Cost of Living in the Netherlands: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities/Countries

Are you considering to pursue your further studies in the Netherlands? Then you have reached the right place! Being an international aspirant and seeking education abroad in the Netherlands, you might wonder about the lifestyle in the country. Before relocating to this amazing country for your higher studies you must estimate the average cost of living in the Netherlands to live comfortably there.

However, you do not need to worry about such things because the Netherlands is known for its high standard of living as well as the quality of education. Continue reading the blog to get in-depth information on the cost of living in the Netherlands as well as other related expenses in details. 

Cost of Living in the Netherlands: Overview

The average cost of living in the Netherlands for a single person, excluding housing rent, is about EUR 957 per month, according to Numbeo data. For a one-bedroom apartment, rent can range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000, depending on the location and quality of the accommodation. The overall cost of living in the Netherlands varies based on lifestyle choices, preferred areas, and essential expenses, particularly for students.

Living in the Netherlands involves various costs, including utility bills, rent, transportation, personal expenses, food, and groceries. Below is an overview of the average expenses across different categories for those considering living in this dynamic city:

• Utility Bills (Monthly): Around EUR 226
• Housing Rent (Monthly): Around EUR 1000 to EUR 2000
• Travelling Passes (Monthly): Around EUR 80
• Personal Expenses: Around EUR 255
• Food Expenses (Monthly): Around EUR 480

This information provides an overview of what to expect in terms of living expenses in the Netherlands. Let’s understand them in detail:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Greece: A Comprehensive Guide

Accommodation Cost in the Netherlands

The accommodation cost in the Netherlands completely depends on the student’s preferences and the type of accommodation you are opting for. Before moving to the Netherlands it is essential to carefully research and compare the apartment rent of different areas to ensure whether they meet your needs and budget. Doing a part-time job would help you to manage the accommodation costs in the Netherlands.

If you choose to stay in the hostel dormitory, your cost of living in the Netherlands for students can be lower, however, if you want a private space, your average rent for a room apartment can be around EUR 1,375 per month. The following are rental costs in the Netherlands:

Apartment Type	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
1 bedroom	in the City Centre	EUR 1,375
3 bedrooms	in the City Centre	EUR 2,184
1 bedroom	Outside of Centre	EUR 1,097
3 bedrooms	Outside of Centre	EUR 1,739
Student Housing	—	EUR 340

Talking about student housing, almost 30% of international students live in student accommodation in the Netherlands.

Cost of Food in the Netherlands

The cost of food in the Netherlands varies from city to city. Some big cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam are costlier than small cities such as Groningen and Eindhoven. Besides that, it also depends upon the student’s lifestyle and finances.

The average monthly food expenses for a person in the Netherlands are around EUR 480, according to livingcost data. Netherland’s restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences for food lovers and make dining out an exciting experience for students. Although dining out expenses in the Netherlands may be expensive but can be delightful. Here’s an approx cost of a meal at restaurants in the Netherlands:

Restaurants Food	Approx Cost
Meal in Inexpensive Restaurant	EUR 16
McMeal at McDonalds	EUR 11
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	EUR 2.74
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	EUR 70

Also Read: Cost of Living in Cork, Ireland: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Cost of Transportation in the Netherlands

As a student, you must generally use public transport to save the cost of living in the Netherlands. But the most favourable option is renting a bike. Renting a bike would cost you only EUR 10 to EUR 40 per day. Besides that, you can also purchase a second-hand bike or a new bike if you can afford it. 

Transportation is another important part of the cost of living in the Netherlands for students is the travel expenditure. For your reference, we have given the average transportation cost in the table below so that you can estimate your transportation budget accordingly. Take an overview so that you can hang around the Netherlands area comfortably:

Type of Transport	Approx Charges
Single ticket for the train	EUR 4 – EUR 5
Buses	EUR 2
Trams	EUR 3 – EUR13
Metro train	EUR 1- EUR 3
Cab	Starting from EUR7.5
Ferries	EUR 1 to EUR 2
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	EUR 80
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	EUR 30
Gasoline (1 liter)	EUR1.93

Cost of Utilities in the Netherlands

The Utilities include service charges such as water bills, gas bills, electricity bills, internet bills, etc. The basic monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the Netherlands could be around EUR 293. However, the cost of utility bills in the Netherlands depends on the type of services you prefer to use and the size of the apartment.

However, planning your monthly cost of living in the Netherlands must include the utility expenses as they can affect your overall costs. The table below provides an overview of the average utility expenses in the Netherlands:

Utilities	Approx Expense
Basic bills like electricity, garbage, water, heating, and cooling for 85 m2 Apartment	EUR 226
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)	EUR 40
Monthly plan of mobile phone along with 10 GB data	EUR 22

Also Read: Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison

Miscellaneous Costs in the Netherlands

Apart from accommodation, food, and travel costs, you may need to consider a few miscellaneous expenses while living in the Netherlands, such as gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, and occasional doctor’s appointments. These miscellaneous expenses can add up over time, so it’s important to account for them in your budget.

Living in a foreign land, no student would miss the chance to socialize and hang out with friends, make connections and get entertained. Following are some miscellaneous costs that you must consider if you are planning or studying in the Netherlands:

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	EUR 12.3
Brand Jeans	EUR 74.8
Fitness Club	EUR 32.9
Brand Sneakers	EUR 85.1
Doctor’s visit	EUR 50

Please remember that these expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences.

Cost of Living Comparison: Netherlands vs Other Countries

When comparing the cost of living in the Netherlands to countries around the world, several factors come into play. The Netherlands is renowned for its high living expenses and remains an attractive option for those seeking an amazing and balanced lifestyle.

Understanding the cost of living in the Netherlands and its nearby countries is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or long-term stays. To provide you with a comprehensive idea of how the cost of living in the Netherlands compares to other major cities worldwide such as Germany, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Dubai, the USA, and the UK we have compiled the relevant data. Please take a look for more clarity:

Cost of Living Country Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Netherlands
Cost of Living in Germany	EUR 979 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in South Africa	EUR 560 (excluding rent)	Lower than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in Canada	EUR 980 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in Australia	EUR 1032 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in Ireland	EUR 982 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in Dubai	EUR 1015 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in the USA	EUR 1084 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Netherlands
Cost of Living in the UK	EUR 960 (excluding rent)	Approximately equal to the Netherlands

Cost of Living in the Netherlands: Comparison with Its Cities

As a student, it’s important to research the cost of living in various cities across the Netherlands to determine which one best suits your budget. Here is a list of nearby cities along with their average living expenses for international students:

Cost of Living City Wise	Approx Costs
Cost of Living in Rotterdam	EUR 750 – EUR 1200
Cost of Living in Tilburg	EUR 710 – EUR 1210
Cost of Living in Delft	EUR 775 – EUR 1210
Cost of Living in The Hague	EUR 800 – EUR 1200
Cost of Living in Utrecht	EUR 800 – EUR 1100
Cost of Living in Amsterdam	EUR 800 – EUR1450

Average Cost of Studying in the Netherlands

Along with the average cost of living in the Netherlands, students should know the average tuition fees. The annual cost of studying in the Netherlands is directly tied to the specific course and university you select. Tuition fees may vary across universities and courses.

By understanding the tuition fees for universities in the Netherlands, you can better manage your cost of living. Here is a list of top universities in the Netherlands to give you an idea of your options:

University in the Netherlands	Tuition Fees for 1st Year
University of Amsterdam	EUR 2210 to EUR 5122
Wageningen University & Research	EUR 17480 to EUR 22940
Delft University of Technology	EUR 183.26 to EUR 23960
Leiden University	EUR 2820 to EUR 23600
Utrecht University	EUR 12290 to EUR 40400

Why Choose to Study in the Netherlands?

The education system of the Netherlands is accepted globally. The place is also regarded as lowlands since it is below sea level. The beauty of the Netherlands attracts students from all over the world. Talking about the reason to choose the Netherlands for acquiring higher education, there are two main reasons. 

First, the high-quality education offered by Dutch educational institutions is recognized and appreciated worldwide. Second, the cost of living in the Netherlands is less compared to other English-speaking countries. This fact makes it a better choice for international students. In addition, students would get the chance to grow professionally and they could explore this beautiful country in North-western Europe. 

There are a number of universities and other educational institutions that offer world-class facilities, great student culture, and highly qualified teachers. Due to all these reasons, aspirants must choose the Netherlands for higher education.

Tips to Manage the Cost of Living in the Netherlands

If you wish to manage the expenses while living in the Netherlands, then go through the following tips:

• Get a rented or your own bike to reduce the cost of transportation.
• Cook your own food and avoid eating and paying expensive bills at restaurants. Another best option is to eat in the university cafeteria. 
• Try to live in student accommodation.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Cambodia: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Perth: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Doha: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Taiwan: A Guide on Expected Expenses

FAQs on Cost of Living in the Netherlands

This concludes the information regarding the Cost of Living in the Netherlands. If you have further questions or need assistance with your study abroad journey, reach out at 1800 57 2000 or connect with our team of experts at Leverage Edu. We are here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.