Forum
Analytics
Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪
#988
,
Nomad Score:
65%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
42%
Weight: 150
Ghent is moderately expensive compared to Eastern European cities but cheaper than Brussels or Antwerp.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are relatively high, especially for central locations favored by digital nomads.
🍎 Food & Groceries
55%
Weight: 40
Groceries and dining out are moderately priced with good availability of international and local foods.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is efficient and affordable; cycling is popular and free once bike is owned.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
50%
Weight: 15
Moderate prices for cultural events, cinemas, and nightlife venues.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
58%
Weight: 10
Average gym prices, with many options including budget and premium facilities.
💱 Currency Stability
97%
Weight: 30
Euro is a stable currency with low volatility.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
89%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet widely available with reliable connections.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
73%
Weight: 40
Several well-equipped coworking spaces catering to freelancers and startups.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
78%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi and comfortable work environments.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
71%
Weight: 30
Good selection of cafes with power outlets and quiet atmospheres.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
54%
Weight: 100
Growing but still a niche destination compared to larger European cities.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
88%
Weight: 25
Easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
85%
Weight: 30
Strong culture of work-life balance with ample leisure opportunities.
🌳 Environmental Quality
79%
Weight: 15
Clean city with good waste management and green initiatives.
🧼 Cleanliness
83%
Weight: 10
Streets and public spaces are well maintained.
🗨️ Language Barrier
62%
Weight: 30
Dutch is primary language; English widely spoken but some language challenges remain.
💨 Air Quality
70%
Weight: 15
Generally good air quality with occasional pollution spikes.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
70%
Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and family services available.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
91%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare system with modern facilities.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
65%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is good but can be costly without insurance.
🏥 Healthcare
88%
Weight: 20
Accessible and efficient healthcare services.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
31%
Weight: 80
Temperate oceanic climate with frequent rain and cool temperatures, not ideal for sun lovers.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
95%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters.
🏞️ Green Spaces
76%
Weight: 10
Numerous parks and green areas within the city.
❄️ Air Conditioning
34%
Weight: 15
Limited use of air conditioning due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
67%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons but mild; winters are cool and summers mild.
🔊 Noise Pollution
64%
Weight: 10
Moderate noise levels, higher in central areas but generally manageable.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
84%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural heritage with museums, festivals, and historic architecture.
🌃 Nightlife
63%
Weight: 15
Vibrant but more low-key compared to larger cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
69%
Weight: 15
Good access to countryside and waterways for outdoor activities.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
60%
Weight: 10
Several language schools and informal opportunities to learn Dutch and French.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
72%
Weight: 10
Good variety of local tours, including historical and culinary experiences.
🎳 Indoors Fun
68%
Weight: 10
Museums, theaters, and indoor activities available but limited compared to major capitals.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
77%
Weight: 25
Diverse food scene with Belgian specialties and international cuisine.
🧠 Yoga Studios
65%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios offering classes for all levels.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
69%
Weight: 15
Good range of gyms, sports clubs, and fitness centers.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
74%
Weight: 15
Organic markets and health-focused eateries are common.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
81%
Weight: 20
Central European Time is favorable for working with most European and some US clients.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
68%
Weight: 25
Active startup and freelancer communities with regular events.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
59%
Weight: 20
Moderate availability; more opportunities in Brussels but growing locally.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
67%
Weight: 20
Supportive environment with coworking spaces and networking events.
🏢 Coworking Quality
75%
Weight: 30
Modern facilities with good amenities and community atmosphere.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
64%
Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem with some accelerators and incubators.
💳 Local Payment Services
73%
Weight: 10
Widespread use of cards and mobile payments; some cash still used.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
51%
Weight: 15
Growing interest but still limited mainstream adoption.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
60%
Weight: 30
Nearest major airport is Brussels Airport, about 45 minutes away.
🚇 Public Transit
79%
Weight: 20
Efficient tram and bus network within the city.
🚶 Walkability
82%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
65%
Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-sharing options available but less prevalent than in larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
87%
Weight: 10
Excellent cycling infrastructure and culture.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
74%
Weight: 15
Good train connections to major Belgian and European cities.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
78%
Weight: 10
Multiple bike and e-scooter rental services widely available.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
86%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G and growing 5G coverage throughout the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
89%
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
67%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in many cafes and public spaces but not ubiquitous.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
43%
Weight: 40
Belgium has strict visa policies; no specific digital nomad visa as of mid-2025.
📊 Tax Friendliness
39%
Weight: 30
High tax rates and complex regulations for freelancers and remote workers.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
94%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
88%
Weight: 20
Stable political environment with low risk of unrest.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
56%
Weight: 15
Moderate difficulty; requires residency or local address, some bureaucracy.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
61%
Weight: 10
Business registration is possible but involves paperwork and fees.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No dedicated digital nomad visa available in Belgium.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
63%
Weight: 50
Moderately friendly with good infrastructure but limited visa options.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
57%
Weight: 25
Some meetups and events but not a major hub for nomad gatherings.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
60%
Weight: 20
Active local online groups but smaller than in major nomad cities.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
85%
Weight: 100
Generally safe with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
81%
Weight: 50
Safe and inclusive environment for women travelers.
✊ Racial Tolerance
74%
Weight: 50
Generally tolerant society with ongoing efforts for inclusion.