Cost Comparison 2025

EdmontonvsBrussels

Canada
Belgium

Overall

💰

+5.9%

Edmonton is 5.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

-11.1%

Housing is 11.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

+7.1%

Restaurants 7.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-10.3%

Food shopping 10.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Edmonton, Canada and Brussels, Belgium reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Edmonton is more expensive than Brussels by approximately 5.9%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Edmonton are higher than in Brussels by 13%. A one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton's city center costs around CA$1,400, while the same in Brussels is approximately €1,200.

Dining out in Edmonton costs about the same compared to Brussels. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$18 in Edmonton versus €16 in Brussels.

Public transportation in Edmonton is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$100 compared to €53 in Brussels.

Grocery shopping in Edmonton is more expensive by approximately 11%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Edmonton can expect to spend approximately CA$695 per month (excluding rent), while in Brussels, the same lifestyle would cost around €544. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,431 monthly in Edmonton versus €1,905 in Brussels. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Edmonton, Canada
Brussels, Belgium

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$1,400
€1,200
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,100
€900
3BR City Center
CA$2,400
€2,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$18
€16
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$80
€70
Cappuccino
CA$5
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$6
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
€1
Bread (500g)
CA$3
€2
Eggs (12)
CA$4
€3
Cheese (1kg)
CA$14
€12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$4
€3
Monthly Pass
CA$100
€53
Taxi Start
CA$4
€3
Gasoline (1L)
CA$1
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$200
€180
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$75
€45
Mobile Minute
CA$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edmonton to Brussels, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Brussels to Edmonton requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Brussels

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edmonton more expensive than Brussels?

Yes, Edmonton is approximately 5.9% more expensive than Brussels overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Edmonton compared to Brussels?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Brussels salary when living in Edmonton. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Brussels, you'd need about $52,941 in Edmonton for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Edmonton and Brussels?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 13%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Brussels provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Edmonton if you prioritize earning potential, or Brussels for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Edmonton vs Brussels?

In Edmonton, a single person needs approximately CA$1,795 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$4,331. In Brussels, these figures are €1,444 for singles and €3,505 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Edmonton and Brussels in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Brussels to maintain your lifestyle from Edmonton

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers