Gent/Ghent, Belgium Hero Image

Gent/Ghent, Belgium

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

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📊 Scores

71
FIRE
72
Retiree
82
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 80)

Ghent sits 8 meters above sea level in Belgium, 20 kilometers from BRU airport, with an oceanic climate that brings mild summers and cool, damp winters. Expats tend to settle in neighborhoods like Patershol and Prinsenhof, where the city's 273 thousand residents create a lively, walkable atmosphere.

Living costs here are reasonable: a one-bedroom in the city centre rents for $1,182/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $893/mo. A three-bedroom in the centre costs $1,811/mo, and outside the centre it is $1,540/mo. For a single adult, the budget tier total including rent is $1,106/mo, the mid-range tier total is $1,733/mo, and the comfortable tier total is $2,290/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $1,110/mo, and a family of four spends $4,001/mo. Utilities run $222/mo, internet $47/mo, and a mobile phone plan $21/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $59/mo, a gym membership $35/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $22 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $112, and a cappuccino is $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $3,584/mo.

Safety is strong, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and the air quality index is 35 (lower is better).

For longer stays, the retirement visa program is the Long Stay National Visa (D-visa), and the digital nomad visa is the Belgium Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $765/mo. With an overall expat score of 80/100, a digital nomad score of 82/100, a FIRE score of 71/100, and a retiree score of 72/100, Ghent suits a wide range of lifestyles. English is widely spoken, the expat community is large and active, and the average internet speed is 95 Mbps.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,827/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Gent/Ghent on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,827 a month for one adult, with $893 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $242 on groceries, $224 on dining out, $119 on entertainment and lifestyle, $290 on utilities and connectivity and $59.00 on transport.

Rent

$893/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$242/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$224/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$119/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$290/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$59.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$934/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 $1182.02/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

85
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

15
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Gent is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a well-policed city center. Petty theft and bike theft are the main concerns—secure belongings and use sturdy locks. Avoid the Sint-Jacobs area late at night and exercise standard urban caution in less-touristy neighborhoods. The city's compact, walkable layout and strong police presence make it comfortable for remote workers and retirees. No significant geopolitical risks. Overall: a solid choice for Americans seeking a secure European base.

🏥 Healthcare

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

See how Gent/Ghent's healthcare compares with Roeselare

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
23°C
Winter Temp
1°C
Humidity
78%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
1033 mm

Best Months

MayJunJulAugSep

Climate Notes

Oceanic climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
95 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$47/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
18
Digital Nomad Score
82/100

Community Notes

A vibrant city with a strong nomad network and excellent facilities.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Bar d'OfficeLocated in the heart of Ghent, Bar d'Office offers a vibrant and social coworking environment with a focus on community. It's a great option for expats looking to connect with other professionals and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Fosbury & Sons GhentFosbury & Sons offers a premium coworking experience with stylish design and high-end amenities. Situated in a renovated historical building, it provides a sophisticated workspace for remote workers seeking a professional environment.
Spaces Ghent Meeting CenterPart of the IWG network, Spaces Ghent Meeting Center provides a reliable and well-equipped coworking space with flexible options. Its central location and professional services make it a convenient choice for digital nomads.
The DeskThe Desk offers a more budget-friendly coworking option in Ghent, without sacrificing essential amenities. It's a good choice for remote workers who prioritize affordability and a functional workspace.

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 Gent/Ghent long-term? Belgium Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally.

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Patershol, Prinsenhof
Banks Nearby
98
ATMs Nearby
29

Expat Life Notes

A stunning student city that is safer and more manageable than Brussels. English is widely used.

Pros

  • ✓ Walkable historic center
  • ✓ Safe

Cons

  • ✗ Rainy
  • ✗ Dutch needed for residency

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Gent/Ghent

Areas of Gent/Ghent 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 (City Center)

Historic, vibrant, touristy, central

The heart of Ghent, packed with historical buildings, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Very walkable, but can be noisy and crowded, especially during tourist season. Expect higher prices and potential tourist traps.

Patershol

Charming, upscale, foodie paradise

A picturesque neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and diverse restaurants. It's a popular spot for dining and nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists. Rent tends to be higher due to its desirability and central location.

Sint-Amandsberg

Residential, quiet, family-friendly

Located just outside the city center, Sint-Amandsberg offers a more residential and peaceful atmosphere. It's popular with families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Good public transport links to the center, but less English spoken.

Muide-Meulestede-Afrikalaan

Up-and-coming, industrial chic, diverse

A revitalizing area with a mix of old industrial buildings and modern developments. It's becoming increasingly popular with younger people and artists. More affordable than the center, but still easily accessible by bike or public transport.

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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 Gent/Ghent

Click any question to expand the answer.

Gent/Ghent has a population of approximately 272,657 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,955 per month in Gent/Ghent, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1182/month.
The nearest airport to Gent/Ghent is BRU, approximately 20.2km away.
Gent/Ghent is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Gent/Ghent has an average internet speed of 95 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Gent is generally safe, with a compact city center that's easy to navigate. Standard urban precautions apply.
Gent is ideal for FIRE seekers and those who value walkability and European charm without the high costs of larger cities.
For long-term stays, Americans typically pursue a 'D' visa, often tied to employment, study, or family reunification. If you're planning to work remotely, explore the professional card option, but be prepared for a detailed application process. Consulting with an immigration lawyer is highly recommended.
Belgium has excellent healthcare. You'll need to register with a mutuelle (health insurance fund). Many doctors in Gent speak English, especially those in larger practices or near the university. Online directories and expat groups are good resources for finding English-speaking medical professionals.
Gent has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild winters and cool summers. Expect frequent rain and overcast skies, especially from October to March. Pack layers and waterproof gear, and be prepared for unpredictable weather year-round.
For more affordable options, consider areas like Brugse Poort or Muide-Meulestede-Afrikalaan, which are a bit further from the city center but still well-connected by public transport. These neighborhoods offer a mix of housing options and a more local feel.
Internet connectivity in Gent is generally excellent. Most apartments and co-working spaces offer high-speed fiber optic connections, easily supporting video calls and large file transfers. Check with your landlord or internet provider for specific speeds in your area.
Yes, Gent has a growing number of coworking spaces catering to freelancers and remote workers. Spaces like Bar Stark, Co-Station, and Fosbury & Sons offer various membership options, from hot desks to private offices, and foster a collaborative work environment.
Gent is very walkable and bike-friendly. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and public transportation, including trams and buses. Consider purchasing a De Lijn pass for unlimited travel within the city.
Gent has a smaller but active expat community. You can connect with other expats through online forums, social media groups, and local events. The International House Gent is a good resource for newcomers.
Groceries in Gent are reasonably priced, similar to other Western European cities. Expect to spend around €50-€75 per week for one person. Eating out can range from €15 for a casual meal to €30+ for a restaurant dinner.
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 income from US taxes. Also, be aware of FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts.
Opening a local bank account is essential for daily transactions. For international transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Be mindful of ATM fees when withdrawing cash.
Retiring comfortably in Gent on $3,000 per month is possible but requires careful budgeting. Rent outside the city center, cook at home frequently, and utilize free activities. Healthcare costs and potential currency fluctuations should also be factored in.
While Dutch is the official language, many people in Gent, especially younger generations, speak English well. You can manage daily life with English, but learning basic Dutch will significantly enhance your experience and integration into the community.
Gent is generally a safe city. However, like any urban area, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas or on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.

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