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Aalst, Belgium

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

Follows Belgium Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

69
FIRE
65
Retiree
68
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 67)

Aalst sits in the heart of Flanders, a city of 89 thousand at just 16 m above sea level in the Europe/Brussels timezone. Its temperate oceanic climate brings mild summers that can reach around 31°C, cold winters with lows near -6°C, and humidity that stays high year-round at 79%, with frequent rainfall and overcast skies typical of northern Belgium. Expats tend to settle in the Center area, the small but steady hub of the local international community. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), 24 km away.

Living costs here are moderate by Belgian standards, with a cost of living index of 68/100 against New York City as 100. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre rents for $1,009/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $897/mo. Three-bedroom units run $1,290/mo in the centre and $1,121/mo further out. Utilities average $205/mo, internet $52/mo, and a mobile phone plan $22/mo. A single adult can expect a budget tier total of $1,074/mo including rent, a mid-range tier of $1,724/mo, or a comfortable tier of $2,060/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $1,080/mo, and a family of four about $3,550/mo. Everyday extras include $22 for an inexpensive restaurant meal, $107 for a three-course mid-range meal for two, a $4 cappuccino, and $33/mo for a gym membership. The average local net salary is $2,804/mo, which covers a comfortable single lifestyle with room to save.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 80/100 and a crime index of just 20/100, where lower is safer. Air quality sits at 45 on the index, where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, giving residents confidence in the medical system. Internet speeds average 110 Mbps, supporting remote work and streaming without trouble.

For longer stays, Belgium offers the Long Stay National Visa (D-visa) for retirees and the Belgium Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $765/mo. The overall expat score is 67/100, with a FIRE score of 69/100, a retiree score of 65/100, and a digital nomad score of 68/100. English is common in tourist areas, and the expat community is small, so those seeking a quiet, well-connected base in northern Belgium will find Aalst fits best.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,752/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Aalst on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,752 a month for one adult, with $897 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $237 on groceries, $224 on dining out, $115 on entertainment and lifestyle and $279 on utilities and connectivity.

Rent

$897/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$237/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$224/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$115/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$279/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$855/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $1009.28/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

80
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

20
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Aalst is a genuinely safe Flemish city with low violent crime and a secure, walkable environment suitable for expats. Petty theft and bike theft occur occasionally, particularly in the city center and near the train station—standard precautions apply. The main risks are minor: opportunistic pickpocketing in crowded areas and package theft. No neighborhoods are genuinely dangerous, though the station area warrants normal urban awareness after dark. For an American accustomed to U.S. crime rates, Aalst feels noticeably safer with reliable policing and strong community order. Verdict: A solid, low-risk choice for remote workers or retirees seeking a quiet, authentic Belgian town.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Available

See how Aalst's healthcare compares with Neerpelt

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
31°C
Winter Temp
-6°C
Humidity
79%
Air Quality Index
45
Annual Rainfall
1034 mm

Best Months

JunJulAugSep

Climate Notes

Aalst has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers (around 31°C), cold winters (lows near -6°C), and high humidity year-round (79%), featuring frequent rainfall and overcast skies typical of northern Belgium.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
110 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$52/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
1
Digital Nomad Score
68/100

Community Notes

Aalst blends a rich history with modern amenities catering to digital nomads.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Bar d'OfficeLocated in the heart of Aalst, Bar d'Office offers a vibrant and social coworking environment with a focus on community. It's a good option for expats looking to connect with locals and other remote workers, with flexible membership options and a cafe on-site.
Regus AalstRegus offers a reliable and professional coworking experience in Aalst, with a central location and various office solutions. It's a solid choice for those who prefer a more corporate environment and need access to meeting rooms and administrative support.
Co-Work AvenueLocated near the train station, Co-Work Avenue provides a convenient and modern workspace with a focus on flexibility. It's a good option for digital nomads who need easy access to transportation and a professional environment.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Planning to live in Aalst long-term? Belgium Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Center area
Banks Nearby
18
ATMs Nearby
4

Expat Life Notes

An industrial city between Brussels and Ghent known for its massive carnival and local shopping.

Pros

  • ✓ Excellent rail links
  • ✓ Safe environment
  • ✓ Affordable living

Cons

  • ✗ Lacks international character
  • ✗ Dutch mandatory
  • ✗ Dull outside carnival season

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Aalst

Areas of Aalst that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Centrum

Historic heart, lively, central

Aalst's city center is where you'll find the Grote Markt (main square), shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's very walkable and well-connected by public transport. Expect some noise, especially during events, and potentially higher prices due to its central location.

Mijlbeek

Residential, family-friendly, green spaces

Mijlbeek is a quieter residential area with parks and green spaces, ideal for families or those seeking a more peaceful environment. While less touristy, it's still relatively close to the city center by bus or bike. Knowledge of Dutch is helpful here.

Erembodegem

Suburban, convenient, accessible amenities

Technically a separate municipality but effectively a suburb of Aalst, Erembodegem offers a mix of housing options and good access to shops and services. It's well-connected by public transport and has good road links. Dutch language skills are beneficial for daily life.

Hofstade

Relaxed, lakeside, recreational activities

Located near the Hofstade beach and lake, this area is great for those who enjoy outdoor activities. It's a bit further from the city center, requiring a car or relying on public transport. It offers a more tranquil lifestyle.

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🛂 Visa Options for Belgium

Belgium Self-Employed Professional CardBelgium Digital Nomad Visa

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Aalst

Click any question to expand the answer.

Aalst has a population of approximately 88,854 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,523 per month in Aalst, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1009/month.
The nearest airport to Aalst is BRU, approximately 23.9km away.
Aalst is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Aalst has an average internet speed of 110 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Local jobs exist in logistics and food processing, but they're limited. Most expats work remotely or commute to Brussels (30 minutes by train). If you need employment, Brussels is your realistic option; Aalst is primarily a bedroom town.
Dutch is spoken locally; English works in expat spaces and with younger people, but government offices, healthcare, and daily bureaucracy often require Dutch or a translator. Budget for professional help with residence permits and taxes.
Only if you're remote and value quiet, lower rent, and occasional cultural events. The town itself is unremarkable—no nightlife, limited dining, small expat community. Carnaval is genuinely good, but it's one month a year. Consider Ghent or Antwerp if you want more urban energy.
Generally, Aalst is more affordable than many US cities, especially regarding rent. Expect to pay significantly less for a similar-sized apartment, perhaps €800-€1200 per month, depending on the neighborhood. Groceries and dining out are also generally cheaper, though imported goods can be pricier.
Yes, Aalst has good healthcare, and many doctors speak English. The OLV Ziekenhuis Aalst is a major hospital with English-speaking staff. It's advisable to have health insurance, which you'll need to arrange as part of your residency.
Aalst is generally considered a safe city with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas or during festivals, so be mindful of your belongings. Overall, it's a very safe place to live.
As a US citizen, you'll need a visa to stay longer than 90 days. Options include a long-stay visa (D visa) which can lead to residency. You'll need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working, and you'll need to apply through the Belgian embassy or consulate in the US.
Aalst has reliable and fast internet. You can expect speeds suitable for video conferencing and other remote work tasks. Providers like Proximus and Telenet offer fiber optic connections, ensuring stable and high-speed internet access.
Opening a bank account requires some paperwork, including proof of address and identification. Banks like KBC and Belfius are common choices. Be prepared to provide documentation about your residency status and source of income.
Aalst is very walkable and bike-friendly. The city also has a good public transportation system with buses operated by De Lijn. For longer distances, the train station provides easy access to other cities in Belgium.
While not as large as in Brussels, there's a growing expat community in Aalst, often connected to companies in the region or those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Online groups and social events can help you connect with other expats.
For more affordable options, consider neighborhoods slightly outside the city center, like Erembodegem or Hofstade. These areas offer lower rent while still providing easy access to Aalst's amenities.
Aalst has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild winters and cool summers. Expect rain throughout the year. Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Summers are pleasant, but rarely very hot.
A couple could live comfortably on around €2,000-€2,500 per month, covering rent, utilities, groceries, and some leisure activities. This assumes you own your property outright or have a manageable mortgage. Healthcare costs should also be factored in.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can help you exclude a certain amount of your foreign-earned income from US taxes. Also, be aware of FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements.
Yes, there are a few coworking spaces in and around Aalst, offering flexible workspace solutions. Check out options like Bar d'Office or spaces in nearby business centers. These provide a professional environment and networking opportunities.
Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional bank transfers. Compare rates and fees before sending money. Check if your bank has partnerships with Belgian banks for reduced transfer costs.
Aalst can be a good option for FIRE, offering a lower cost of living than many Western European or US cities. The slower pace of life and access to nature can also contribute to a higher quality of life on a fixed budget. Careful budgeting and investment planning are still essential.

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