Cost of Living in the Netherlands
Due to the high population density, property in the Netherlands is expensive. Most properties are small, particularly in the inner cities. For a small furnished apartment along the canals in Amsterdam, expect to fork out over €2,000 per month, and €7,000 for a luxury flat. In order to find a larger two bedroom place on the city outskirts, anticipate a cost of at least €1400. While the property prices in the Netherlands are high, daily expenses for groceries are low. An expat can expect to pay about €200 per week for two people.
Sales taxes are high, as in every country in Europe, so the cost of living will be higher than in America, for example. This is particularly true of petrol, which is highly taxed. Luckily the low cost of medical services, schooling and public transport more than make up for these deficiencies.
By way of example, here are some sample prices: Internet and TV – €45 per month; meal at a bistro or average restaurant – €10-30; a beer – €2-3; public transport per month – €60; cigarettes – €3; property insurance – €100-300 per year.
