Ghent vs Bordeaux: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Ghent vs Bordeaux: Ghent runs about $1,780/mo all-in vs $1,770/mo in Bordeaux — Bordeaux is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Ghent and Bordeaux cost about the same to live in, Ghent scores higher for safety, and Ghent has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: near-identical — $1,780/mo in Ghent vs $1,770/mo in Bordeaux all-in for one person.
- Rent: similar in both — around $950/mo in Ghent and $950/mo in Bordeaux.
- Safety: Ghent rates higher (84/100 for Ghent vs 72/100 for Bordeaux).
- Internet: Ghent scores better for remote work (88/100 vs 82/100).
- Climate: Bordeaux edges ahead (56/100 vs 78/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Retirement/long-stay: Bordeaux offers the Long-Stay Visa (Visiteur); Ghent has no comparable retirement visa.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Ghent (80/100 vs 72/100).
- Families: Ghent rates safer for family life (88/100 vs 72/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Ghent (~$2,300/mo vs ~$2,300/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Ghent (82/100 vs 76/100).
- Sunshine: Bordeaux logs about 215 sunny days a year vs 165 in Ghent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghent or Bordeaux cheaper to live in?
Ghent costs about $1,780/month all-in for one person; Bordeaux costs about $1,770/month. They land within $10/mo of each other, so lifestyle and neighbourhood matter more than the city you pick.
How much cheaper is Bordeaux than Ghent?
Barely — the two cities are within $10/month of each other all-in, so the cheaper choice comes down to your neighbourhood and lifestyle, not the city.
Which is safer, Ghent or Bordeaux?
Ghent scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (84/100 for Ghent vs 72/100 for Bordeaux). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Ghent or Bordeaux?
For connectivity, Ghent rates higher (88/100 vs 82/100). On climate, Bordeaux edges ahead (56/100 vs 78/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Ghent or Bordeaux?
Ghent's visa process is rated Moderate (about 10 weeks); Bordeaux's is rated Moderate (about 8 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Ghent and Bordeaux for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.