🇧🇪 Brussels · EUR salary guide

Is €15,000 enough in Brussels?

A full breakdown of whether €15,000/month covers the cost of living in Brussels — including take-home pay after tax, monthly costs, your savings rate, and how long until financial independence.

🚀
Excellent
Strong savings potential. You are on a clear path toward financial independence.
€9,000
Take-home after 40% tax
€2,780
Average monthly costs
€6,220
Left over per month
💡 At a 69% savings rate, you could reach financial independence in approximately 8 years — retiring with a portfolio of €834,000 covering all your Brussels costs indefinitely at a 4% withdrawal rate. Interactive Brokers for ETF investing. Belgium charges a stock exchange tax (TOB) on transactions.

Where your €15,000 goes in Brussels

🏠 Rent
€1,300
🛒 Groceries
€400
🚇 Transport
€50
🍽 Dining
€500
💡 Utilities
€180
📦 Other
€350
Total costs €2,780/month

Key facts about Brussels

EU capital with many international institutions paying high salaries. Very high income tax rate but strong public services and benefits.

Tax situation

Belgium has some of Europe's highest income taxes — effective rate 40-50% for professional salaries.

Best investment accounts

Interactive Brokers for ETF investing. Belgium charges a stock exchange tax (TOB) on transactions.

Your path to financial independence in Brussels

FIRE number for BrusselsBased on average costs of €2780/month, your financial independence number is €834,000 — the portfolio that covers your costs indefinitely at a 4% annual withdrawal.

Compare other salary levels in Brussels

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