Forum
Analytics
Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
#986
,
Nomad Score:
64%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
32%
Weight: 150
Brussels is relatively expensive compared to many cities, especially for housing and dining out, reflecting its status as a Western European capital.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
28%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are high, particularly in central areas popular with expats and digital nomads.
🍎 Food & Groceries
45%
Weight: 40
Groceries and eating out are moderately expensive but offer good quality and variety.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is well-developed and affordable with monthly passes available.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
41%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are diverse but can be pricey, especially in tourist areas.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
53%
Weight: 10
Average gym memberships cost moderately, with many options available.
💱 Currency Stability
98%
Weight: 30
Euro is a stable currency backed by the EU, offering low volatility.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
86%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet is widely available with reliable connections.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
79%
Weight: 40
Numerous coworking spaces exist, catering well to digital nomads and freelancers.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
75%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi, though quality and speed can vary.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
68%
Weight: 30
Several cafes are known for being nomad-friendly with power outlets and good ambiance.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
54%
Weight: 100
Brussels is moderately popular among digital nomads, mainly due to its EU institutions and international vibe.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
87%
Weight: 25
Easy to obtain prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
72%
Weight: 30
Belgian culture values work-life balance, with reasonable working hours and vacation policies.
🌳 Environmental Quality
61%
Weight: 15
Urban pollution exists but green initiatives and parks help maintain decent environmental quality.
🧼 Cleanliness
65%
Weight: 10
City is generally clean though some areas can be less well-maintained.
🗨️ Language Barrier
78%
Weight: 30
French, Dutch, and English are widely spoken, with English common in professional settings.
💨 Air Quality
54%
Weight: 15
Air quality fluctuates; traffic congestion can cause pollution spikes.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
70%
Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and healthcare make it suitable for families.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
91%
Weight: 20
Belgium offers excellent healthcare services with high standards.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
70%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is affordable with insurance, but out-of-pocket costs can be moderate for non-residents.
🏥 Healthcare
85%
Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare system accessible to residents and expats.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
31%
Weight: 80
Temperate oceanic climate with frequent rain and overcast days; summers are mild but not very sunny.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
97%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.
🏞️ Green Spaces
74%
Weight: 10
Numerous parks and green areas within the city provide good outdoor options.
❄️ Air Conditioning
42%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is not common in many buildings due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
63%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons with cool winters and mild summers, but limited extreme weather.
🔊 Noise Pollution
53%
Weight: 10
Moderate noise levels, especially near busy streets and nightlife areas.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
87%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural heritage with museums, theaters, and festivals reflecting diverse European influences.
🌃 Nightlife
65%
Weight: 15
Vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music, though less intense than larger European capitals.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
68%
Weight: 15
Access to parks and nearby countryside; good for day trips and outdoor activities.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
79%
Weight: 10
Many language schools and informal opportunities to learn French, Dutch, and English.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
73%
Weight: 10
Wide range of cultural tours, historic sites, and local experiences available.
🎳 Indoors Fun
71%
Weight: 10
Museums, galleries, cinemas, and theaters provide good indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
80%
Weight: 25
Diverse culinary scene with Belgian specialties, international cuisine, and quality dining.
🧠 Yoga Studios
64%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios and wellness centers available, though not as abundant as in some other cities.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
69%
Weight: 15
Good range of gyms and fitness centers catering to various preferences.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
72%
Weight: 15
Organic markets and health-conscious restaurants are increasingly common.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
85%
Weight: 20
Central European Time is favorable for working with most European and some American time zones.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
76%
Weight: 25
Strong professional networks due to EU institutions and international organizations.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
60%
Weight: 20
Moderate opportunities, mostly in EU-related sectors and tech startups.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
67%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community supported by coworking spaces and networking events.
🏢 Coworking Quality
78%
Weight: 30
High-quality coworking spaces with modern amenities and good locations.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
65%
Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem with support from government and EU programs.
💳 Local Payment Services
74%
Weight: 10
Widespread use of cards and mobile payments; some cash still common.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
59%
Weight: 15
Moderate adoption with some startups and interest but not a major hub.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
83%
Weight: 30
Brussels Airport offers good international connections, especially within Europe.
🚇 Public Transit
79%
Weight: 20
Efficient metro, tram, and bus networks cover the city well.
🚶 Walkability
76%
Weight: 20
City center is walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
71%
Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-sharing options are available but less prevalent than in some cities.
🚲 Cycling
63%
Weight: 10
Cycling infrastructure exists but is less developed compared to top cycling cities.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
87%
Weight: 15
Excellent train connections to major European cities and neighboring countries.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
65%
Weight: 10
Electric scooters and bike rentals are available but not widespread.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
84%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G and growing 5G coverage throughout the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
90%
Weight: 20
Reliable internet infrastructure supports stable VPN connections.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
92%
Weight: 15
Stable and reliable power supply with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
68%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi is available in many public areas but can be inconsistent.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
55%
Weight: 40
Schengen visa rules apply; no specific digital nomad visa, making long stays more complex.
📊 Tax Friendliness
43%
Weight: 30
Belgium has relatively high taxes, which can be a challenge for freelancers and remote workers.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
96%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
88%
Weight: 20
Stable political environment with functioning democratic institutions.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
62%
Weight: 15
Moderate bureaucracy; non-residents may face some challenges but generally manageable.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
67%
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 as of June 2025.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
64%
Weight: 50
Moderately friendly to digital nomads due to infrastructure and international community but limited visa options.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
59%
Weight: 25
Some meetups and events exist but not as frequent or large as in major nomad hubs.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
61%
Weight: 20
Moderate online presence with active expat and nomad groups.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
78%
Weight: 100
Generally safe with low violent crime rates; petty theft can occur in tourist areas.
♀️ Female Friendly
75%
Weight: 50
Safe and welcoming environment for women, with good gender equality.
✊ Racial Tolerance
69%
Weight: 50
Diverse population with some challenges but overall tolerant and inclusive.