Brussels, a capital on a human scale
Living in Brussels means enjoying a European capital that retains a human scale. With 196,828 residents in the municipality proper and 1.2 million in the Region, Brussels offers all the advantages of a major city without the drawbacks of giant metropolises. Cultural diversity is exceptional: 39.4% of residents hold foreign nationality, representing over 180 nationalities.
Check out Brussels property prices to estimate your relocation budget.
Getting around Brussels
Brussels' public transport network is one of the densest in Europe. With a transport score of 86/100, STIB/MIVB serves the entire Region via:
- 4 metro lines connecting the main activity hubs
- 17 tram lines running through residential neighborhoods
- 50 bus routes completing the network
The walkability score of 85/100 confirms that Brussels is a city where you can live car-free. The cycling network has expanded considerably in recent years, with protected bike lanes on major roads.
For trips beyond Brussels, three main stations (Midi, Central, North) offer fast connections to Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, and European capitals.
Schools and education
Brussels scores 74/100 for schools. The capital offers a wide range of institutions:
- French-speaking and Dutch-speaking education — Dual official network
- European schools — 4 institutions for international families
- International schools — British School, International School of Brussels, St John's
- Universities — ULB, VUB, Saint-Louis, KU Leuven Brussels campus
Multilingualism is a major asset for families relocating to Brussels. Language immersion schools are increasingly popular.
Green spaces and leisure
With a green score of 51/100, Brussels faces a challenge in terms of natural spaces. However, several major parks compensate:
- Bois de la Cambre — 123 hectares bordering Ixelles and Uccle
- Sonian Forest — 4,400 hectares of peri-urban woodland, UNESCO listed
- Cinquantenaire Park — Green lung of the European quarter, near Etterbeek
- Brussels Park — 13 hectares in the heart of the Pentagon
- Josaphat Park — Popular green space in Schaerbeek
Cultural life and entertainment
Brussels excels in cultural and gastronomic offerings, reflected in its amenities score of 88/100. The capital offers:
- Over 90 museums (Magritte, Comic Strip, Art & History)
- A rich music scene (Ancienne Belgique, Botanique, Bozar)
- Unique Art Nouveau heritage (Horta, Hankar)
- Diverse gastronomy — from frites to Michelin stars
- Authentic markets (Jeu de Balle, Midi market)
Safety: what you need to know
The crime rate in Brussels is high on paper: 130.6 offences per 1,000 residents, including 64.9 thefts and 10.5 acts of violence. However, these figures must be contextualised:
- Brussels welcomes 350,000 commuters daily and millions of tourists
- Crime is concentrated in specific zones (stations, commercial areas)
- Residential neighborhoods like Uccle or Etterbeek are notably calmer
The choice of neighborhood is therefore decisive for daily quality of life. Municipalities like Saint-Gilles and Forest offer a good balance between vibrancy and tranquility.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Brussels is EUR 23,574 per year. The cost of living is lower than other European capitals such as Paris, London, or Amsterdam, while offering a comparable quality of life. Estimate your housing budget with our mortgage simulator. The main expense categories are:
- Housing: Main expense — price per sqm of EUR 3,961 to buy
- Transport: STIB annual pass at EUR 499/year or EUR 12/month for young people
- Food: Markets and supermarkets at standard European prices
- Leisure: Abundant cultural offerings, often free or inexpensive
Is Brussels a good city for families?
Yes, provided you choose the right neighborhood. Uccle, Etterbeek, and parts of Schaerbeek offer excellent family-friendly environments with schools, parks, and local services. The schools score of 74/100 reflects a solid educational offering.
Is it easy to live car-free in Brussels?
Very easy. The walkability score of 85/100 and the transport score of 86/100 confirm that daily life without a car is quite feasible, especially in the central municipalities.
What is Brussels' main drawback?
The lack of green spaces in the center (score 51/100) and street cleanliness are the most frequent criticisms from residents. Safety in certain zones can also be a concern.