How does Belgium compare to the US?

Belgium offers a lower cost of living but significantly higher taxes compared to the US, impacting your net life value. Your cost of living in Belgium is about 5% lower than in the US. This means things like groceries, utilities, and rent are generally more affordable. However, this saving is largely offset by a much higher tax burden. The average tax rate in Belgium is around 44.4%, a stark contrast to the US average of approximately 22%. This difference in taxation drastically reduces your take-home pay, even with the lower cost of living. For quality of life, Belgium scores 6.2/10, slightly below the US score of 6.8/10. When considering a move, focus on how much you'll actually keep from your income after taxes and how that impacts your lifestyle in Belgium.