Living Cost in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the European capitals most appreciated by young people. But beware, Venice of the North is not at all cheap. A city of tolerance and diversity, Amsterdam combines all the advantages of a metropolis: culture, history, entertainment, numerous restaurants and various practical means of transport, while being a quiet city on a human scale.

Accommodation

For long stays, the best option is to rent an apartment or a studio, unless you want to live the nomad and move from one hotel to another every time! However, it should be noted that housing in Amsterdam is difficult to find and very expensive. So, if you are a student or if you simply have a reduced budget, opt instead for collocation for more savings. The choice in terms of renting is wide: houses, furnished and non-furnished apartments and studio. Rental prices change depending on the area and the area. In some areas, rentals are out of price!

For apartments, please note that real estate agents only deal with rentals of at least 6 months. To find a room, you can also try to regularly check out the popular weekly “Amsterdam Weekly”.

Public Transport

There is nothing better than cycling or walking to explore the Dutch capital. It’s a fact, the bike is king in Amsterdam, it’s really a way of life! There are as many bicycles as there are inhabitants in the city. If you are visiting Amsterdam, don’t hesitate to get involved too, as it is the best (and most enjoyable also) way to discover the city. There are many bike paths throughout the city as well as several bike rental companies. The latter offer several models to rent by the hour or by the day. Rates vary according to the duration of the rental, and become more attractive when the duration increases.

However, it may be necessary to use public transport to get around Amsterdam and discover the attractions away from the center. Transportation is particularly expensive if you don’t ride a bike. A tram ride costs around €2.90 and a train ticket to the Hague, which is only 65 km from the capital, costs €22.40. The tram is the most convenient and pleasant public transport to get around Amsterdam. Several lines, fast and regular, run from 6am until midnight.

The metro system in Amsterdam consists of 4 lines, which are the fastest way to get to the outlying areas of the city, such as Bijlmer and Amstelveen. Note that there are only two metro stations in Amsterdam, apart from Amsterdam Central Station, in the city centre. A fifth metro line (Noord/Zuid) is being built in Amsterdam. The latter will normally connect the north and south of the city.

Going out

Outdoor dining is expensive, a meal for two in a medium quality restaurant costs around 30 to 40 € per meal.  In less expensive places, a Dutch lunch made up of vegetables, soup, meat and bread cost about 12 €. For lunch in a pizzeria, you will pay 10 € for a simple pizza margarita.  If you are satisfied with fast food, you will pay €5 for a meal on the go. Even going to the cafe is pretty expensive for a coffee costs 2.2€ and a cappuccino will cost 2.6€.

There are several neighbourhoods where you can go shopping, each with its own charm and a lot of specialities. There are roughly 5 shopping centres:
-Around the Dam: traditional shopping where you will find all the major international brands.
-The Quartier des Musées: chic shopping. Pieter Cornelisz Hooftsraat is the chic street of Amsterdam. For big budgets and for the pleasure of the eyes.
-The Pijp: bohemian shopping and the biggest market in the capital.
-Underground shopping: small shops full of surprises.
-Waterlooplein: the kingdom of vintage. A flea market and second-hand shops.

Check our job offer in Amsterdam HERE