Cost of living as a student in Antwerp

Every student is different, but this is a clear average monthly plan based on real KdG students.

• Rent: 500–700 euros
• Household bills (gas, electricity, etc.): 80 euros
• Mobile phone subscription: 15 euros
• Groceries: 250–300 euros
• Transport: 20 euros
• Hobbies and sport: 40 euros
• Social life: 150 euros
• Study materials (books, printing, …): 25 euros
• Health insurance: 15 euros (may differ depending on country and type of coverage)
• Clothes: 0–50 euros
• Other: 20 euros

Total: 1215–1415 euros per month

Besides the tuition fee, housing will be your main expense as a student in Antwerp. 

Average housing prices in Antwerp

• Shared student room with shared facilities is on average 500 euros per month.
• Studio with private bathroom and kitchenette costs on average 620 euros per month.
• Small apartment costs on average 850 euros per month.
• These prices usually exclude gas, water, electricity and internet.

A student room is called a ‘kot’ in Belgium. Check Antwerp’s student housing service Kotweb for more info about living as a student in Antwerp.

Read more about finding accommodation in Antwerp

Additional housing costs

• Utilities: 50-80 euros per month.
• Rental deposit: 1-2 months’ rent.
• Some landlords charge a small insurance fee.
• Anyone registered in the province of Antwerp will also have to pay a yearly province tax.

Many students in Antwerp take on a small job next to their studies. It’s possible, but not right away.

• You need a Belgian residence permit before you can start working (usually after 2–3 months). Exchange students therefore can’t work during their exchange period.
• Student jobs pay around 10-15 euros per hour, depending on the sector.
• Our advice on student jobs:
  • Don’t work during your first year and give yourself time to settle in. Many students only decide to work once they know their study workload.
  • If you choose to work, weekends and holidays tend to be the safest option. Students who take on too many hours often struggle to keep up, which can also affect residence permit renewals for non-EEA students.

Read the full guide: Working part-time as an international student

You can budget on average 250-300 euros per month for food and groceries. At the Numbeo-website you can get an idea of the cost of basic food products.

Where to shop

• Supermarkets: Lidl, Aldi, Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Delhaize, Colruyt.
• Plenty of affordable bakeries, fruit and veg shops, and international stores.

Budget tips

• Cook for yourself, still the cheapest way to eat well.
• Try Too Good to Go for discounted meals and reduced food waste.
• On most of our campuses, you can get lunch or coffee at student-friendly prices. Campus Zuid and Campus Hoboken even offer a daily lunch for 5,50 euros.

Getting around town is cheap and Antwerp is not that big. It's a walkable and bike-friendly city.

Most common transport options

• Second-hand bike: one-time cost, then free travel.
• City Velo bikes: subscription for occasional use.
• Swapfiets: fixed-price bike subscription.
• Public transport: Get a subscription for De Lijn and you can use the extensive bus and tram network that stretches throughout the whole city.
• For national travel, NMBS has useful student deals.

The Slim naar Antwerpen-website is the one to go to for all things transport and to find your way.

Enjoy doing what you do at a low price:

• Sport and fitness: From basketball to yoga, climbing to…midnight swimming. KdG offers students a sportsticker for 25 euros per year. And you can even reclaim this cost through your health insurance.
• Culture vulture? Antwerp is overflowing with cultural attractions. Amazing art galleries and world-renowned museums. With an A card you can enjoy free access and student discount for many of these venues. You can get your A card for free at Antwerp libraries, museums and the visitor centre.
• Library subscription: The Antwerp libraries also offer English books and e-books. Subscription is free under 25 years. You should pay a visit to the Permeke library for more information.
• And there are always social and cultural events happening on campus for free. Our intranet and social media accounts will keep you engaged so that you can get involved.