Ghent, Belgium
The medieval secret of Flanders with a youthful pulse
Cost of Living
$2,200/mo
Internet Speed
90 Mbps
Safety Score
86
Nomad Score
82
Visa Ease
Moderate
Weather
Maritime, 10°C avg
About Ghent
Ghent is often overshadowed by Brussels or Bruges, but it's the real gem of Belgium for nomads. It combines a massive student population, a thriving tech scene, and some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe.
Long-Stay Suitability
How well Ghent supports digital nomads and remote workers planning extended stays of 3+ months.
Healthcare
Quality and affordability of medical care
Expat Community
Size and activity of nomad/expat community
Bureaucracy
Ease of visa and paperwork processes
Climate
Year-round livability and comfort
Cost Stability
Currency and inflation stability
In-Depth Guide to Ghent
Neighborhood Guide
- Patershol - Historic, cobblestone district with the best restaurants and medieval grit
- Sint-Pieters - The university district with lots of energy, bars, and the main station
- Visserij - Quiet residential area along the water with leafy streets
- Gent-Zuid - Modern area with shopping, libraries, and great transport links
- Brugse Poort - Diverse, creative neighborhood with affordable housing and community centers
Coworking Spaces
- Watt Factory - Innovation hub and coworking focusing on smart cities and sustainability
- LikeBirds - Community-driven workspace in an old factory building with a great vibe
- MeetDistrict - High-end professional workspace with top-tier amenities
- Bar d'Office - Flexible coworking network with several locations across Flanders
Local Tips
- The historic center is car-free — walking and biking are the best ways to get around
- Try a 'Cuberdon' (nose-shaped candy) from a street cart in the Groentenmarkt
- The Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten) in July is one of Europe's largest street festivals
- Belgium has the best beer in the world — visit 'Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant'
- Ghent is perfectly located to visit Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels by train (all under 45 mins)
- The city looks magical at night when the historic buildings are illuminated
Visa Information
EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely. Non-EU citizens can apply for a professional card for self-employed foreigners. Schengen rules apply for stays up to 90 days.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Rent
$900-1,500/month for a central apartment
Food
$400-600/month for groceries and Belgian fries/beer
Transport
$50-80/month with a De Lijn pass and bike
Coworking
$150-280/month for a hot desk
Entertainment
$150-300/month for nightlife, cultural heritage, and socializing
Recommended services
Vetted providers that serve Belgium
Tax & Legal
Remote Tribe Tax Consulting
Expert tax consulting for digital nomads by Remote Tribe. Specializing in multi-country tax optimization, residency planning, and compliance for location-independent professionals.
Insurance
SafetyWing
Health insurance built for nomads. Global coverage starting at $45/mo with no commitment. Covers 180+ countries.
Banking
Wise (TransferWise)
Multi-currency account with real exchange rates. Hold 50+ currencies, get local bank details in 10 currencies, and send money internationally at the lowest fees.