EUROCOSTSCOUNTRY COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-07-15
Belgium vs North Macedonia: taxes, salary and cost of living
Belgium and North Macedonia present two different cost profiles: the first question is whether the salary gap compensates for housing and daily expenses.
Belgium vs North Macedonia at a glance
| Indicator | Belgium | North Macedonia |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 21% | 18% |
| Income tax | 25-50% | 10% |
| Social contributions | 13.07% | 27% |
| Tax burden | ~53% | 35.3% |
| Average monthly salary | 4,076 € gross/month | €1,070 |
| Studio rent | €850 | €350 |
| Monthly food estimate | €350 | €220 |
| Gasoline | 1.77 €/L | 1.27 €/L |
| Electricity | 0.32 €/kWh | 0.11 €/kWh |
How far does the local salary go?
The salary records for Belgium and North Macedonia are not directly numeric in both cases. A responsible comparison therefore avoids inventing a salary gap and treats the displayed labels as source notes to verify.
What recurring living costs reveal
North Macedonia has the lower listed studio rent by €500, a 142.9% difference relative to the higher rent. Belgium sits 23 of 37 and North Macedonia 3 of 37 in the available low-to-high rent ranking. North Macedonia also has the lower food estimate, so the housing result is reinforced by groceries.
A simplified salary-minus-rent-and-food remainder cannot be calculated reliably for both Belgium and North Macedonia because at least one component is non-numeric. The interactive calculator should be used only after verifying those inputs.
Tax profile for employees
Tax-burden values include a range or text note for at least one country. The standard VAT comparison—21% in Belgium and 18% in North Macedonia—is more directly comparable, although reduced rates differ by product.
Fuel-price impact
North Macedonia has the lower listed gasoline price by €0.5 per litre. For a driver buying 50 litres a month, that headline difference is about €25 monthly, before insurance, parking and road charges.
The answer depends on your profile
For Belgium and North Macedonia, short stays are influenced heavily by rent and restaurant prices; permanent relocation adds payroll, healthcare and administrative costs. These figures work best as a shortlist, not a final decision model.
Final view: Belgium or North Macedonia?
North Macedonia leads Belgium on more of the comparable numeric indicators used in this Belgium–North Macedonia summary. This is a directional result, not a personal financial recommendation.
Sources and data references
- PwC standard VAT rates
- PwC personal income tax rates
- PwC corporate income tax rates
- EuroCosts data scope and generation process
Explore Belgium comparisons · Explore North Macedonia comparisons