Belgium vs Germany: Which Country Is Better for Living, Income, Family Life, & Permanent Residency?
People often ask, Which country is better, Belgium or Germany? The truth is that both are excellent in general, which we always hear from our colleagues and circle where we are living, but the truth is there are many things that make them different in many ways, e.g., pay, housing or living cost, taxes, and permanent residency for you and your family, etc.
So in this guide, we will explain to you everything that you need to know if you are planning to move their in 2026 if you are a skilled worker, a family, a couple, or a business individual. So we will mention so facts with numbers based on your research so you can make your decision on the basis of these facts. Let’s start it without wasting your time, which we always think is important, as our purpose is to educate and inform you as much as we can within the few minutes of the time that you spend here on our website.
Cost of Living in 2026: Belgium vs Germany
a) Cost of monthly living in Belgium
Rent: €700–€950
Utilities & Internet: €160–€230
Groceries: €250–€300, but it depends on your spending, of course.
Transport: €50–€70, which includes your monthly traveling tickets in buses, trains, etc.
Health insurance: €30–€50, if you have a family with you, then it will be different. This is for you as an individual who is coming to Belgium alone for the first time.
So the rough sum Total is around €1,260–€1,600.
Author note for you
This is the standard cost that you can consider for a month you but of course, it might be higher or lower, especially when we talk about rent. For example, if you live in Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium, then of course the rent will be higher, but if you live in other small cities, then you pay less for housing per month.
b) Cost of monthly living in Germany in 2026
Rent: €750–€1,050
Utilities & Internet: €220–€280
Groceries: €240–€340
Transport: €70–€90
Health insurance: €180–€250
So the Total rough sum is between €1,500 €1,950
Author key keynote for you
This is the standard cost for those who want to have their house and live with a couple means two people. If you have a big family, then you will have to pay more rent as you need a bigger house compared to a single person or only couple at the same point. However, in Germany, the cost is more than in Belgium, as the living costs in Germany are higher than in Belgium. Although Brussels is expensive too, but not like other cities but in Germany, mostly big cities, e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, etc, are expensive for housing.
While in Belgium you can predict your expenses, especially your bills, but in Germany you feel more tight in your monthly budget, especially when unexpected bills arrive.
Salaries in 2026: Belgium vs Germany
Average Gross Monthly Salaries
Profession | Belgium (€) | Germany (€)
IT / Software Engineer | 4,000–5,500 | 4,500–6,500
Mechanical / Electrical Engineer | 3,500–5,200 | 4,200–6,200
Skilled Trades | 3,200–4,100 | 3,500–4,500
Logistics / Warehouse Supervisor | 2,600–3,500 | 3,000–3,800
Healthcare (Nurse) | 3,200–4,000 | 3,500–4,500
Net Salary After Tax
Belgium: 55–60% of gross
Germany: 58–65% of gross (but you have a higher mandatory insurance that you need to pay)
Author note for you
In Belgium and Germany, this salary after tax is for you as an individual, but if you are a family and have children, then it may be different. However, if we have a fair comparison, then Germany is paying more salaries than Belgium, but you cannot forget the cost of living, which is also higher in Germany compared to Belgium. So important is how much you have in your hand after spending all the cost, so we can say that Germany pays you more, but in Belgium feels you feel more generous because of the benefits that you get from the government.
Rent and Housing-related matters: Belgium vs Germany
a) Belgium Housing is like:
You have Smaller apartments, but you have Easier rental approval.
When it’s about contracts that you make, then in Belgium, you have Shorter contracts common, and most importantly, the housing market is less competitive compared to Germany.
b) German Housing is like:
You will face a Severe housing shortage in the main cities. If you apply through offices, then you have a Long waiting list.
They have Strict documentation, plus you need to a Higher deposits when you rent an important.
Author note for you
When it’s about housing and rent, then we can say this openly that in Germany, finding a home can feel like a second full-time job mean you have to find it’s hard to find a house for yourself. So if you are coming alone to Germany, then you can manage at some level, but if you are planning to bring your family and kids, then you have to be extra careful about house costs and finding a better and affordable place for your family. So it would be better to come alone, find a house, and then bring your family in the future because bringing family or coming with family means you have to have a big amount in your account for not just for rent but also for the deposit, which is common in many country that in generally the deposit is around your monthly rent. While finding a house in Belgium is much easier than in Germany, as they have a shortage of houses due to a large number of foreigners already living there with families.
Taxes Explained Simply (2026): Belgium vs Germany
a) Taxes in Beligum
High income tax (up to 50%) approx
You have many deductions, but on the other hand, you have Child allowances, and their Healthcare is heavily subsidized. So you can benefit from that.
b) Taxes in Germany
In Germany, they have a Progressive tax, which is (up to 45%) less than in Belgium, of course, but they have a Mandatory health insurance that you need to pay for.
While in Germany, you would have Fewer direct family cash benefits.
Author note for you
Although Belgium takes more from your salary, but gives you more benefits back in the for healthcare and family allowance if you have a family and want to move to Belgium. So, for family benefits and allowance, etc, Belgium of course takeover germany. as per our experience and living many years in eruope then we have to admit that you will have to pay a lot of taxes, but when it’s about benefits e.g. medical, family allowance which you can say monthly payment to your kids then its somehow returned to you indirectly. So the point is, they have a great social system where they take taxes but give you more benefits in return. So, at this point, Belgium is giving more benefits than Germany.
Family Life: Belgium vs Germany
a) Belgium for Families
In Belgium, you have monthly child benefits
You will have affordable childcare
They have shorter school hours
The most important thing is they have a Strong work-life balance, which is also crucial if you are family family-oriented person.
b) Germany for Families
No doubt Germany has Excellent education quality
While you kids have to spend a longer time at school, as they have Long school days
You would get Less state financial support, so you will have more pressure on you as a parent.
Author note for you
Although the German job market is bigger and scattered but when it comes to balancing life with kids then Belgium is kinder. In addition to that, we can say that Germany is tougher but structured at some points. However, if you prioritize your family life over work, Belgium is on top then Germany.
Healthcare Experience in Belgium vs Germany
Belgium has an appointment system that is not just simple but also faster. , simpler system
Germany also has Excellent care, but it has longer waiting times.
Author note for you
Both have a good healthcare system in Europe, but if you have family and you need an appointment for your family, then we can say that Belgium gives you an appointment earlier, and you don’t need to wait longer compared to Germany. So we can say that the Belgian healthcare system is better than Germany, especially for those who have a family and kids and need regular visits to the hospital.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship: Belgium vs Germany
a) Belgium PR & citizenship
You get PR after 5 years
Citizenship is also available after 5 years.
They have Flexible integration requirements, so you can easily clear the integration-related tests when you apply for citizenship.
b) Germany PR & citizenship
Just like Belgium and other European countries, Germany offers PR after 5 years.
Citizenship is usually granted after 8 years.
As opposed to believing Germany has a Strong language and integration requirements.
Author note for you
If you have a long-term plan for you and your family, and you also want to get integrated with the culture and system, then we would find Belgium more welcoming to you in the long term. While Germany is strict in their integration model when it comes to pr, and especially when you apply for a passport. So, for the long run and a family person who plans to choose any of them, then Bengal is a more attractive choice.
Social Life and Mental Health: Belgium vs Germany
Last but not least, your social and mental well-being when you live any of them, then we can simply say in two sentences, e.g.
Belgium is a quiet, private, and emotionally balanced country.
While Germany is efficient, distant, and rule-driven, and of course a more cordial country, especially when it’s about foreigners.
Author note for you
When it’s about your social life and mental well-being, then we can fairly say that neither is wrong, but simply choose one that may fit with your personality better. Nothing more to say from us.
Final Decision: Which One Is Better in 2026?
Choose Belgium if:
You want peace and balance
You’re raising a family
You prefer emotional stability
Choose Germany if:
Career growth is your priority.
You can handle pressure either alone or with family.
You only want higher long-term earnings.
Author’s final note for you
Hope this blog post helps you to make your choice of choosing and move to any of these countries. If you still have something on your mind, you are welcome to ask, and we will answer you in the comments box to help our community further.
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Disclaimer: This blog is only for educational and informational purposes, and the in number we provide here is based on our research, which is not official. For exact and up-to-date info, we highly recommend you visit the official source.
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