Is Schaerbeek Expensive?

Brussels, Belgium

-15% vs Brussels avg

Living in Schaerbeek, Brussels

Schaerbeek is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Brussels, with a cost of living index of 42.8 — that is -15% compared to the Brussels average. Ranked #16 of 20, it offers some of the lowest costs in the city. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around €793/month, compared to a range of €672 in Anderlecht to €1,194 in Sablon.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Schaerbeek, housing takes up roughly 35% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 17%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately €31,711 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Schaerbeek

Salaries in Schaerbeek reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 42.8:

After tax and deductions of 24.1% in Belgium, take-home pay for someone earning €31,711 would be roughly €24,069/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

42.8
COLI Index
0.85x
vs City Avg
€793
Est. 1BR Rent
#16
of 20 Areas
24.1%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Schaerbeek

Estimated annual deductions on a €27,217 salary in Schaerbeek, Brussels (local employee).

Income Tax
11%
Social Security
13.1%
Total Deductions: 24.1%
Est. Take-Home: €20,656/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Schaerbeek would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $32,100
London GBP £27,625
Dubai AED AED 160,622

Other Neighborhoods in Brussels

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Sablon 64.4 1.28x +28%
Uccle 61.4 1.22x +22%
Avenue Louise 60.4 1.20x +20%
Ixelles 59.4 1.18x +18%
EU Quarter 57.8 1.15x +15%

View all 20 neighborhoods in Brussels →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in Schaerbeek, Brussels to maintain your lifestyle.

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Schaerbeek:

Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal Dorval, Montreal Donghu, Taipei Mint Hill, Charlotte Concord, Charlotte Hongkou, Shanghai

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schaerbeek expensive in Brussels?

Schaerbeek is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Brussels. It costs about -15% less than the city average, ranking #16 out of 20 neighborhoods.

How does Schaerbeek compare to the Brussels average?

The cost of living in Schaerbeek is below the Brussels average. With a multiplier of 0.85x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -15% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.