Antwerp, Belgium 🇧🇪
#987
,
Nomad Score:
65%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
41%
Weight: 150
Antwerp is moderately expensive compared to other European cities, with higher costs than Eastern Europe but cheaper than major capitals like London or Paris.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are relatively high, especially in central areas popular with expats and nomads.
🍎 Food & Groceries
52%
Weight: 40
Food prices are moderate; groceries are reasonably priced with good access to fresh produce.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is affordable with monthly passes; cycling is popular and free aside from bike purchase.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
50%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are diverse but can be pricey, especially in tourist hotspots.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
60%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are moderately priced, with many options including budget chains.
💱 Currency Stability
95%
Weight: 30
Euro currency is stable with low inflation and strong economic backing.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
87%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet is widely available with reliable connections.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
73%
Weight: 40
Several coworking spaces exist, especially in the city center, catering well to digital nomads.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
78%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi and comfortable working environments.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
72%
Weight: 30
Good selection of cafes with power outlets and fast internet, though not as abundant as larger cities.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
55%
Weight: 100
Growing but still niche compared to hotspots like Lisbon or Bali.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
80%
Weight: 30
Belgium offers strong labor protections and a balanced lifestyle.
🌳 Environmental Quality
70%
Weight: 15
Good urban environmental policies, though some industrial pollution remains.
🧼 Cleanliness
75%
Weight: 10
City is generally clean with well-maintained public spaces.
🗨️ Language Barrier
65%
Weight: 30
Dutch is primary language; English widely spoken but some knowledge of Dutch or French helpful.
💨 Air Quality
60%
Weight: 15
Air quality is moderate; occasional pollution due to traffic and industry.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
90%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare system with excellent facilities.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
78%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is affordable with insurance; out-of-pocket costs can be moderate.
🏥 Healthcare
89%
Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare services accessible to residents and long-term visitors.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
32%
Weight: 80
Temperate maritime climate with frequent rain and cloudy days; mild summers but cold, damp winters.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
98%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.
🏞️ Green Spaces
74%
Weight: 10
Several parks and green areas within the city, promoting outdoor activities.
❄️ Air Conditioning
40%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is not common in residential buildings due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
65%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons with mild summers and cold winters, but limited extreme weather.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
85%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural heritage with museums, art galleries, and historic architecture.
🌃 Nightlife
60%
Weight: 15
Decent nightlife with bars and clubs, but quieter than larger European cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
68%
Weight: 15
Access to nearby nature reserves and the Scheldt river; good for cycling and walking.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
70%
Weight: 10
Several language schools and community groups for Dutch, French, and English learners.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
75%
Weight: 10
Good variety of local tours including historic walks, brewery visits, and art tours.
🎳 Indoors Fun
70%
Weight: 10
Museums, theaters, and cinemas provide indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
80%
Weight: 25
Diverse culinary scene with Belgian specialties and international cuisine.
🧠 Yoga Studios
65%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios available, though not as widespread as in larger cities.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
70%
Weight: 15
Good availability of gyms, fitness centers, and sports clubs.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
78%
Weight: 15
Many organic markets and health-conscious restaurants.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
85%
Weight: 20
Central European Time zone is favorable for working with most European and some American clients.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
68%
Weight: 25
Active expat and startup communities provide networking events.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
60%
Weight: 20
Moderate local remote job market; more opportunities in Brussels.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
65%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community supported by coworking spaces and networking events.
🏢 Coworking Quality
74%
Weight: 30
Modern coworking spaces with good amenities and community events.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
67%
Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem with support from local accelerators and incubators.
💳 Local Payment Services
75%
Weight: 10
Widespread use of contactless payments and mobile banking apps.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
55%
Weight: 15
Moderate adoption; some local startups and events but not a major hub.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
70%
Weight: 30
Antwerp International Airport offers regional flights; Brussels Airport nearby with global connections.
🚇 Public Transit
78%
Weight: 20
Efficient tram, bus, and train network within the city and to nearby regions.
🚶 Walkability
83%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
70%
Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-sharing services available but less prevalent than in larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
85%
Weight: 10
Very bike-friendly city with extensive cycling lanes and bike rental options.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
80%
Weight: 15
Excellent train connections to major Belgian cities and neighboring countries.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
75%
Weight: 10
Several bike and e-scooter rental services available throughout the city.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
87%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G and growing 5G coverage across the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
90%
Weight: 20
Reliable internet infrastructure supports stable VPN connections.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
92%
Weight: 15
Stable and reliable electricity supply with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
68%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in many cafes and public spaces but not ubiquitous.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
55%
Weight: 40
Schengen visa required for many; no specific digital nomad visa as of 2025.
📊 Tax Friendliness
42%
Weight: 30
Belgium has relatively high taxes, which can be a downside for freelancers and nomads.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
95%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
87%
Weight: 20
Stable political environment with well-functioning institutions.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
60%
Weight: 15
Moderate difficulty; requires proof of residence and can be bureaucratic for foreigners.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
65%
Weight: 10
Business registration is straightforward but involves some paperwork and fees.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No specific digital nomad visa available in Belgium as of 2025.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
65%
Weight: 50
Moderately friendly with good infrastructure but limited visa options.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
60%
Weight: 25
Occasional meetups and events, but smaller community compared to major hubs.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
63%
Weight: 20
Some online groups and forums for digital nomads in Antwerp.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
85%
Weight: 100
Generally safe city with low violent crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
80%
Weight: 50
Safe and inclusive environment for women, with active communities.
✊ Racial Tolerance
75%
Weight: 50
Diverse population with moderate racial tolerance; occasional issues but generally welcoming.