The land of bicycles, channels, windmills and tulips. The Netherlands has a high quality of life, healthy work-life balance, and well-maintained infrastructure. Locals welcome people from all around the world and are known as the best non-native English speakers in the world.
If you're planning to relocate to the Netherlands, you'll find a plethora of cities to choose from. Familiarize yourself with some of the top destinations to make an informed decision. When contemplating a move to the Netherlands, Amsterdam often springs to mind as the initial choice. While Amsterdam is undeniably among the best cities for expatriates, there are numerous other remarkable locations in the country that merit consideration. Given its compact size, exceptional public transportation connections, and well-developed road networks, it's common for residents to reside in one city while commuting to work in another.
Prior to determining your ideal living location, it's beneficial to contemplate your lifestyle and prioritize factors such as the cost of living, availability of relevant job opportunities, and access to essential amenities like schools.
There are plenty of options to consider for the right place for you to live in the Netherlands. Below there are some best cities to live in netherlands among expats so you can choose the one that fits you the most.
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It's known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, world-famous museums, and vibrant nightlife. Amsterdam has a diverse community of people from all over the world. It's a hub for international businesses and startups, with a thriving creative scene and a laid-back atmosphere.
There are seven districts in Amsterdam, each with its own distinctive qualities. If you enjoy the convenience of living in the center, Centrum is a good bet, as are some parts of West, Oost, and Zuid. However, you can expect to pay high prices and face stiff competition for housing in these areas. In fact, Amsterdam is currently the most expensive city in Europe for renting, according to the 2023 International Rent Index. Areas slightly further away from the city center, such as Nieuwe-West, Zuid-Oost, and Noord, sometimes have more affordable housing.
Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: 3,256.50€ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs: 935.30€ without rent.
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,644.12€ / 1,433.51€
- Rent 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 2,682.47€ / 2,005.01€
People like it here:
✅ Culture and Architecture
✅ Plenty of coworking spaces
✅ One of the fastest internet speeds in the world
What can disturb:
❌ Most expansive city in Europe
❌ Tourist crowds
❌ Small living spaces
2. Rotterdam
The modern skyline of this city was shaped after the Germans destroyed the city in World War II. Rotterdam is home to many international companies and is the largest seaport in Europe. Workers from all over the world find career prospects here. Rotterdam also has a rich culture and nightlife, with numerous museums, festivals and events.
Expats residing in the city have commended the public transportation system, although they have expressed dissatisfaction with the unpredictable weather.
Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: 3,053.20€ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs: 879.30€ without rent.
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,290.72€ / 985.27€
- Rent 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,842.04€ / 1,461.52€
People like it here:
✅ Rich cultural scene
✅ Job opportunities
✅ Lots of coworking spaces and startup communities
What can disturb:
❌ Higher crime rates in some districts
❌ Industrial look
❌ Noise pollution
3. The Hague
The Hague is a home for the Dutch royal family, government, and many embassies. It is also home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and various other important international organisations.
With a mix of international companies and local businesses, there are lots of career possibilities. The Hague also maintains a small-town charm with its traditional Dutch houses, quaint shops, and restaurants. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy with its parks, forests, and sandy beaches, so you can consider this place as one of the best to live in the netherlands with family and the cheapest city to live because of lower rental rates.
Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: 2,871.20€ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs: 829.90€ without rent.
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,066.36€ / 855.64€
- Rent 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,707.26€ / 1,381.09€
People like it here:
✅ Excellent public transportation
✅ Nature and beaches
✅ Lower rental rates
What can disturb:
❌ Fewer coworking spaces
❌ Traffic congestions in rush hours
❌ Limited Nightlife
4. Utrecht
Just a 20-minute journey from Amsterdam, Utrecht is a remarkable and picturesque city with its own distinctive charm and a delightful ambiance. A hidden gem of the Netherlands, it is a vibrant and lively city with a rich cultural heritage. This city is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, charming canals, and unique wharf cellar cafés. It's also the educational hub of the Netherlands, with one of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities. The city offers a perfect balance of a relaxed atmosphere and a bustling city.
Cost of living, according to Numbeo.com:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: 3,482.50€ without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs: 1,003.20€ without rent.
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,341.67€ / 1,063.16€
- Rent 3-bedroom apartment in/outside city Centre: 1,962.67€ / 1,677.50€
People like it here:
✅ Quiet city
✅ Vibrant community
✅ Central location
What can disturb:
❌ Limited outdoor activities
❌ Limited job opportunities
❌ Dutch language skill may be useful
Bonus: Baarle-Nassau
A small town on the border with Belgium has 22 small exclaves of that country in it. Its map looks like a patchwork of small pieces of land. So, the visitors can easily cross back and forth between the two countries. It is easy to know which country you are in, thanks to the flags on houses and border marks on the roads. It's a perfect place for travel lovers who cannot live a single day without changing a country!
People like it here:
✅ Everyday travel
What can disturb:
❌ Small village far from big cities
The Netherlands is a center of innovation, benefiting from its strategic location and attracting numerous international companies to establish their European headquarters. While Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are renowned as top cities for employment, there are other Dutch cities that are equally appealing and provide abundant career opportunities, including Arnhem and Wageningen.
Some useful links
How to get Start-up visa
Discover events and activities
Realty websites:
Handy apps and services:
- 9292 for public transport
NS for trains - snappCar for country-wide car rentals
- Buienradar for accurate rain forecasts
Expat communities:
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