Cost of Living in Amsterdam

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Those moving to Amsterdam must consider its relatively high cost of living on a global scale, as well as compared to other Dutch cities. Ranking 30th out of 226 cities in the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Amsterdam is undeniably expensive for locals and expats alike.

Although cheaper than cities such as London, UK and Copenhagen, Denmark, Amsterdam’s cost of living is comparable to that of other European capitals such as Vienna, Austria and Paris, France.

Cost of accommodation in Amsterdam

Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense in Amsterdam. That said, where in the city you choose to live will greatly impact costs, as rent in the city centre can be double or triple that of outlying suburbs, and the same applies to buying property.

Properties outside the centre will most likely be more spacious. While you may lose the benefit of size in the centre, you will be close to attractions. The city centre also exudes much more character and charm. Electricity in Amsterdam is among the priciest in the world, so utilities are also exorbitant in Amsterdam and are not often included in rent.

Cost of transport in Amsterdam

The least expensive and often the quickest way to get around the Dutch capital is by bicycle. That said, the city gets plenty of rain throughout the year, so this may not always be an option. In that case, there are trams, buses, trains, and taxis.

While taxis are the priciest transport option, ride-hailing apps such as Uber can be cheaper than traditional metered taxis. Public transport is more affordable, but it is still not cheap. Getting an OV Chipkaart, on which travel credit can be loaded, can cost more than half the price of a trip, so we recommend purchasing a card to reduce your travel expenses.

Cost of groceries in Amsterdam

Although shopping at local markets and choosing shop brands in supermarkets can help reduce expenses, the cost of groceries in Amsterdam may seem somewhat steep to newcomers. Supermarkets in the city offer a range of products from budget-friendly to gourmet, allowing you to adjust your grocery shopping to suit your budget.

Comparatively, the price of groceries in Amsterdam is moderately higher than in other Dutch cities, but noticeably lower than in London, UK or Paris, France.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Amsterdam

As a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, Amsterdam provides an abundance of entertainment options which can come with a relatively high price tag. Eating out varies considerably depending on the venue, with a simple meal at a casual restaurant being quite reasonable. At the same time, a fine dining experience at a high-end establishment could be quite costly.

Similarly, the cost of a night out can range widely, from reasonably priced theatre tickets to costlier concert events. Overall, the cost of entertainment and dining out in Amsterdam is slightly above the European average but less than cities like London, UK or Copenhagen, Denmark.

Cost of education and schools in Amsterdam

The government subsidies local Dutch schools, making them mostly free, apart from small yearly contributions towards school trips or activities. While most of these schools teach in Dutch, you can usually find a bilingual public school that teaches an international curriculum in Amsterdam.

The fees for private and international schools in Amsterdam can be excessive, so if you want to send your children to one of these schools, you should attempt to negotiate this into your employment contract. Although international schools are pricey, they often offer an excellent standard of teaching, a wider slate of extracurriculars, and exceptional and modern facilities.

Cost of healthcare in Amsterdam

Healthcare in Amsterdam is of a high standard, but health insurance is mandatory for anyone living in the Netherlands. Insurance premiums, while regulated by the government, can be expensive and vary depending on the level of coverage chosen.

If you’re from a European Union country, you should note that your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can cover you for necessary treatments on a short-term basis. For longer stays, you must invest in Dutch health insurance. The cost of healthcare, while not as high as in countries such as the United States, is still a significant factor to consider when planning a move to Amsterdam.