14 Feb 2025
Relocating to a new country, like Belgium, can be both exciting and challenging for Gambian expats, especially since they have to consider the financial responsibility to send money from Belgium to Gambia. For Gambians moving to Belgium, understanding living costs is essential for proper planning and a smooth transition. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the expenses you should anticipate, ensuring you are well-prepared for life in one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant nations.
Finding accommodation is one of the first challenges for new residents. The cost of rent in Belgium is influenced by factors such as location, size, and the features included in the property. Major cities like Brussels have higher costs than smaller towns or suburbs. Here’s a breakdown of average rental expenses:
If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider sharing accommodations or exploring cities like Antwerp and Ghent, where rents are slightly lower than Brussels. Living expenses are considerably lower in smaller towns and rural areas.
Monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, heating, and garbage collection, average around €190 to €200 for a standard apartment. Since you will also need high-speed internet, which is essential for staying connected to family and friends back in the Gambia, or you might want to send money online to Gambia from Belgium, that would cost approximately €50 per month. But if you are mindful and can adopt energy-saving practices, you can reduce these expenses significantly.
Read More: Best Way to Send Money to Gambia from Europe - A Quick Guide
For Gambians accustomed to local markets and fresh produce, shopping in Belgium may come as a change. On average, a single person spends €200–€360 monthly on groceries, depending on dietary preferences. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl or exploring weekly farmers’ markets can help stretch your budget while enjoying fresh, local produce.
Belgium has an affordable and efficient public transportation system. A one-way ticket for local transport costs around €2.50, while a monthly pass costs €49. If you plan to drive, be prepared for gasoline prices averaging €1.71 per liter. Public transport is an excellent way to save money and avoid city traffic.
Belgium's healthcare system, known for its quality, provides health insurance for around €10 per month per person, often covering children at no extra cost. Generally, general practitioner visits are partially reimbursed, typically costing between €30 and €50. This structured system offers financial security, especially for Gambians accustomed to direct healthcare payments. Although the public system is robust, understanding specific coverage and costs across plans is crucial. Private plans may offer extra benefits but at a higher price, potentially impacting expats who regularly make an online money transfer from Belgium to Gambia.
If you’re relocating with children, you’ll be pleased to know that Belgium offers free, high-quality public education. However, private schools charge between €7,000 and €30,000 annually if you prefer an international curriculum. Weighing the benefits of public versus private schooling is crucial for managing costs effectively.
Life isn’t all about bills; leisure activities are important too. Eating out at a budget-friendly restaurant will cost approximately €20 per meal, and a monthly fitness club membership costs an average of €33. For movie lovers, cinema tickets are priced at approximately €12.50. Maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle necessitates allocating funds for leisure activities.
The cost of living is considerably lower in The Gambia than in Belgium. While expenses for housing, food, and transportation are steeper in Belgium, Belgium compensates with higher average salaries, better infrastructure, and a robust social welfare system. This makes the transition worthwhile for many Gambians seeking more significant opportunities.
Understanding and managing living costs is crucial to building a comfortable life in Belgium. By planning wisely, you can enjoy the benefits of living in this dynamic country while maintaining financial stability.
If you’re a Gambian planning to move to Belgium, don’t let financial worries slow you down. To make your life easier, services like ACE Money Transfer offer a reliable and cost-effective method to send money to Gambia from Belgium. Use trusted services like ACE to experience seamless international money transfer services today.
Housing costs vary by location, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from €700 to €820 per month and three-bedroom apartments from €1,030 to €1,240. Sharing accommodations or living in smaller towns can reduce expenses.
Utilities, including electricity and water, average €190–€200 monthly. The Internet costs around €50 per month, but energy-saving habits can lower these bills.
Yes, public transport is efficient and cost-effective. A monthly pass costs €49, while a single ticket is €2.50. It’s a great alternative to driving, which incurs higher fuel costs.
Belgium offers affordable health insurance, approximately €10 monthly, and partial reimbursements for medical visits, providing financial security.
ACE ensures secure, low-cost remittances, helping Gambians in Belgium send money home efficiently.
