Forum
Analytics
Leuven, Belgium 🇧🇪
#990
,
Nomad Score:
64%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
42%
Weight: 150
Leuven is moderately expensive compared to other European cities, with costs higher than Eastern Europe but lower than Brussels or Amsterdam.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are relatively high due to student demand and limited housing supply, especially for short-term stays.
🍎 Food & Groceries
51%
Weight: 40
Groceries and dining out are moderately priced; local markets offer affordable fresh produce.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced, with good regional train connections.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
50%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are moderately priced; student discounts are common.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
60%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are affordable with many options catering to students and locals.
💱 Currency Stability
95%
Weight: 30
Euro is a stable currency with low inflation and strong economic backing.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
87%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet is widely available with reliable connectivity.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
73%
Weight: 40
Several coworking spaces exist, though fewer than in larger Belgian cities.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
80%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi, popular among students and remote workers.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
71%
Weight: 30
A good number of cafes are suitable for working remotely, with power outlets and quiet atmospheres.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
45%
Weight: 100
Leuven is less known among digital nomads compared to Brussels or Antwerp.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
89%
Weight: 25
Easy to obtain prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
84%
Weight: 30
Strong emphasis on work-life balance with ample leisure activities and reasonable working hours.
🌳 Environmental Quality
78%
Weight: 15
Good air quality and green initiatives, though urban areas have moderate pollution.
🧼 Cleanliness
82%
Weight: 10
City is generally clean with well-maintained public spaces.
🗨️ Language Barrier
65%
Weight: 30
Dutch is primary language; English widely spoken especially among younger population and students.
💨 Air Quality
70%
Weight: 15
Generally good air quality, occasional pollution spikes due to traffic.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
75%
Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and family-oriented activities.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
90%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare system with excellent hospitals and clinics.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
62%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is good but can be costly without insurance; EU residents benefit from reciprocal agreements.
🏥 Healthcare
88%
Weight: 20
Accessible and efficient healthcare services with multilingual staff.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
31%
Weight: 80
Temperate oceanic climate with frequent rain and overcast skies; mild summers but often cloudy.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
97%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.
🏞️ Green Spaces
79%
Weight: 10
Several parks and green areas within the city, promoting outdoor activities.
❄️ Air Conditioning
24%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is uncommon in homes and public places due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
60%
Weight: 10
Four distinct seasons with mild winters and cool summers, but limited sunshine.
🔊 Noise Pollution
62%
Weight: 10
Moderate noise levels, higher near university and nightlife areas.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
83%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural scene with historic architecture, museums, and university events.
🌃 Nightlife
65%
Weight: 15
Active nightlife centered around student population with bars and clubs.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
72%
Weight: 15
Access to nearby nature reserves and countryside for hiking and cycling.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
70%
Weight: 10
Multiple language schools and university courses available for Dutch and other languages.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
68%
Weight: 10
Good range of local tours focusing on history, beer culture, and university heritage.
🎳 Indoors Fun
64%
Weight: 10
Museums, theaters, and cinemas provide indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
75%
Weight: 25
Diverse food options including Belgian specialties and international cuisine.
🧠 Yoga Studios
63%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios available, though not as many as in larger cities.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
67%
Weight: 15
Good availability of gyms and fitness centers catering to various needs.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
71%
Weight: 15
Organic markets and health-focused eateries are present but limited.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
85%
Weight: 20
Central European Time is convenient for European and some international business hours.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
60%
Weight: 25
Moderate networking events, mostly linked to university and tech sectors.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
55%
Weight: 20
Limited local remote job market; most opportunities come from larger Belgian cities.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
58%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community but still developing compared to major hubs.
🏢 Coworking Quality
70%
Weight: 30
Coworking spaces are well-equipped but fewer in number.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
62%
Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem supported by university innovation hubs.
💳 Local Payment Services
79%
Weight: 10
Widespread acceptance of cards and mobile payments; local apps available.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
50%
Weight: 15
Moderate interest and adoption; not a major crypto hub.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
63%
Weight: 30
Nearest major airport is Brussels Airport, about 30 minutes away by train.
🚇 Public Transit
75%
Weight: 20
Efficient local and regional public transport with good train and bus links.
🚶 Walkability
81%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
60%
Weight: 15
Available but less prevalent than in larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
84%
Weight: 10
Excellent cycling infrastructure and culture.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
78%
Weight: 15
Frequent train connections to major Belgian cities and neighboring countries.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
70%
Weight: 10
Bike rentals widely available; electric scooters less common.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
85%
Weight: 20
Strong 4G/5G coverage throughout the city and surroundings.
🔒 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 some public spaces but not widespread.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
55%
Weight: 40
Standard Schengen visa policies apply; no specific digital nomad visa.
📊 Tax Friendliness
40%
Weight: 30
Belgium has relatively high taxes and complex regulations for freelancers.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
95%
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
60%
Weight: 15
Possible but requires residence proof; can be bureaucratic for non-residents.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
55%
Weight: 10
Moderate complexity and cost; more challenging for foreigners.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No specific digital nomad visa available in Belgium.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
50%
Weight: 50
Moderately friendly but lacks dedicated infrastructure and visa options.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
45%
Weight: 25
Few dedicated digital nomad events; some tech and expat meetups available.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
52%
Weight: 20
Limited online presence for digital nomads specifically in Leuven.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
87%
Weight: 100
Generally safe city with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
83%
Weight: 50
Safe and inclusive environment for women.
✊ Racial Tolerance
70%
Weight: 50
Generally tolerant but occasional issues typical of European cities.