition is derived from the Eurostat Urban Audit (city-level). Ethnicity figures are based on nationality / country of birth, as European statistics do not collect race or ethnicity data. Education figures reflect the highest level of education attained by the population aged 25-64.

Data source: Eurostat Urban Audit (2025)

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 Antwerp, Belgium?

The cost of living index in Antwerp is 105, which is Higher the Belgium national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Antwerp?

The median home price in Antwerp is €380,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Antwerp is approximately €1050/mo.

Does Antwerp, VAN have income tax?

Antwerp is in VAN, which has an income tax rate of 30%.

What is the climate like in Antwerp?

Antwerp enjoys approximately 165 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 75°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: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.