One of the wealthiest countries in Europe is the Netherlands.
But what if you’re considering moving to the Netherlands?
It’s one of the most common choices for those who are moving from other countries.
Perhaps you’re worried that you won’t find any affordable housing options.
However, don’t get discouraged.
This guide will provide you with some of the cheapest places to live in the Netherlands to help you during your research.
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13 Cheapest Places to Live in The Netherlands
1. Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the first city on the list to be one of the cheapest places to live in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam is an attractive tourist location and a very diverse town.
There are more than 180 nationalities living here.
The cost of living is about $1,414 per month but can be as high as $2,068 per month.
A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,850 per month.
Rotterdam is an ideal place, as it is full of entertainment options and has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Several things to do in Rotterdam include the Rotterdam Zoo, Cube Houses, and Euromast.
2. Den Haag
Den Haag is a small town and is only 25 miles from Rotterdam.
It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in the Netherlands.
Den Haag is a very important city and a major global center.
The International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court are located in Den Haag.
But what about the cost of living?
The average cost of living in the city can be as low as $1,360 per month and as high as $2,013 per month.
Some things to do in Den Haag include Mauritshuis, Escher in the Palace, and Madurodam.
3. Groningen
Next on the list for offering affordability in the Netherlands is Groningen.
Similar to Den Haag, Groningen is extremely cheap.
It’s also an ideal location for those who work remotely.
Overall, Groningen is an easy-going town, situated in the northern region of the country.
The town has a lot of history dating back more than 1000 years.
The cost of living in the city can be as high as $1,306 per month and as high as $1,959 per month, depending on where in the city you live.
Check out these attractions if you decide to make Groningen your home.
The Groningen Museum, Prinsentuin, and Martinitoren have a lot to offer both residents and tourists alike.
4. Amsterdam
Surprisingly, Amsterdam also made the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in the Netherlands.
For those unfamiliar with Amsterdam, it is the perfect location for everything, from nightlife to coffee shops.
Hence, it is one of the most famous cities in Europe.
The average cost of living in Amsterdam ranges from $1,632 to $2,503 a month.
Since it is considered a tourist attraction, you’ll notice that tourists are everywhere throughout the city.
One thing is certain, you’ll never run out of things to do in Amsterdam.
Consider checking out Vondelpark, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, or ARTIS.
5. Utrecht
Also, affordable and located in the Netherlands is Utrecht.
Utrecht is considered the heart of the Netherlands.
It is also a historical town, full of culture and entertainment.
Moreover, residents living here can take advantage of a major train station located in town, giving them easy access to Rotterdam, De Haag, and Amsterdam.
So, what’s the cost of living in the city?
You can count on spending anywhere between $1,469 and $2,231 per month if you decide to make Utrecht your new home.
The city is full of various art galleries, music venues, museums, and theaters.
It’s also a hot spot for young workers and students alike.
6. Tilburg
Tilburg is located in the southern region of the Netherlands.
It is also known for being the second most populated town in North Brabant.
Tilburg also made the list due to its ability to offer affordable living for all.
It is also home to the University of Tilburg.
Tilburg is best known for its 10-day-long funfair, which takes place every July.
The fair is known as Roze Maandag.
The average cost of living in the city can range anywhere from $1,632 to $2,503 per month.
If you’re curious about available attractions in Tilburg, check out Zoo De Oliemeulen, Rail Park Tilburg, and the Textile Museum.
7. Haarlem
Situated just outside of Amsterdam and in the northwestern region of the country, Haarlem.
Haarlem is known for once being a major trading port in the North Sea.
With that being said, you’ll find many gabled homes and cobblestone streets.
About 235,141 people are living in Haarlem.
It’s also extremely affordable, which is why it’s highly worth considering.
The cost of living can range anywhere from $1,632 to $2,503 a month.
What are some things to do in Haarlem, you ask?
Several top sights in the city that are worth a visit are Frans Hals Museum, Jopen, and Windmill De Adriaan.
8. Leiden
Leiden is a town in the Netherlands, situated within the province of South Holland.
Many people know Leiden because of Leiden University, which is the oldest in the country.
It has been around since 1575.
But besides the rich history present in Leiden, it is also known for being an affordable place to live.
The cost of living in Leiden can range anywhere from $1,574 to $2,234 a month.
Leiden is full of many monuments, courtyard gardens, a variety of museums, and much more.
If you’re curious to know all that Leiden has to offer, consider visiting the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the National Museum of Antiquities, and the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave.
9. Breda
Breda is located in the Netherlands and has a population of 185,072 people.
It’s a town that offers affordable living, historic buildings, plenty of green parks, and much more.
The overall cost of living in Breda is between $1,465 and $2,225 per month.
A family of four living in Breda would cost about $3,706 per month, excluding rent.
There are several things to do in Breda, including Holland Casino Breda, Reptile House Earth, Stadspark Valkenberg, and the Stedelijk Museum.
10. Eindhoven
Next on the list is Eindhoven.
It’s an affordable town located in the province of North Brabant.
It’s known for being the largest municipality in the province.
Nearly 246,443 call Eindhoven home.
It’s also the fifth-largest town in the country.
The cost of living in Eindhoven ranges between $1,465 and $2,225 per month.
Typically, a one-bedroom apartment would cost around $1,303 a month, but it can be as much as $1,400 a month.
This is much cheaper compared to Amsterdam.
Notable attractions in Eindhoven are the DAF Museum, the Van Abbemuseum, and Philips Stadium, which is perfect for football fans.
11. Maastricht
Located in the southern region of the Netherlands is Maastricht.
It is also the capital of Limburg, and it made the list because of the high quality of life and affordable living it offers residents.
The town of Maastricht has a rich culture.
About 122,397 people are living in the city.
The cost of living is similar to that of Eindhoven and Breda and ranges between $1,465 and $2,225 a month.
One or two-bedroom apartments may cost anywhere between $977 and $1,628 per month.
You’ll find plenty of things to do around the city, such as the Bonnefanten Museum, Helpoort, Grotten Noord, and the Natural History Museum.
12. Alkmaar
Alkmaar is located in the province of North Holland and is ideal if you are looking for a budget-friendly town in the Netherlands.
The population of Alkmaar is roughly 111,766.
All in all, Alkmaar is well-known for its traditional cheese market.
Alkmaar is referred to as the cheese capital of the Netherlands.
Similar to Rotterdam and Almere, the cost of living in Alkmaar ranges between $1,411 and $2,171 per month.
$1,529 per month is the average rent paid in the city.
Consider visiting the Dutch Cheese Museum, the Beatles Museum, or the AFAS Stadium for some exciting entertainment.
13. Almere
Finally, Almere made the list for offering affordable living in the Netherlands.
Almere has the largest population in Flevoland.
There are about 214,715 residents living in Almere.
Moreover, Almere is considered the eighth-largest town in the Netherlands.
So, what about the cost of living in Almere?
Like other towns on this list, the overall cost of living in Almere ranges between $1,411 and $2,063 per month.
Residents also pay an average of $1,213 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city.
Check out the Almere Jungle, Almere Centrum, or the Van Gogh Museum for some fun around the city.
Netherlands Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Netherlands Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?
The average cost of living in the Netherlands for one person is around $1,922 per month.
This comes out to be around $23,070 per year.
Families on average pay around $4,425 per month to live in the Netherlands.
Is the cost of living in the Netherlands cheaper compared to the U.S.?
The United States is more expensive to live in compared to the Netherlands.
The cost of living in the U.S. is 12% higher than in the Netherlands.
What is the cost of living for students in the Netherlands?
Overall, the monthly cost of living in the Netherlands for a student can range anywhere between $863 and $1,294 per month.
Rooms can range from $431 to $755 per month.
