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Ghent🇧🇪

Belgium · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Europe/Brussels
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

📊 Data estimated — figures are based on published regional averages and are updated quarterly. Last verified: May 24, 2026

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$1,000/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$750/mo
COL index70 (vs Switzerland=101)
Cheap meal$14.00
Mid-range meal for 2$45.00
Monthly groceries~$310

Infrastructure

Internet speed160 Mbps
Healthcare index80/100
Coworking spaces~12

Lifestyle

Safety index78/100
Air quality22 AQI — Good
Walkability82/100
Climate score62/100
English proficiencyhigh
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easeeasy
Budget score60/100
Lifestyle score78/100
Overall nomad score
74/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living in this historic Belgian gem is a pleasant surprise for digital nomads, especially on a budget. A 1-bedroom in the city center runs about €1000, or €750 slightly outside – genuinely affordable for Western Europe. Groceries will set you back around €310 monthly, and a decent meal out is €14. This makes it ideal for nomads seeking a European base without the crippling costs of Paris or Amsterdam. You’ll find excellent internet (160 Mbps) and a safe, walkable city (safety index 78, walkability 82). Healthcare is top-notch (index 80). With 12 coworking spaces and high English proficiency, settling in is easy, and visa processes are straightforward. The catch? The nomad community is small. While the city itself is vibrant, don't expect a bustling digital nomad scene to network in; you’ll mostly be forging your own connections.

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Who this suits

FamiliesClean air seeker

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Ghent.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Ghent as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Ghent averages around $1,000 per month, and the overall cost-of-living index sits at 70 (vs Switzerland = 101). Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Ghent safe for digital nomads?+

Ghent scores 78/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most nomad-friendly neighbourhoods feel comfortable to walk in day and night.

How fast is the internet in Ghent?+

Headline average internet speed in Ghent is around 160 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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