Cost of Living in Amsterdam

Last updated: Amsterdam, March 2024

For a monthly net income of €2,800, our calculator estimates that the cost of living in Amsterdam for a single individual is around €2,494 per month for accommodation and basic expenses.

To make our calculator easy to use, we've integrated a few assumptions about your personal situation, such as choosing to live close to the city centre and opting for public transportation.

Our calculator recommends renting a 1-bedroom apartment: €1,800

Living in a quaint house next to a serene canal in Amsterdam is as charming as it is expensive! Rents in the city have increased substantially in recent years. Moreover, for every new listing, there is usually already a queue of eager tenants waiting to apply.

It is recommended to keep accommodation costs below 30% of your monthly gross income (before tax). Since that will be a challenge in the Dutch capital, our calculator's suggestions are limited to shared rooms and 1-bedroom apartments. However, you can customise that in the Advanced Options Advanced Options section.

The table below outlines the average rental rates for apartments that are relatively close to Amsterdam's city centre. In the suburbs, expect prices to be around 25% lower, albeit with longer commute times and fewer options for dining out and entertainment.

Average monthly utility bill for one person living in a 1-bedroom apartment: €294

In the Netherlands, rent may or may not include utilities, depending on the rental agreement. Short-term leases, furnished accommodations, and rooms in shared apartments, often have all-inclusive rents. In contrast, long-term leases do not typically include utilities.

Our cost of living calculator includes the typical costs for standard utilities (electricity, gas, and water), municipal waste tax, Internet and a phone plan. It also factors in the suggested accommodation type for your budget and whether you are living alone or not.

Average monthly grocery bill for one person: €350

In Amsterdam, grocery prices are generally considered reasonable compared to the high cost of rent, with plenty of options for all budgets. On average, a single adult spends around €350 monthly for groceries, while couples living together spend roughly €569 per month.

It's important to note that these are approximate figures. The actual amount you spend will depend on factors like how often you cook at home, the types of groceries you buy, and your spending habits on daily essentials like toiletries and household items.

Below is a list of common grocery items along with the typical prices you can expect to see in Amsterdam supermarkets, such as Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands.

Monthly Amsterdam public transport cost for one person: €50

When you think of efficient public transport, Amsterdam likely comes to mind. The Dutch capital boasts an extensive network of trams, buses, ferries, metro trains, and of course — bikes are everywhere.

It's easy to see why almost everyone in Amsterdam uses public transportation. In fact, most residents don't even own a car, though they may own several bicycles!

When computing monthly expenses, our Amsterdam cost of living calculator factors in the price of the yearly GVB Randstad Noord pass for 1 zone (or 1 star). You can purchase passes for up to 6 zones, if your commute is longer.

Budget left after basic expenses: €306

Amsterdam is bursting with charm: cobblestone streets, canals, bicycles, museums, architecture. On top of that, the city offers a wide range of options to dine out and have fun: from trendy eateries and quaint restaurants, to cozy pubs and bars, not to mention its famous nightclubs!

When estimating the cost of living in Amsterdam, our calculator does not account for dining out and leisure expenses, as these can vary widely from one person to another. Therefore, make sure you have some budget left at the end of the month to indulge a little in what the city has to offer.

The table below will give you an idea of what average prices to expect when you go out in Holland's capital city.