Belgium: cost of living

When are wages and benefits indexed in Belgium?

The health index crossed the pivot index of 100.28 (base 2025) in June 2026, so social benefits and civil servants' salaries were indexed in September 2026, according to the Federal Planning Bureau. It forecasts that the next pivot indices, 102.29 and 104.34, will be crossed in November 2026 and April 2027.

Under the 'cent index' rule the 2% indexation applies only to the bracket up to €2,000 gross a month for benefits and up to €4,000 for civil service salaries. Private-sector wages are indexed under the rules of each joint committee. The health index rose 4.00% in the year to September 2026; rents are also indexed to it.

Official sources: Federal Planning Bureau: inflation forecasts and pivot index

What is the poverty rate in Belgium?

16.5% of people in Belgium were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, down from 18.3% in 2024, according to Eurostat EU-SILC data. The at-risk-of-poverty rate alone was 10.9% in 2025.

Both come from Statbel's EU-SILC survey. The at-risk-of-poverty rate counts people with equivalised disposable income below 60% of the national median. The wider measure also includes people facing severe material and social deprivation or living in households with very low work intensity. Survey years refer to income of the previous year.

Official sources: Eurostat: at risk of poverty or social exclusion · Eurostat: at-risk-of-poverty rate

How much is electricity in Belgium?

Households in Belgium paid on average €0.3575 per kWh for electricity in the first half of 2026, including taxes and levies, according to Eurostat. The price was €0.3499 in the second half of 2025.

The figures are for the standard household consumption band of 2,500 to 4,999 kWh a year and cover energy, network charges and taxes. Actual bills depend on the supplier, the contract type and the region, since network tariffs differ between Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. The CREG regulates the market and publishes price studies.

Official sources: Eurostat: electricity prices for household consumers

How fast are prices rising in Belgium?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Belgium was 2.5%, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 9.6%; its low point was 2009, at -0.1%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 3.7%, and Belgium placed 33rd highest of 48. Worldwide: 92nd of 165.

How much do people in Belgium spend?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Belgium was $22,972 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 12th highest of 44 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $11,266. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 15th highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Belgium?

In 2023, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Belgium was 0.1%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% (2021) to 0.3% (2005). It is 25th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. World rank, highest first: 49th of 59.

What is the poverty rate in Belgium?

12.3%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Belgium for 2022, according to the World Bank. Europe & Central Asia median: 17.9%; Belgium is 17th highest of 22. Worldwide: 41st of 52.

How unequal are incomes in Belgium?

In 2023, the Gini index in Belgium was 26.8, according to the World Bank. The peak was 29.3 in 2005 and the low 26.0 in 2020. It is 29th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.5. Worldwide: 52nd of 59.

How many people in Belgium go hungry?

In 2024, moderate or severe food insecurity in Belgium was 9.3%, according to the FAO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2019. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Belgium is 15th highest of 45. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 97th highest.