How much to live in Brussels?

Question

I kinda aked a similar question about my move to Brussels, but im finally getting in some base figures as far as salary.

Im provided a company car,insurance, so dont have to worry about transprtation. maybe gas. My after net pay will equal roughly 27,000 euros after ive converted it from dollars.

Im now waiting on the offer for cost of living allowance, how many more Euros should I be offered to live very comfortable as a single guy in a nicer area of city (somewhere safe, young, im 24, trendy) ? Its fairly entry level, but w/ a top notch U.S. firm,so Im not gonna let them lowball me. Im thinking that an additional 600-1000 euros is the range, but hope for more.

I beleive I get some other perks like lunch/dinner reimbursement weekly, cellular. I live a decent life now, dont go out much, but I will sure want to enjoy myself on weekend, once i actually make some friends, and 100% want to travel.Would net 40,000 euros be a decent life?

Answer 1

Well, NET € 27,000 + car + cell + "chèque repas"(=reimbursement of lunch, usually around USD 8 per working day) is correct.

If you think 40,000 will not be accepted, ask 30,000 and that should do for travels

1) Double check that the EUR salary is net and not gross because gross is around 40% bigger in Belgium... If it is net, it is decent with regard to your experience/age. I say that because employers usually first give the gross salary.

2) The rent expenses are one of the cheapest in europe, so for EUR 600 per month you should be able to find something really cool.

3) For trendy and safe areas in Brussels, THE increasingly favoured place is Ixelles.

Hope this helps