Living in Mechelen: a portrait
Mechelen is a municipality in Anvers in Flanders, with 89,313 residents spread across 65.2 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.
Check out property prices in Mechelen to estimate your budget.
Urban profile
Mechelen 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 Mechelen
Mechelen scores 81/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 76/100. The municipality is well-served by public transport.
Schools and services
The schools score is 82/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 89/100.
Green spaces and quality of life
With a green score of 63/100, Mechelen has satisfactory green spaces.
Safety
The crime rate is around the national average, with 77.3 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 8/100.
Cost of living
The median declarable income in Mechelen is EUR 30,566 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 458,776, or EUR 3,277 per sqm.
Estimate your budget with our mortgage simulator.
Daily life in Mechelen
The ratio between the median house price and median income is 15.0x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (89/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.
Family life
With 21.4 % of residents under 17, Mechelen has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 82/100 reflects a quality educational offering. Abundant green spaces (63/100) provide playgrounds and walking areas for children. The average household size (4.91 persons) confirms the presence of many families.
Population profile
- 0-17 years: 21.4 %
- 18-34 years: 23.2 %
- 35-64 years: 37.4 %
- 65+ years: 17.9 %
- Foreign residents: 12.8 %
- Households: 18,208
- Average household size: 4.91
Neighboring municipalities
- 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
- Brasschaat — 38,470 residents, overall score 72/100
Is Mechelen a good municipality for families?
With a schools score of 82/100 and a green score of 63/100, Mechelen is well-suited for families.
What is the overall score of Mechelen?
Mechelen has an overall score of 77/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.
What is the cost of living in Mechelen?
The median income is EUR 30,566 per year and the median house price is EUR 458,776. The price-to-income ratio of 15.0x should be factored into your planning.
What is public transport like in Mechelen?
The transport score is 81/100 and walkability is 76/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.