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Aalst, Belgium
Capital City

Follows Belgium Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,130
Retiree Score
63.3
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
—

Aalst sits on the Dender River, a practical spot for expats who want easy access to Brussels without paying capital city prices. The commute to Brussels is straightforward, but don’t expect a cosmopolitan vibe—this is a working-class Flemish city with a strong local identity. The folkloric feud with Dendermonde is a quirky cultural footnote, but it underscores how deeply rooted traditions are here.

Daily life in Aalst is uncomplicated, though English isn’t as widely spoken as in Brussels. The Molenbeek-Ter Erpenbeek runs through the city, adding some green space, but don’t expect postcard-perfect scenery. Rent is affordable compared to larger Belgian cities, but the trade-off is limited international amenities. This city works best for expats who prioritize affordability and proximity to Brussels over urban excitement.

Can I afford Aalst?

$

Aalst

You could save

870/mo

Savings Rate29%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,050
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,080

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
29/100
Retiree Score
(i)
50/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Belgium Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
0
Healthcare
50
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$23
Meal (Mid-range) $103
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $213
Mobile Plan (mo) $21
Gym (mo) *$34
Cinema Ticket $16

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $630
1BR Outside (mo) *$536
3BR Center (mo) $1,170
3BR Outside (mo) *$782

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Center area
Best For
commuters

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

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1034 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

Waregem, BelgiumLiving in Waregem, Belgium offers affordable rents and small-town calm, but limited amenities. Best for retirees and remote workers who prioritize budget over bForest, BelgiumLiving in Forest, Belgium offers dense urban living with industrial roots. A practical base for Brussels commuters, but lacks expat polish.Sault Ste. Marie, CanadaLiving in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada offers quiet simplicity near Lake Superior. The functional airport and small-town vibe suit those seeking a low-key lifestyleSquamish, CanadaLiving in Squamish, Canada offers outdoor adventure and proximity to Vancouver, but high rents make it a pricey FIRE option despite its natural appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 $2,625 per month in Aalst, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1050/month.

The nearest airport to Aalst is BRU, approximately 31km away.

Aalst is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Aalst is ideal for expats seeking affordable living near Brussels, but it’s not a fit for those craving a cosmopolitan lifestyle or extensive international amenities.

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