Move to Amsterdam: What is the Cost of Living?

So, you’ve decided to move abroad and have decided to head to the amazing city Amsterdam. With its beautiful canals, cobblestone streets and a plethora of activities, there’s no wonder it is a great option. But it is important to be aware of the cost of living in Amsterdam before you make the move. The cost of living in Amsterdam largely depends on where in the city you choose to live, as well as your lifestyle. But no matter where you reside, there are certain expenses that cannot be avoided, and certain benefits that apply. Let’s break down the cost of living in Amsterdam for those who are planning a move or are just curious about the cost of living in this beautiful city.

Rent

Rent can be thought of as the cornerstone when it comes to living in Amsterdam and where you choose to live largely plays a role on the cost of your rent. To calculate what you should expect to pay for rent, you should first know what neighbourhoods are most desirable and which are a bit cheaper. The most popular neighbourhoods in Amsterdam include: the Jordaan, the Canal Belt and Indische Buurt. These all offer plenty of charm and character but come with a hefty price tag. A one-bedroom apartment will generally be around €1500 per month. If you are looking for something bigger, two or three bedrooms can range from €1800-4100. As prices go down, depending on your lifestyle and area preference, you can find something closer between €1400-2000 per month. However, if you are looking to save on rent, then you will want to explore the cheaper areas including Noord, Nieuw West and Zuidoost. Prices here range between €800-1300 per month.

Food

When it comes to groceries, on average, you will expect to spend anywhere between €400-600 per month, depending on your lifestyle and diet. The supermarkets around the city can vary in prices so you will want to check out all the stores in your area to have the best chances of finding the best prices. Eating out ranges from €10-25 per person depending on which type of restaurants you choose to frequent. Keep in mind that prices may inflate if you do decide to eat closer to tourist areas or cities with heavier tourism foot traffic.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity and gas range from €100-200 per month, depending on how large your home is; if you’re living in an apartment or a house, that matters. As for internet connection and phone plans, those costs generally range from €20-45 per month for an unlimited plan.

Transportation

Amsterdam is quite accessible via public transportation including its trams, metro and buses. Depending on your location, one can expect to pay anywhere between €35-90 for a four week period which provides unlimited travel within the city. The further outside of the city centre you move, the lower your public transportation costs may become. As for biking –an official Dutch pastime—Amsterdam offers great opportunities to explore the city on two wheels. Second hand bikes start at around €50 while electric bikes range between €1000-2000.

Financial Benefits & Working Expenses

There are great financial benefits associated with living in Amsterdam ranging from student discounts and subsidies for owning your own home to tax deductions for health insurance contributions or simply being a resident in Holland. If you decide to work in Amsterdam, there are certain expenses associated with it that can be claimed through taxes. Depending on your income tax bracket (usually assessed through work) those deductions include pension contributions, childcare costs, medical expenses and much more. Also, with certain professions such as self-employed workers or freelancers, you may be required to purchase specific insurance for yourself and/or for others (such as liability insurance). That would also be covered through tax deductions or through subsidies granted by the government. Overall, living in Amsterdam is an enjoyable experience as its infrastructure serves a wide range of needs and lifestyles both ranging from budget friendly to luxurious. Rent can range from €800-4000 per month depending on your preferences while groceries and food costs around €400-600 per month. With great public transportation options within walking distance of most areas you should expect to spend between €35-90 per month while utlities such as electricity, gas and internet range from €20-250 per month. Finally, financial benefits such as subsidies on housing and tax deductions on medical expenses and pensions make living in this wonderful city an even better experience! If you are planning a move abroad and have questions about how much it would cost to live in Amsterdam or any of the other cities across Europe, then visit EuropeMoves. EuropeMoves was created by expats for expats and offers a thorough breakdown of all the costs associated with living abroad including rent prices, living expenses and even taxes! Plus their team of experts provides personal support so no question goes unanswered!