City comparison

🇧🇪 Brussels vs 🇳🇱 Amsterdam

Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, and quality of life for expats.

Quick verdict

More affordable
Brussels
18% more expensive overall
Higher quality of life
Amsterdam
7.5/10 vs 8.5/10

Cost of living comparison

Category🇧🇪 Brussels🇳🇱 Amsterdam
Rent (1-bed, center)€1,100€1,800
Rent (1-bed, suburb)€850€1,400
Groceries (single)€300€350
Transport pass€49€100
Restaurant (2 people)€60€70
Monthly budget (moderate)€2,500€3,200

Quality of life

Metric🇧🇪 Brussels🇳🇱 Amsterdam
Overall7.5/108.5/10
Safety7/108/10
Healthcare8.5/109/10
Education8.5/109/10
Expat Community9/109.5/10
English Proficiency7.5/1010/10

Tax & practical info

🇧🇪

Brussels

Belgium
Tax regimeProgressive 25–50%, expat regime (BBIB)
ClimateOceanic
Nomad visa–
Effective tax rate35–45%
Avg. salary€40,000–€65,000
Full Brussels guide →
🇳🇱

Amsterdam

Netherlands
Tax regime35.75–49.5% (30% ruling for expats)
ClimateOceanic
Nomad visa–
Effective tax rate30–38% (20–25% with 30% ruling)
Avg. salary€45,000–€75,000
Full Amsterdam guide →

Crunch the numbers

Use our calculators to compare your actual take-home pay and monthly budget.

Compare cost of living →Budget calculator →

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