Cost of living in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. As a major European city, understanding the cost of living in Amsterdam is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
The cost of living in Amsterdam can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and personal preferences. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21.07 on average, with a range between $15.8 and $31.61.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $94.83, with prices ranging from $68.49 to $126.44.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13.7, with a range between $11.59 and $15.8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.21 to $8.43, imported beer $5.27 to $8.76, cappuccino $2.11 to $5.27, and Coke/Pepsi $2.11 to $4.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.9 per liter, averaging $1.22.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.11 and $4.21, with an average price of $2.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.69 to $5.67, averaging $4.74.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.58 to $3.16 per kg, while oranges range from $1.69 to $3.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.05 and $2.32 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.04 to $1.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.63 and $4.21, with a monthly pass priced between $77.81 and $151.18.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.95 and $2.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.69, with a cost of $2.53 to $3.12 per km and $31.61 to $58.32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1685.86 to $2739.53, averaging $2136.77.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1475.13 to $2212.69, averaging $1773.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3160.99 to $5268.32, averaging $3638.15.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2212.69 to $3687.82, averaging $2706.16.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $8873.96 to $11590.31, averaging $10096.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $6321.99 to $9482.98, averaging $7361.6.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $191.77 and $429.89, averaging $267.93.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.61 to $63.22, with an average cost of $46.51.
Cost of Living Rankings
Amsterdam ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Netherlands. The cost of living indices for Netherlands are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Netherlands, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Amsterdam's cost of living is relatively high, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Renting in the city centre is notably expensive, and dining out can also add up quickly.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport offering a cost-effective way to navigate the city. However, owning a car can be costly due to high fuel prices.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with other major European cities, but it's important to budget for these expenses.
Conclusion
Living in Amsterdam offers a vibrant lifestyle with access to rich cultural experiences and a high quality of life. However, it comes with a significant cost, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget and explore different neighborhoods to find more affordable housing options. Utilizing public transportation can also help manage living expenses effectively.