
Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jan 16, 2025
The Netherlands is known for its high-quality lifestyle, but living there comes with a price. On average, the cost of living in Netherlands for a single person is around 1,500 to 2,500 EURO per month, while families may need 4,000 to 5,000 EURO monthly. On the other hand, students spend an average of 800 to 1,100 EURO a month.
Housing is usually the biggest expense, costing about 972 EURO a month, including rent and utilities. However, university accommodation can be a good option for students, with an average rent of 400-500 EURO/ month. Other costs like groceries, transportation, healthcare, and leisure also add up, depending on your lifestyle and location. On average, the living expenses in the Netherlands for these sums up to around 150 to 250 EURO per month.
Average Monthly Living Expenses in Netherlands
Living expenses in the Netherlands include costs for essentials such as food, transportation, housing, books, clothing, and leisure activities. Here, we have included a breakdown of the average cost of living in Netherlands per month.
Expense Type | Costs in EURO |
---|---|
Accommodation | 350-1,000 |
Utilities | 300 |
Grocery and Markets | 170 |
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | 80 |
Meal (student-friendly restaurant) | 18 |
Transportation | 80 |
Accommodation Cost in Netherlands
A typical room in the Netherlands costs 450 to 700 EURO per month, depending on the city, rental inclusions, and institutional arrangements. For instance, Amsterdam is pricier than smaller cities like Enschede. In Amsterdam, the monthly rent of a 1-bedroom apartment near the city center is 2,018 EURO, while in Enschede, it is 1,237 EURO. Check out the monthly average rental expenses in Netherlands from the table below:
Apartment Type | Rent Per Month in EURO |
---|---|
1 bedroom in City Centre | 1,396 |
3 bedrooms in City Center | 2,190 |
1 bedroom Outside City Center | 1,120 |
3 bedrooms Outside City Center | 1,745 |
Cost of Groceries and Markets in Netherlands
Dining outside in Netherlands costs around 18-80 EURO/ meal, depending on the restaurant type and number of people. Try to cook your food to save money. Students can save on food by opting to stay in university accommodations, as rent and food are combined there.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Regular 1 liter Milk | 1.10 EURO |
500gm White Bread | 1.77 EURO |
1 kg Rice | 2.77 EURO |
1 dozen Eggs | 4.20 EURO |
1 kg Local Cheese | 11.95 EURO |
1 kg Chicken Fillets | 14.12 EURO |
1 kg Red Meat | 15 EURO |
1 kg Apple | 1.84 EURO |
1 kg Banana | 2.17 EURO |
1 kg Orange | 1.69 EURO |
1 kg Tomato | 3.37 EURO |
1 kg Potato | 1.84 EURO |
1 kg Onion | 1.82 EURO |
1 head of Lettuce | 1.08 EURO |
Transportation Costs in Netherlands
You can easily travel around by bike, which is cheap and very common in the Netherlands. Bus tickets cost about 3 EURO for one ride. For trains, you can get a card that gives 40% off during non-busy hours.
Type | Cost |
---|---|
One way ticket | 3.20 EURO |
Monthly pass | 80 EURO |
Taxi start | 3.60 EURO |
Taxi (1 kilometer) | 2.40 EURO |
Taxi (1 hour waiting) | 26.45 EURO |
Utility Cost in Netherlands
Utilities are required by every household and consist of services like Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and Garbage. Check out the Netherlands living cost per month for utilities mentioned below:
- Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage: 227.09 EURO for an 80m2 apartment.
- Mobile Phone: A monthly plan of 22.15 EURO with calls and 10GB+ data
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): 41.73 EURO
Clothing and Leisure Cost in Netherlands
This is a subjective expense and depends on one another. Here is a list:
Item | Cost |
---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 81.76 EURO |
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M) | 34.52 EURO |
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 91.09 EURO |
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 112 EURO |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 36.41 EURO |
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20.27 EURO |
Cinema, International Release | 13.50 EURO |
Tip to Manage Living Expenses in Netherlands
Here are some of the tips you can consider the save your living expenses for Netherlands.
Rent
Housing is often the largest expense for international students. When renting, check if the apartment is furnished or unfurnished and account for utility costs. Shared apartments or student housing typically cost €400–€600 per month.
Transportation
Public transport is convenient in the Netherlands. A one-hour ticket in Amsterdam costs €3.20, while a day pass is €8.50. To save money, get a public transport card for €7.50, allowing access to all transport modes and offering discounts outside peak hours.
Groceries
Groceries are another significant expense. To save, shop at farmer’s markets or discount supermarkets. If cooking isn't an option, university cafeterias offer affordable meals for €5–€8.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on your background, financial needs, and academic performance. These scholarships, offered by both the government and universities, can significantly reduce living costs.
Student ID Card
Your university ID card can help you save on museum tickets, restaurant bills, and more. Additionally, part-time jobs or internships can help manage your expenses while gaining valuable experience.
The cost of living in the Netherlands ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 EUR for singles, 4,000 to 5,000 EUR for families, and 800 to 1,100 EUR for students. Housing is the biggest expense (450-1,396 EUR), followed by utilities (227 EUR). Other costs like transportation, groceries, and leisure total around 170-250 EUR monthly. To save, opt for shared housing, use transport cards, shop at discount stores, and explore scholarships.
FAQs
Ques: Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands?
Ans: Yes, living in the Netherlands can be expensive, especially in cities like Amsterdam. However, costs can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle choices.
Ques: How much money do you need to live comfortably in the Netherlands?
Ans: For a comfortable lifestyle, a single person typically needs 1,500 to 2,500 EUR per month, while families may need 4,000 to 5,000 EUR.
Ques: Is it cheaper to live in the UK or Netherlands?
Ans: Generally, the Netherlands can be slightly cheaper than the UK, especially when it comes to accommodation and transportation. However, both countries have high living costs in major cities.
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