Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 44.4% to 39.4%.

Moving to Germany? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $75,000 USD equivalent gross salary

🇧🇪 Belgium

Gross€68,807
Income Tax-€21,586
Social-€8,993
Net€38,228
Effective Rate44.4%

🇩🇪 Germany

Gross€68,807
Income Tax-€12,766
Social-€14,322
Net€41,719
Effective Rate39.4%

Net difference: +$3,805/year in Germany.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Belgium = 95, Germany = 93 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.30$5.50
+4%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.50$4.70
+4%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50$5.00
-9%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00$900.00
0%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.49$13.49
0%

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.85$1.80
-3%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.60$3.00
+15%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$95.00$90.00
-5%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €68,807 gross in Belgium ($75,000USD), here's what you need in Germany depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€62,880

You keep the same $41,669/yr net in both countries. Germany taxes 5.2% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€61,556

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Moving to Germany: Practicalities

Visa Openness

60/100

English Level

64/100

Expat Community

18.8%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Belgium to Germany?
The effective tax rate changes from 44.4% in Belgium to 39.4% in Germany. You keep about $3,805.23 more per year in Germany.
Is Germany cheaper to live in than Belgium?
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in Germany to match my lifestyle in Belgium?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Belgium and Germany. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Belgium to Germany?
It depends on your priorities. Financially, Germany is clearly better: lower taxes and lower cost of living.