Hello, I have the opportunity to work in Brussels, Belgium, as a Software Developer. How much does cost to live there? How much does cost to rent an apartment with a room (nothing fancy - to have a small kitchen, internet, TV). If I cook at home half of the month, and the other half eat in town(fast-food) how much does it cost? Also, transport, some basic health/dental insurance are expensive? Also, which is the average salary for a Delphi programmer with more than 5 years of experience? Thanks in advance for your answers!
Belgium - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
As far as rental 1 bedroom apartment, all depends where you rent - You can go from €600/750 to €900-mo. in most areas - There are expensive areas, and bad areas which I would not consider - You better learn about the different suburbs in the Brussels area - Public transports (metro, trams, buses) are great and very convenient - Meals in restaurants are not expensive if you know where to go - I often eat in the downtown area for €20-25 for dinner with 1 glass of wine - Nothing fancy, but no "fast food" either - No ideas about salaries nowadays, but get €2500/mo minimum - You better inquire - I am no "current" expert in that subject - Employed in Belgium, you will be with the national health plan - affordable - The name of the medical insurances are known as "mutuelle" - .
2 :
The cost of food in supermarkets is at the same level as in the rest of Western Europe. Sandwiches cost € 2,50 - 4, a kebab costs € 3,5 - 4,5. You can also buy a mitraillete, which is a sandwich with meat or sausages (you can choose), vegetables and a lot of french fries. It's not very healthy, but it will make you full, and it costs €3,5 - 4. There are also Chinese take away restaurants where meals cost €6-10 and the daily menu is €5-6. I would say that with your lifestyle you won't need more than €250 per month for food. If you want to save money, it's feasible to do it under €200. Molenbeek, Anderlecht, Saint Gilles, St Josse and parts of Schaerbeek are considered bad and dangerous neighbourhoods. I think that they're not as bad as people think (I lived in Schaerbeek and felt quite safe there), but if I had children, I wouldn't want to live there. In general, the good neighborhoods are in the East and the South East of the city.
