Brussels is becoming a top choice for digital nomads, offering a mix of affordability and urban life. It has a diverse population, with over one-third of residents coming from outside Belgium. This diversity is seen in its 19 communes, each with its own unique vibe.
Schaerbeek is known for its global community, with people from 140 different countries. Ixelles, on the other hand, is home to trendy coworking spaces. Rent in Brussels is more affordable than in Paris or London, with apartments costing €900–€1,300 a month.
Weekly grocery bills for one person are around €40–€50, and eating out for two can cost between €25–€30. Public transport is also affordable, with tickets starting at €2.10. This makes it easy to explore the city.
This guide will help you find the best places to live in Brussels. You’ll learn about Uccle’s luxury homes, Zaventem’s tech jobs, and Anderlecht’s budget-friendly living. Discover how Brussels offers a great balance of affordability, connectivity, and culture for remote workers.
Contents
- 1 Why Brussels is Becoming a Digital Nomad Hotspot
- 2 Nomad-Friendly Neighborhoods in Brussels: An Overview
- 3 Ixelles: The Cultural Melting Pot
- 4 European Quarter: Professional and Connected
- 5 Saint-Gilles: Artistic Vibes and Affordability
- 6 Brussels Budget Guide: Cost of Living for Digital Nomads
- 7 Practical Tips for Remote Workers Relocating to Brussels
- 8 Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Brussels Neighborhood
- 9 Source Links
Why Brussels is Becoming a Digital Nomad Hotspot
Brussels is becoming a favorite spot for digital nomads. It has a great location, a rich culture, and a growing tech scene. It’s affordable and has fast internet, making it perfect for remote workers.
Central European Location and Connectivity
Brussels is at the heart of Europe. You can get to Paris, Amsterdam, and London quickly by train. It’s also a key EU hub, offering fast internet and a special visa for remote workers.
Visa applications cost €140 and take up to 120 days. The city is full of opportunities, thanks to its EU and NATO connections.
- EU/NATO headquarters provide professional networking opportunities.
- Fast internet rated 4.0/5 by Citizen Remote.
- Direct flights to 180+ global destinations.
Multicultural Environment and Language Advantages
Brussels is home to over 180 nationalities, making it very welcoming. English is widely spoken, along with French and Dutch. This makes it easy for people to communicate.
It’s also very stable, with a 5.0 rating from Citizen Remote. This means you can enjoy cultural exchange without worrying about language barriers.
Growing Tech Scene and Startup Ecosystem
Brussels’ tech scene is growing fast, with 200+ startups and lots of innovation events. Spaces like Impact Hub and Startup Residence encourage teamwork. The average salary is €3,886/month, supporting a lively startup community.
Coworking spaces like WeWork and Impact Hub Brussels attract professionals from all over. Brussels is a great choice for digital nomads, offering both affordability and opportunities. It’s rated 3.8 by Citizen Remote, making it a top pick for those looking for Europe’s heart.
Nomad-Friendly Neighborhoods in Brussels: An Overview
Brussels has 19 communes, each offering unique living options for digital nomads. Ixelles, the European Quarter, and Saint-Gilles are top picks. They balance cost, connectivity, and lifestyle well. Here’s a quick look at three key areas:
| Area | Rent (1-Bedroom/month) | Internet Speed | Coworking Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ixelles | $1,200–$2,000 | 100+ Mbps | 24/7 coworking spaces |
| European Quarter | $1,500–$2,500 | 100 Mbps | Professional coworking hubs |
| Saint-Gilles | $900–$1,500 | 90+ Mbps | Boutique coworking spaces |
Saint-Gilles is great for affordable digital nomad destinations with cheap housing. Cafés like Café de la Librairie have good Wi-Fi. Ixelles has trendy coworking spaces for remote teams. The European Quarter is perfect for those needing fast internet.
Check Brussels Official or Nomad List for up-to-date prices and reviews. Budget travelers can find deals in Molenbeek or Schaerbeek, with one-bedroom rentals starting at $700/month.
All areas are well-connected by public transport. Saint-Gilles has cozy cafés, and Ixelles is rich in culture. Use coworking spaces in nomad-friendly areas listed on Suggest for 24/7 workspaces.
Ixelles: The Cultural Melting Pot
Ixelles is a vibrant neighborhood in Brussels. It’s a mix of global cultures, cuisines, and languages. It’s perfect for those who love exploring new places and meeting people from all over.
Accommodation Options and Price Range
Rent prices in Ixelles depend on where you stay:
- Studios: €700–900/month
- One-bedroom apartments: €1,000–1,400/month (per Immoweb.be)
- Shared flats: €500–700/month via local homestay programs
Many places offer modern features like fast internet and 24/7 security.
Internet Reliability and Coworking Spaces
There are many coworking spaces in Ixelles:
- Fosbury & Sons: €195/month for dedicated desks
- Silversquare: €295–325/month with event spaces
Wi-Fi is easy to find, and most homes have super-fast internet.
Café Scene and Remote Work Spots
Great places for remote work include:
- Café Flagey: All-day espresso and free Wi-Fi
- Le Botaniste: Plant-filled spaces with plug sockets
There are over 200 cafés with daytime seating. Plus, 70% of locals speak English.
Community Events and Networking Opportunities
Ixelles has many events for remote workers:
- Monthly “Global Coffee Chats” at Café de la Paix
- Startup pitch nights at Silversquare
Local digital nomad Lucrecia Gomez loves Ixelles. She says, “The art galleries and tech meetups make it lively all year.” The Ixelles Arts Fair attracts 5,000+ people, helping everyone connect.
European Quarter: Professional and Connected
The European Quarter is a top spot for trendy locations for roaming professionals. It’s filled with EU institutions like the European Commission and Parliament. This area is buzzing with diplomats, policymakers, and international businesses.
It’s easy to get around thanks to Schuman metro station. You can also reach Brussels Airport and cities like Paris and Amsterdam quickly.
Coworking spaces in the area are perfect for professionals. Seed Factory offers flexible plans starting at €150/month. Silversquare’s premium offices start at €325/month. These places host EU-focused events, great for those in policy or international relations.
Internet speeds are fast, averaging 100+ Mbps. With 5G coverage, video calls and data tasks are reliable.
Accommodation is upscale, with one-bedroom apartments costing €900–1,400/month. While it’s pricier, the professional vibe is worth it. Imagine meeting at Café de la Presse or brainstorming in sleek coworking lounges, all near EU buildings.
Transport delays are rare, but the area’s status as a digital nomad hotspot makes it worth it. For those focusing on career growth, this area offers unmatched global connections and knowledge.
Saint-Gilles: Artistic Vibes and Affordability
For digital nomads looking for affordable digital nomad destinations, Saint-Gilles is perfect. It offers a lively nomadic lifestyle neighborhoods vibe without the high cost. You can find one-bedroom rentals for as low as €700/month, which is 30% less than Ixelles and the European Quarter.
The area is known for its Art Nouveau streets and multicultural cafes. It’s a place where artists and remote workers can flourish.
| Income Level | Rent | Utilities | Food | Internet | Entertainment | Total/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €2,000 | €700 | €100 | €350 | €30 | €120 | €1,300 |
| €3,000 | €800 | €120 | €400 | €35 | €150 | €1,505 |
Getting around is easy thanks to public transport links to Gare du Midi station. Places like The Mug offer desks for €10/day. Cafés like Café de la Régence have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
With smart choices, you can keep your monthly budget under €1,500. Check out BrusselsLettings for the latest prices.
- Cultural perks: Weekend markets, Moroccan-Turkish eateries, and the annual Fête de la Musique
- Key stats: 25% lower rent than central Brussels, 80% of residents use public transport
Expats love Saint-Gilles for its mix of affordability and creativity. EBD ranks it among Europe’s top 20 expat-friendly spots. It shows you don’t need luxury to do well.
Walk its cobblestone streets to see why it’s called Brussels’ “bohemian heart.”
Brussels Budget Guide: Cost of Living for Digital Nomads
Starting your budget in Brussels means finding ways to save. The city has best places for remote workers with options from hostels to apartments. We’ll look at costs to help you budget wisely.
Accommodation Costs Comparison
- Hostels: Dorms €27-€39/night; private rooms €95-€155/night
- Airbnb: Private rooms €50-€75/night; apartments €115/night
- Budget hotels: €100-€130/night
Coliving spaces in coworking spaces in nomad-friendly areas like Ixelles or Saint-Gilles offer internet and workspace. This can save you money.
Daily Expenses & Savings
Save on food by shopping at Lidl or Aldi (~€60/week). Café meals start at €7, and street food like frites is €3-4. Local markets offer fries for €4-5, avoiding high prices.
- Transport: Metro tickets €2.40 single; 10-journey pass €15.60
- Bike rentals from 🚲 Brussels’ Villo’ system start at €3.50/day
Internet & Connectivity
Fast internet is essential. Plans from Proximus, Telenet, or Orange cost €30-50/month. Mobile data (10GB) starts at €29/month. Many coworking spaces in central areas offer free Wi-Fi, perfect for hybrid setups.
Practical Tips for Remote Workers Relocating to Brussels
Brussels is a top city for digital nomads with lively remote work communities. First, check visa needs. Non-EU folks need Belgium’s Digital Nomad Visa. Also, register with your local commune within 8 days if staying over 90 days to avoid fines.
- Weather prep: Bring layers for its rainy weather. Summers are around 20°C (68°F), and winters are about 3°C (37°F).
- Housing hacks: Look into coliving spaces to save money. A one-bedroom costs about €1,000/month, but shared places can save up to 40%.
- Banking setup: Compare ING, KBC, and Revolut. Revolut is great for nomads because it has no-fee international transfers.
- Healthcare basics: Public clinics charge €35–€80 per visit. Get international insurance for full coverage.
Join coworking hubs—Brussels has over 300 spaces—to network and stay productive. Use public transit apps like Moovit for 80% coverage efficiency. Learn basic French phrases for daily interactions. Track taxes quarterly through the Belgian Tax Administration portal.
Get involved with remote work communities through Meetup events. Brussels is a top city for digital nomads with many resources. Follow these tips to thrive in this vibrant European hub.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Brussels Neighborhood
Nomad-friendly neighborhoods in Brussels meet all digital nomads’ needs. Ixelles is perfect for those who love culture and staying connected. Saint-Gilles is great for professionals on a budget, with trendy spots.
The European Quarter has a professional atmosphere, while Uccle is all about green spaces. This shows how varied Brussels’ options are.
Use our guide to compare areas based on cost and community. Coworking spots like Workaway or Impact Hub Brussels offer reliable internet and networking chances. If you’re on a tight budget, Schaerbeek is a good choice. Saint-Gilles is ideal for creatives.
Public transport connects all zones, making it easy to explore. Join groups like Brussels Nomads on Meetup to find events or co-living spaces. Despite some bureaucracy, Brussels is a top choice for digital nomads.
Resources like the Brussels Mobility app make getting around simple. EHIC cards also make healthcare easier. With so many options, start by listing what you need. Then, discover the vibrant, affordable, and connected neighborhoods that make Brussels great for digital nomads.
Source Links
- https://www.thehomelike.com/blog/brussels-best-neighborhoods/
- https://www.deel.com/blog/moving-to-belgium-for-expats/
- https://www.digitalnomadexchange.com/ctryguide/25538/4/Belgium/Best-Places-for-Digital-Nomads-to-Live-in-Belgium
- https://citizenremote.com/visas/belgium-digital-nomad-visa/
- https://www.globexs.com/global-mobility/digital-nomad-hotspots-in-europe/
- https://horizonjumpers.com/best-places-for-digital-nomads-in-belgium/
- https://www.digitalnomadexchange.com/gdc/12/4/4084/Belgium/Digital-Nomad-Brussels
- https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/ask-an-expat-living-in-brussels-belgium/
- https://apass.be/index/?q=kt
- https://www.imdb.com/list/ls002451404/
- https://andysto.com/living-in-brussels-as-a-digital-nomad/
- https://medium.com/@jayrald.ado/nomadic-freedom-in-belgium-a-guide-for-remote-workers-and-travelers-4f46170e583e
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-neighborhoods-in-brussels
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2020/11/08/the-20-best-places-for-americans-to-live-in-europe/
- https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/belgium/brussels/
- https://nomads.com/brussels
- https://coliving.com/brussels?for=remote-workers
- https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/04/15/want-to-move-to-europe-here-are-all-the-digital-nomads-visas-available-for-remote-workers
- https://www.digitalnomadexchange.com/ctryguide/31032/4/Belgium/Living-in-Antwerp-Pros–Cons-of-Living-in-Antwerp
- https://colivingbrussel.bloggersdelight.dk/2025/03/04/the-best-neighborhoods-for-co-living-adventures-in-brussels/
- https://www.worldsupporter.org/en/to-belgium-to-work-study-volunteer-travel-backpack-live-as-digital-nomad-expat-emigrant
