Ghent vs Brussels: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Ghent vs Brussels: Ghent runs about $1,780/mo all-in vs $2,110/mo in Brussels — Ghent is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate side…
Ghent is the cheaper base — roughly $330/mo less all-in, Ghent scores higher for safety, and internet is comparable in both. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Ghent is about $330/mo cheaper — $1,780/mo all-in vs $2,110/mo in Brussels (one person).
- Rent: lower in Ghent ($950/mo vs $1,200/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Ghent rates higher (84/100 for Ghent vs 68/100 for Brussels).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (88/100 vs 90/100).
- Climate: Ghent edges ahead (56/100 vs 50/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Expat community: larger and more established in Brussels (80/100 vs 92/100).
- Families: Ghent rates safer for family life (88/100 vs 78/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Brussels (~$3,200/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 74/100).
Frequently asked questions
Is Ghent or Brussels cheaper to live in?
Ghent costs about $1,780/month all-in for one person; Brussels costs about $2,110/month. That makes Ghent roughly $330/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Ghent than Brussels?
About $330/month for a single person — $1,780/mo in Ghent vs $2,110/mo in Brussels, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Ghent or Brussels?
Ghent scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (84/100 for Ghent vs 68/100 for Brussels). 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 Brussels?
For connectivity, both are solid (88/100 vs 90/100). On climate, Ghent edges ahead (56/100 vs 50/100). 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 Brussels?
Ghent's visa process is rated Moderate (about 10 weeks); Brussels's is rated Moderate (about 12 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Ghent and Brussels 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.