Have you ever felt like your hometown was holding you back, like the life you dreamed of was just out of reach? At 24, I found myself craving something different—a life where I could stretch my dollars further, ditch the car, and soak in a culture that felt vibrant and alive. That’s when I packed two bags and moved from rural California to Leuven, Belgium, a charming city where I now live on just $1,132 a month. Let me take you through my journey of building a fulfilling expat life, balancing adventure, education, and a budget that doesn’t break the bank.
Why I Left the U.S. for a New Life Abroad
Growing up in a small, conservative town in California, travel wasn’t exactly a hot topic. Most folks stayed close to home, and passports were rare. I didn’t even venture far until I headed to college two hours away. That move cracked open a world of possibilities, but it was studying abroad in Copenhagen during my sophomore year that changed everything. I was hooked on the idea of a life beyond the U.S.
Back in California, I faced steep rent—$1,340 a month for a shared apartment—and a nagging sense that I wasn’t getting enough bang for my buck. The cost of education didn’t help either. Even with financial aid, I was shelling out way more than I felt the experience was worth, especially when classes got canceled for weeks. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be a better way.
Life in the U.S. felt like a race against a ticking clock—work, buy a house, settle down. I wanted to slow down and actually live.
– My own reflection after moving abroad
Europe called to me with its walkable cities, affordable education, and a slower pace of life. I didn’t just want to visit—I wanted to build a life there. Belgium, with its central location and budget-friendly vibe, became my target.
Choosing Leuven: A City Built for Simplicity
Leuven, a university town in Belgium, stole my heart. It’s what urban planners call a 15-minute city, where everything you need—groceries, healthcare, cafes—is within a short walk or bike ride. Cars are banned in the city center, and biking is the way to go. For someone who hated driving in California, this was a dream come true.
I enrolled in a master’s program at KU Leuven, one of Belgium’s top universities. The tuition? Just $4,310 a year—a fraction of what I’d paid in the U.S. Plus, the program came with a search permit, allowing me to stay in Belgium for a year after graduation to work or study further. It was the perfect pathway to residency.
- Affordable tuition: $4,310/year compared to $44,000+ in the U.S.
- Search permit: A year to work or study post-graduation.
- Bike-friendly: No car, no problem—Leuven is built for cyclists.
I arrived with two suitcases and a backpack, ready to dive into this new chapter. My first home was a four-bedroom house shared with three others, costing me just $567 a month. Compared to my California rent, it felt like a steal.
Breaking Down My $1,132 Monthly Budget
Living on a tight budget in Belgium is not only possible—it’s surprisingly comfortable. After graduating, I moved to a place just outside Leuven, where my rent, including utilities, dropped to $475 a month. Some toiletries and food are even thrown in, which is a nice bonus. Here’s how my monthly expenses shake out:
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
| Rent (including utilities) | $475 |
| Groceries | $267 |
| Eating out | $174 |
| Health insurance & medical | $12 |
| Transit | $54 |
| Gym membership | $57 |
| Wellness (e.g., yoga classes) | $34 |
| Visa fees | $23 |
| Clothing | $23 |
| Subscriptions (e.g., streaming) | $11 |
| Total | $1,132 |
This budget lets me live comfortably while still enjoying life. I can grab a coffee at a cozy cafe, hit the gym, and even travel to nearby countries without breaking the bank. Speaking of travel, Belgium’s location is a game-changer—France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are just a train ride away.
Navigating the Social Scene as an Expat
Moving to a new country solo can feel daunting. I’ll be honest—those first few weeks in Leuven were lonely. I didn’t know a soul, and building a community from scratch was intimidating. But I threw myself into it, joining student groups, attending local events, and even striking up conversations at cafes.
Connection doesn’t happen by accident. You have to put yourself out there, even when it feels awkward.
– A lesson I learned the hard way
Over time, I built a tight-knit group of friends from all over the world. We’d bike to festivals, explore nearby cities, or just hang out at a local pub. Leuven’s vibrant student culture made it easier—there’s always something going on, from art exhibits to music festivals like Tomorrowland, which I attended with friends.
Work-Life Balance: A European Revelation
One of the biggest shifts I noticed in Belgium is the emphasis on work-life balance. In the U.S., I felt this constant pressure to hustle—get a job, climb the ladder, buy a house. Here, life moves at a gentler pace. People prioritize time with friends, family, and hobbies, and it’s refreshing.
I work part-time while exploring my next steps, which might include a second master’s degree or a traineeship in Brussels. The flexibility of my search permit gives me room to breathe and plan without the stress of immediate deadlines. It’s a stark contrast to the “go-go-go” mentality I left behind.
- Prioritize downtime: Belgians value evenings and weekends for relaxation.
- Flexible work culture: Part-time jobs are common and respected.
- Community focus: Social bonds are as important as career goals.
This balance has made me happier than I ever was in California. I’ve learned to savor small moments—like biking through Leuven’s cobblestone streets or sharing a meal with friends—without feeling like I’m falling behind.
Traveling Europe on a Budget
One of the perks of living in Belgium is how easy it is to travel. Since moving here, I’ve visited 20 countries, from Italy’s sun-soaked coast to Switzerland’s alpine trails. Train tickets are affordable, and budget airlines make weekend trips a breeze. My family even joined me for a trip to Tuscany, which was a highlight of my time abroad.
Traveling on a budget takes some planning, but it’s doable. I stick to hostels, cook my own meals when possible, and focus on free activities like hiking or exploring historic sites. It’s amazing how much you can see without spending a fortune.
The Challenges of Expat Life
Don’t get me wrong—moving abroad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Cultural shock hit me hard when I first arrived. Simple things like navigating bureaucracy or understanding local customs felt overwhelming. And while I love Leuven’s slower pace, it took time to adjust to a culture that prioritizes community over individual hustle.
Language was another hurdle. While most Belgians speak English, learning some Dutch has helped me feel more at home. I’m still working on it, but every new phrase feels like a small victory.
Adapting to a new culture is like learning to dance—you’ll step on some toes, but you’ll find your rhythm eventually.
– My take on cultural adaptation
Despite the challenges, the rewards far outweigh the struggles. I’ve grown in ways I never could have back home, from gaining confidence to embracing a more open-minded worldview.
What’s Next for My Expat Journey?
With seven months left on my search permit, I’m weighing my options. A second master’s degree could keep me in Belgium, or I might explore opportunities in Brussels or even Portugal. One thing’s for sure—I’m not ready to return to the U.S. just yet.
Living abroad has taught me to take life one step at a time. I’ve traded the pressure of a “perfect” career path for a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. Maybe it’s the Belgian air, but I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the journey.
If you’re dreaming of a life abroad, my advice is simple: take the leap. It won’t be easy, but it might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Have you ever considered moving to another country? What’s holding you back?
