Hello the following is our reply to your requested survey.
Please note that I have lived in Belgium off and on for over 20 years now. Never have things been so drastically horrible. Every utility and related cost is going through the roof. This is the price of socialism, you eventually run out of other people money. Additionally, my wife moved here with me three years ago, went to school and learned French but has been unable to obtain any gainful employment whatsoever. We are very seriously looking at returning to the US, where at least there are numerous opportunities and we are not taxed to death.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Belgium? Our monthly rent is fair and adequate we pay 580 € per month for a small one bedroom apartment in the Charleroi Region
How much does it cost to buy an apartment or a house in Belgium? Far more than we could hope to afford. The prices vary radically depending upon the region.
How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)? The buses have gone up, as have the trains (like every other public service and utility). Bus tickets cost 2.40€ one way. Trains depend upon your destination, but note that going to the airport will cost you another tax called "Daibolo."
How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta? We purchase these through the Military Commissary, so cannot comment on this. However, we buy some staple goods at the low price retailers such as Lidl. Our Wine we purchase through Carrefour (even though a bit pricier, the quality is superior).
What is your monthly budget for groceries? This depends upon whether or not there is a special occasion but generally speaking we spend approximately $200 at the Military Commissary and maybe $100 on the economy (local shops)
How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Belgium? We have the Belgian insurance and pay virtually nothing (this is the only true area of savings).
How much do you pay for health insurance per month? Solidaris is approximately €10 for us both
How much does childcare cost on average per month? N/A
What is your child's schooling budget per month? N/A
How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank? Approximately €40 per week, but I commute daily to my work and the round trip is nearly 135 km
How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month? Electricity doubled this year €60 and water also doubled € 50
How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription? Internet €40 Phone € 35
How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays? We make our own at home, so minimal
How much do you pay for an espresso coffee? €2.50
How much do you pay for a cinema ticket? Far too expensive nowadays a luxury we no longer enjoy, we took Netflicks instead. (€17 per month)
How much does a gym membership cost in Belgium? Last I checked @ € 35 p/p
Hope this helps.
The situation in Belgium is dire and it promises to worsen. Employment is scarce, taxes are high. This year they are going to start to levy fines upon people (Brussels and Antwerp) for having diesel cars that THEY initially insisted would be better and cheaper for the consumer. These comments are not isolated and only ours, we have heard the same sentiments echoed by both Belgians and other ex-pats living here as well.
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