Compare countries · Belgium vs France
Belgium vs France
Belgium(Europe)·
France(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Belgium leads on 7, France on 3, 3 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Belgium
68.6
Worse than 88% of countries
France
67.7
Worse than 85% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Belgium
23.8
Worse than 79% of countries
France
22.3
Worse than 76% of countries
France: 6% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Belgium
1.50
Better than 88% of countries
France
1.89
Better than 63% of countries
Belgium: more peaceful (1.50 vs 1.89).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Belgium
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
France
44.2
Worse than 77% of countries
Belgium: higher perceived safety (50.8 vs 44.2).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Belgium
0.942
Better than 93% of countries
France
0.910
Better than 86% of countries
Belgium: higher human development (0.942 vs 0.910).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Belgium
$74,676
Better than 90% of countries
France
$63,975
Better than 85% of countries
Belgium: 17% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Belgium
82.3 yrs
Better than 86% of countries
France
83.0 yrs
Better than 89% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Belgium
76.4
Better than 88% of countries
France
77.0
Better than 89% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Belgium
140 Mbps
Better than 66% of countries
France
350 Mbps
Better than 98% of countries
France: 150% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Belgium
81/100
Better than 91% of countries
France
77/100
Better than 86% of countries
Belgium: freer press (81 vs 77 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Belgium
6.93
Better than 90% of countries
France
6.59
Better than 76% of countries
Belgium: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.93 vs 6.59).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Belgium
608
Better than 87% of countries
France
539
Better than 65% of countries
Belgium: stronger English proficiency (608 vs 539).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Belgium
86.5
Better than 64% of countries
France
89.6
Better than 73% of countries
France: more pleasant climate rating (89.6 vs 86.5).
Deciding between Belgium and France for real?
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Find your match →Full Belgium profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full France profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.