Cost of living in Ghent

What international PhD students and researchers should know

Ghent is a welcoming and safe university city with an international atmosphere and a high quality of life. The biggest monthly expense is usually rent. With careful planning – such as sharing accommodation, cycling, and cooking at home – you can live comfortably on a reasonable budget. Keep in mind that the first month usually comes with extra costs such as deposit, furniture, and setting up utilities.

Estimated monthly expenses (single person, indicative)

Families should expect higher expenses due to larger housing needs, childcare, and food.

Where does your money go?

More expensive in Ghent

• Housing – especially close to the city centre or in popular student areas.
• Eating out – restaurants and cafés are costly compared to cooking at home.
• Energy costs – heating and electricity can be significant depending on insulation and usage.
• Childcare – childcare in Belgium is partly subsidised by the government, which keeps the daily rates relatively affordable compared to many other Western countries. Fees depend on your household income and the number of children, but you can expect to pay between €10 and €35 per day for a full day of care. However, finding a place can be competitive in Ghent, especially for infants, so it’s important to apply early. UGent has also a several creches located around the campuses.

Cheaper or better value

• Cycling – Ghent is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Belgium. Owning a bike greatly reduces transport costs.
• Commuting by bus or tram or train is covered by UGent if you are a scholarship or contract holder.
• Healthcare – excellent quality and largely reimbursed through your Belgian health insurance (mutualiteit).
• Student and staff discounts – for culture, sports and mobility, using your UGent card.
• Groceries – discount supermarkets such as Colruyt, Aldi or Lidl offer good prices.
• Schooling – is free of cost at public schools and with a maximum bill per child for cultural activities and sport.

Typical Ghent-related expenses

• Rental deposit – usually 1–3 months’ rent.
• Furniture & bicycle – one-time setup costs (€100–€600 for a second-hand bike). It is not common to rent a furnished appartement. So you will have to buy furniture when moving in. Bring a start-up budget (deposit + first month + furniture) when coming to Gent.
• Waste bags & city taxes – Depending on your rental contract, you may need to buy official city waste bags for household rubbish and pay local taxes (for example, a waste collection or residence tax). In some cases, your landlord includes these costs in the rent, but it is best to check this before signing your lease.
• Festivals & events – Ghent offers many free cultural events (e.g. the Gentse Feesten), but food and drinks can add up.
• Utility setup fees – When you sign new contracts for electricity, gas, water or internet, you may be asked to pay an activation fee or an advance deposit. These are one-time costs charged at the start of your contract, and the deposit is usually refunded when you move out or end the contract. Compare energy and internet contracts before signing!

How to manage your budget

There are several practical ways to keep your living costs under control in Ghent. Sharing accommodation is one of the most effective ways to reduce rent. You can also save significantly by comparing supermarkets, planning your meals in advance, and cooking at home. Buying a second-hand bike or using the city’s rental bike system helps you avoid transport expenses. Be mindful of your energy use – take shorter showers, lower the heating, and unplug devices when not in use. Make full use of the discounts available to UGent students and staff for transport, culture, and leisure activities. Finally, register promptly with the city, your health insurance fund, and your bank to avoid administrative delays or unexpected costs.

One-time costs when moving to Ghent

• Rental deposit and first month’s rent
• Moving or shipping expenses
• Basic furniture and bicycle
• Registration fees (city hall)
• Utility deposits or connection fees

Useful links

www.numbeo.com