Forum
Analytics
Mechelen, Belgium 🇧🇪
#991
,
Nomad Score:
62%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
41%
Weight: 150
Mechelen is moderately expensive compared to global standards, typical for Belgium but cheaper than Brussels.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38%
Weight: 80
Rental prices are moderate but on the higher side for Belgium’s smaller cities.
🍎 Food & Groceries
52%
Weight: 40
Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with many local markets and affordable eateries.
🚌 Transportation Cost
67%
Weight: 20
Public transport is efficient and affordable, with good train connections to Brussels and Antwerp.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
50%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are moderate in price, with local theaters, cinemas, and events.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
61%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are reasonably priced, with several fitness centers available.
💱 Currency Stability
97%
Weight: 30
Euro is very stable with low inflation and strong economic fundamentals.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
89%
Weight: 100
High-speed fiber internet widely available with speeds averaging 100-300 Mbps.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
63%
Weight: 40
Several coworking spaces exist but fewer than in larger Belgian cities.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
74%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi, suitable for casual remote work.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
60%
Weight: 30
Some cafes cater to remote workers but not a large established scene.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
32%
Weight: 100
Not a well-known digital nomad hotspot; more popular among locals and commuters.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
91%
Weight: 25
Easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
85%
Weight: 30
Belgium offers good work-life balance with reasonable working hours and social benefits.
🌳 Environmental Quality
78%
Weight: 15
Clean city with good waste management and green initiatives.
🧼 Cleanliness
76%
Weight: 10
Public spaces and streets are generally clean and well-maintained.
🗨️ Language Barrier
65%
Weight: 30
Dutch is primary language; English widely spoken but some language barrier remains.
💨 Air Quality
70%
Weight: 15
Generally good air quality with occasional pollution from nearby industrial areas.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
76%
Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and family-oriented amenities.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
91%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare system with well-equipped hospitals and clinics.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
79%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is affordable due to Belgium’s social security system.
🏥 Healthcare
90%
Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare coverage and easy access to medical services.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
34%
Weight: 80
Temperate maritime climate with frequent rain and cloudy days, mild summers and cold winters.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
98%
Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.
🏞️ Green Spaces
72%
Weight: 10
Several parks and green areas within the city and nearby countryside.
❄️ Air Conditioning
40%
Weight: 15
Air conditioning is not common in homes or public spaces due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
65%
Weight: 10
Four distinct seasons with mild summers and cold winters, but often overcast.
🔊 Noise Pollution
68%
Weight: 10
Generally quiet city with some noise near transport hubs.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
79%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural heritage with museums, historic sites, and festivals.
🌃 Nightlife
51%
Weight: 15
Moderate nightlife with bars and pubs but limited compared to larger cities.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
70%
Weight: 15
Access to parks, riverside walks, and nearby nature reserves.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
68%
Weight: 10
Several language schools and community classes for Dutch and French.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
63%
Weight: 10
Good availability of local tours, historic walks, and cultural experiences.
🎳 Indoors Fun
60%
Weight: 10
Museums, theaters, and cinemas provide indoor entertainment options.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
74%
Weight: 25
Diverse food scene with Belgian specialties and international cuisine.
🧠 Yoga Studios
57%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios available but not abundant.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
62%
Weight: 15
Good range of gyms and fitness centers.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
70%
Weight: 15
Organic markets and health food stores are accessible.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
83%
Weight: 20
Central European Time is favorable for working with most European and some US clients.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
55%
Weight: 25
Limited compared to major hubs but some local business and expat groups exist.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
50%
Weight: 20
Moderate opportunities; more limited than in larger Belgian cities.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
53%
Weight: 20
Growing freelance community but still small scale.
🏢 Coworking Quality
64%
Weight: 30
Good quality coworking spaces with modern amenities.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
48%
Weight: 15
Startup activity is limited compared to Brussels or Antwerp.
💳 Local Payment Services
75%
Weight: 10
Widespread use of cards and mobile payments; well-integrated banking system.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
50%
Weight: 15
Moderate adoption; Belgium is cautious but open to blockchain tech.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
62%
Weight: 30
Close to Brussels Airport with good international connections.
🚇 Public Transit
78%
Weight: 20
Efficient trains, buses, and trams with good regional connectivity.
🚶 Walkability
71%
Weight: 20
Compact city center with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
60%
Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-sharing available but less prevalent than in bigger cities.
🚲 Cycling
79%
Weight: 10
Good cycling infrastructure and bike-friendly culture.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
84%
Weight: 15
Excellent train connections to major Belgian and European cities.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
65%
Weight: 10
Bike rentals common; e-scooters available but limited.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
87%
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
63%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in cafes and some public areas but not widespread.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
45%
Weight: 40
Belgium has strict visa policies; no specific digital nomad visa as of 2025.
📊 Tax Friendliness
39%
Weight: 30
High taxes on income and social security contributions.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
95%
Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
88%
Weight: 20
Stable political environment with well-functioning institutions.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
57%
Weight: 15
Moderate bureaucracy; requires residence proof and can be slow for foreigners.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
60%
Weight: 10
Business registration is straightforward but involves some paperwork.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0%
Weight: 35
No dedicated digital nomad visa available in Belgium.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
48%
Weight: 50
Somewhat friendly but lacks specific infrastructure and community for nomads.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
35%
Weight: 25
Few digital nomad-specific events or meetups in Mechelen.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
42%
Weight: 20
Limited online presence for digital nomads compared to major hubs.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
89%
Weight: 100
Generally safe city with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
85%
Weight: 50
Safe and welcoming environment for women travelers.
✊ Racial Tolerance
70%
Weight: 50
Moderate racial tolerance; multicultural but occasional issues reported.