Cost of living in Gouda

Gouda, a charming city in the Netherlands, is known for its rich history and famous cheese. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Gouda, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

People enjoying the surroundings of Gouda

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.77 on average, with a range between $8.34 and $20.86.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.01, with prices ranging from $41.72 to $104.3.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.47, with a range between $10.43 and $13.14.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $3.13 to $7.51, imported beer $3.65 to $6.78, cappuccino $2.09 to $4.17, and Coke/Pepsi $2.09 to $3.65.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.99 and $1.35 per liter, averaging $1.12.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.93 and $2.29, with an average price of $1.72.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.61 to $5.11, averaging $4.35.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.66 to $2.01 per kg, while oranges range from $1.24 to $3.13 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $1.93 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $1.2 per head.

Transportation

Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.9 and $2.18 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $3.34, with a cost of $2.09 to $2.58 per km and $25.66 to $52.15 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1251.57 to $2085.95, averaging $1668.76.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $709.22 to $1564.46, averaging $1036.02.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2085.95 to $3128.92, averaging $2607.43.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1668.76 to $2607.43, averaging $2138.09.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $5214.86.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $4693.38.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $125.16 and $354.61, averaging $219.78.
InternetInternet services range from $15.64 to $52.15, with an average cost of $40.55.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$18.77

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$73.01

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$11.47

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.16

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.00

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44

Cappuccino (regular)

$3.49

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.12

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.72

Eggs (regular) (12)

$4.35

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.85

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.75

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$6.26

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.36

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$10.43

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.22

Apples (1kg)

$1.75

Oranges (1kg)

$1.76

Potato (1kg)

$1.91

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.09

Rice (white), (1kg)

$2.66

Tomato (1kg)

$3.59

Banana (1kg)

$2.23

Onion (1kg)

$1.79

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$15.63

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.02

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$27,372.81

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.42

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$2.09

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$31.29

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$27,848.61

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,337.51

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.19%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$1,877.35

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$14,601.62

Worldwide

Netherlands

Cost of Living Rankings

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Reasonable

About this index

Gouda Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Gouda offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices for dining and groceries. Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location within the city.
Transportation costs are relatively high, especially for gasoline and taxi services. However, public transport options may offer more affordable alternatives.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Gouda.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gouda presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

While some expenses like transportation and housing in the city centre can be on the higher side, the overall affordability in other areas such as dining and groceries makes it manageable for residents.

Gouda