The Netherlands is one of the world's most developed countries with a high standard of living, education and healthcare. In a survey on the cost of living in 2024, conducted by the international research centre Mercer, Amsterdam was ranked 30th. Living in the Dutch capital is more expensive than in Berlin and Brussels, but cheaper than in Paris and London.

The Dutch authorities have unveiled an updated programme that provides for significant changes in the field of migration. You can read more about what awaits refugees in the country here.

The cost of renting a house in the Netherlands

You will spend most of your budget on renting a house. Apartment prices in the Netherlands have risen over the past few years and, as a result, finding affordable accommodation in the main Dutch cities can be a challenge.

The highest rental prices are in Amsterdam and The Hague. Living in smaller cities will be much cheaper. Logistics won't be a problem, as the Netherlands is a small country and you can get to the nearest big city in 20-30 minutes at most.

In small towns such as Enschede, Tilburg, Almere and Nijmegen, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between 800 and 1,100 euros. Two-bedroom apartments in these towns can be rented for €1,000 to €1,400 per month. It is important to note that these prices are for furnished apartments in satisfactory condition.

Significantly higher prices are observed in the country's major cities. In Amsterdam, which traditionally leads the way in terms of rental costs, prices for one-bedroom apartments start at €1,400 and can reach €2,000 per month. Two-bedroom apartments in the capital cost between EUR 1,800 and EUR 2,200. In Rotterdam and The Hague, prices are somewhat lower: one-bedroom apartments can be rented for €1,200-1,600, and two-bedroom apartments for €1,500-1,900 per month.

As for utilities, their cost in 2024 depends heavily on the size of the apartment and the number of residents. The average utility bill for a one-bedroom apartment is €150-200 per month. This includes heating, electricity, water and garbage collection. For two-bedroom apartments, this amount increases to 180-250 euros. Additionally, you should take into account the cost of internet and television, which is about 40-60 euros per month.

It is worth noting that in most cases, tenants have to conclude contracts with utility providers on their own. Another important factor is that many landlords require a security deposit of 1-2 months' rent at the time of signing the contract.

You can find out what a foreigner needs to be employed in the Netherlands in 2024 here.

How to rent an apartment in the Netherlands?

The most popular websites for finding accommodation for rent in the Netherlands:

- Funda.nl;

- Pararius.com;

- IAmExpat.nl;

- HuurWoningen.nl.

For a successful move and avoidance of troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine portal provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Food prices in the Netherlands

In 2024, the following food prices are observed in the Netherlands: a litre of milk - 1.25-1.50 euros, a dozen eggs - 3.5-4 euros, a kilogram of chicken fillet - 8-10 euros, a loaf of bread - 2.2-3 euros, a kilogram of rice - 2.5-3.5 euros, a kilogram of potatoes - 1.5-2 euros. Fresh fruit and vegetables also make up a significant part of the grocery basket: a kilo of tomatoes costs 2.5-3.5 euros, a kilo of apples 2-3 euros, and a kilo of bananas 1.8-2.2 euros. Cheese, which is an important part of Dutch cuisine, costs between 12 and 20 euros per kilo, depending on the variety.

For a family of three, monthly food costs average 600-800 euros when shopping regularly in regular supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo or Lidl. This amount includes basic food, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and other essentials. It is worth noting that the amount can be reduced by choosing goods during promotions and using discount stores, or increased by buying organic products and delicacies.

As for meals in restaurants, a dinner for two in a mid-priced restaurant will cost about 60-80 euros. This amount includes two main courses, drinks and dessert. In more sophisticated restaurants, the cost of dinner can be from 100 euros for two. A standard lunch in an inexpensive restaurant costs 15-20 euros per person, and a comprehensive business lunch costs 12-15 euros.

It is worth noting that prices for food and catering services can vary significantly depending on the city and district. Traditionally, the highest prices are observed in Amsterdam and other large cities, while in small towns the cost of food and catering services can be 10-15% lower.

Read the requirements for foreigners to obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands in 2024 here.

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Cost of living in the Netherlands: travel prices

The public transport system in the Netherlands is well developed and has a unified payment system OV-chipkaart. Let's look at the cost of different types of transport:

A one-way trip within the city (bus, tram or metro) costs about 2.5-3.5 euros, depending on the distance. An hour of travelling within the city will cost about 4 euros.

For regular journeys, it is more cost-effective to purchase a monthly pass. The cost of a monthly pass for all types of public transport within the same city is 80-100 euros, for long-distance travel - from 150 euros, depending on the distance.

Night buses have a higher fare of about €4-5 per trip.

At the beginning of 2024, fuel prices in the Netherlands remain among the highest in Europe. Euro 95 petrol costs an average of €2-2.15 per litre. Diesel fuel is slightly cheaper at €1.85-2 per litre. Prices may vary depending on the region and the particular petrol station. At petrol stations along motorways, fuel is usually 10-15 cents more expensive than at city petrol stations.

Keep in mind. The Dutch government has announced new rules for the registration of Ukrainian vehicles. They provide for obtaining local licence plates by March 2025.

Read moreabout the step-by-step registration procedure, necessary documents and financial costs for successful car registration here.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal driving in the Netherlands. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

For more information on how to pass the exams and get a driving licence in the Netherlands, please follow the link.

Prices in the Netherlands: medical services

Health insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory. Everyone who lives in the country must take out Dutch health insurance, which consists of

- Basic insurance (Zorgverzekeringswet) - covers standard medical procedures;

- Wet Langdurige Zorg - long-term care.

The minimum health insurance package in 2024 costs between EUR 120 and EUR 135 per month. Prices vary depending on the insurance company and the selected deductible.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands: budget for a month

For a family of three to live comfortably in the Netherlands, a significant amount of money is required, which varies depending on the place of residence and lifestyle.

According to the latest data for 2024, to ensure an average standard of living, a family of three needs to count on monthly expenses of between 4,500 and 5,500 euros after taxes. This amount includes all basic needs and some entertainment, but can vary significantly depending on the

city and personal preferences.

Remember. The integration programme for Ukrainian doctors in the Netherlands starts in January 2025. Read more about this programme and how to register here.

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