Living in Antwerp: a portrait
Antwerp is a municipality in Anvers in Flanders, with 544,759 residents spread across 204.5 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Antwerp to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Antwerp is a metropolitan-scale city with a diversified economic fabric and a rich cultural scene. The transport network is extensive, professional opportunities are plentiful, and healthcare and education services are of a high standard. The diversity of neighbourhoods allows everyone to find a suitable living environment, from lively centres to quieter residential areas.
Settling in Flanders
Flanders, the economically dynamic region in northern Belgium, benefits from reduced registration fees of just 3%, a significant fiscal advantage for buyers. The region stands out for its strong economic fabric, quality infrastructure, and robust job market. Flemish culture values quality of life, cycling as a mode of transport, and well-maintained public spaces. The Flemish property market is generally more expensive than Wallonia but offers high liquidity.
Getting around Antwerp
Antwerp scores 69/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 82/100. Public transport access is adequate but could be improved.
Schools and services
The schools score is 82/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 77/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 57/100, Antwerp has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is above average, warranting particular attention, with 102.9 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 3/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Antwerp is EUR 25,903 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 458,652, or EUR 3,276 per sqm.
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Daily life in Antwerp
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 17.7x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (77/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 22.4 % of residents under 17, Antwerp has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 82/100 reflects a quality educational offering. The average household size (3.94 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 22.4 %
- 18-34 years: 24.7 %
- 35-64 years: 36.8 %
- 65+ years: 16.0 %
- Foreign residents: 23.7 %
- Households: 138,255
- Average household size: 3.94
Neighboring municipalities
- Mechelen — 89,313 residents, overall score 77/100
- Turnhout — 47,305 residents, overall score 74/100
- Heist-op-den-Berg — 44,505 residents, overall score 70/100
- Geel — 42,331 residents, overall score 67/100
- Mol — 38,534 residents, overall score 67/100
Is Antwerp a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 82/100 and a green score of 57/100, Antwerp offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.
What is the overall score of Antwerp?
Antwerp has an overall score of 73/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Antwerp?
The median income is EUR 25,903 per year and the median house price is EUR 458,652. The price-to-income ratio of 17.7x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Antwerp?
The transport score is 69/100 and walkability is 82/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.