Brussels
Western Europe · Belgium · Europe
Underrated, multilingual EU crossroads with great beer, comics, and connections everywhere.
Brussels is the understated, multicultural heart of the EU, a city that hides its charm behind a bureaucratic reputation. Living here means excellent food and beer, gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture, central rail access to Paris, London, and Amsterdam, and a deeply international population. The downsides are notoriously grey, rainy weather, patchy upkeep in some districts, and a fragmented, bilingual identity that can feel disjointed. It suits internationally-minded people who value food, connectivity, and a low-key cosmopolitan life over weather and flash.
comfortable monthly budget
1-bed rent, good area
Best for
Not for
An exceptionally diverse mix of EU staff, diplomats, and expats from everywhere, alongside Belgian, French- and Flemish-speaking locals. The international crowd makes friend-making easy in expat circles; the food, beer, and cafe culture anchors the social life.
Where to land
The scorecard
Tax in Belgium
Special regime: Special tax regime for inbound taxpayers/researchers (expat allowance)
Among the world's highest effective tax burdens once social security and 50% top rate apply.
Representative estimate — not tax advice. · source
Make the move to Brussels
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Find my placePhoto via Wikimedia Commons · source