Brussels, Prague and Cuenca: Erasmus Students Compare Living Costs Across Europe

Three Erasmus students share their experiences about daily life, rent and social spending

Living abroad as an Erasmus student can be exciting, but also financially challenging depending on the destination. Rent prices, grocery shopping, transportation and social life directly affect students’ daily routines and comfort. To better understand these differences, interviews were conducted with Erasmus students living in Brussels, Prague and Cuenca.

Brussels: Active but Financially Difficult

The Erasmus student living in Brussels described daily life as “challenging” mainly because of high expenses. According to the student, rent prices are the biggest issue in the Belgian capital. Shared student rooms can cost between 600 and 900 euros per month, especially in central districts or areas close to universities.

The student also stated that grocery shopping and eating outside are noticeably expensive compared to other Erasmus destinations. “You constantly think about your budget,” the student said, adding that even coffee shops and restaurants can become difficult to afford regularly.

Despite the high costs, Brussels is still described as socially active and internationally attractive. The city offers multicultural environments, networking opportunities and active student life, although many social activities require a higher budget.

Prague: More Balanced but Not Cheap

The Erasmus student in Prague described the city as more affordable than Brussels, but not as cheap as expected before arrival. According to the student, shared apartments generally cost around 350 to 600 euros depending on the district and housing conditions.

The student explained that grocery prices are moderate, but tourism and nightlife increase monthly spending significantly. Restaurants and cafés in touristic areas are considered expensive for students, especially for those who frequently go out.

However, Prague’s transportation system was highlighted as one of the city’s biggest advantages. The student stated that trams and metro systems are affordable and practical, making daily life easier for Erasmus students.

Cuenca: Affordable and Comfortable Student Life

As an Erasmus student living in Cuenca, daily life is noticeably more affordable compared to Brussels and Prague. Shared apartments generally cost between 200 and 350 euros per month, while grocery shopping and cafés are considered student-friendly in terms of pricing.

Compared to larger European cities, transportation expenses are also lower because many places in Cuenca are within walking distance. Local restaurants and cafés are relatively affordable, allowing students to maintain a more comfortable social life with limited budgets.

Although social life in Cuenca is calmer than Brussels or Prague, the slower lifestyle is seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Instead of expensive nightlife, students spend more time in local cafés, parks and smaller social gatherings.

Different Cities, Different Erasmus Experiences

The interviews show clear differences among the three destinations. Brussels stands out as the most expensive city with strong international opportunities, Prague offers a balance between affordability and active student life, while Cuenca provides the most budget-friendly and relaxed Erasmus experience.

The experiences of these Erasmus students demonstrate that living costs play a major role in shaping student life abroad. Beyond academics, financial conditions directly affect comfort, social activities and the overall Erasmus experience.