If you're thinking of moving to Amsterdam yourself, you're probably wondering what it's like to live here. local cost of living.
What you can expect to spend varies considerably according to lifestyle.
Some overheads will give you an idea of what to expect.
Let's find out together!
Cost of living in Amsterdam: article summary
Cost of living in Amsterdam: enjoying a home from home
First of all, you have to live somewhere in Amsterdam, and this will surely be your biggest expense. Although accommodation in the city is expensive everywhere, where you choose to live will be a determining factor. in the amount you have to pay for rent.
In general, living in or near the city center will cost more than living on the outskirts. Naturally, the more sought-after the area, the higher the price.
Cost of renting a house in Amsterdam
The vast majority of people moving to Amsterdam will have to opt for private accommodation, which has no price regulation. Landlords are free to set rents at whatever level they see fit.
On average, you can expect to pay :
- 400 € à 1200 € for a room in a shared apartment
- 700 € à 1300 € for a Studio
- 900 € à 2000 € for a 1-bedroom apartment
- 1 200 € à 3 000 € for a 2-bedroom apartment
Bear in mind that rents are constantly rising in Amsterdam, so don't be surprised if the prices you encounter are even higher.
Public services in Amsterdam: how much should you budget?
Of course, you can't do without utility costs. So you'll need to factor in an expense for water, electricity, Internet and gas.
Cost of living in Amsterdam: gas and electricity
There are many utility suppliers to choose from in the Netherlands. Often, getting your gas and electricity from a single supplier will save you money. If you're a tenant, sometimes these costs will be included and covered by your landlord, but don't count on it.
Gas costs around 0.08 euros per kWh in the Netherlands, which is fairly average compared with other countries. However, the cost of electricity is among the most expensive in the world, at around 0.25 euro per kWh. You can expect to pay an average of €120 to €200 a month for gas and electricity combined.
The water
Water in Amsterdam works differently. There are two different ways of calculating your water bill. If you use a water meter, you'll pay a monthly fee per cubic meter of water used, plus an annual fee for the meter. If you disconnect from the meter, your bills should be as follows between €15 and €30 per month.
Monthly Internet costs
The average cost of Internet in the Netherlands is around 32 € for a low-speed connection and 67 € for a high-speed connection. It's common to bundle your Internet with television and telephone services.
Cost of living in Amsterdam: the telephone
Cell phone packages in the Netherlands don't differ much from those in other countries. Monthly costs can be as low as €8 for unlimited calls without Internet, up to about €40 per month for unlimited data.
An average package with up to 10 gigabytes of data and unlimited calls should cost around €20 a month. You may also have to pay an activation fee.
How much does transport cost in Amsterdam?
Visit bike is the cheapest way to get around Amsterdam, and usually the fastest too.
When you take public transport, you can jump into a streetcara bus or a train with several ticketing options.
As far as prices are concerned, you can expect :
- 3,20 € for a one-hour streetcar or bus ticket
- 8,50 € one-day ticket (24 hours)
- 97,50 € Monthly Pass
Cabs in Amsterdam are required to use a meter. They can set their own rates, but the government sets a maximum price. A trip from Schiphol airport to the city center should cost around €50. Travel within the city should be significantly reduced.
Cost of living in Amsterdam: eating and drinking in Amsterdam
If you're planning an evening out, expect to spend a fair amount of money. Prices are not exorbitant compared to many other major cities, but compared to the rest of the country, they are rather high. However, you can find a few places offering good meals at affordable prices.
For drinks, if you're on a budget, it's best to stick to beer or wine. In some establishments, it's even cheaper than a bottle of water!
Living in Amsterdam is a unique experience. However, I advise you to be well prepared. It's possible that the total cost of your expenses is quite high.
