| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €700 – €1,000 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €500 – €800 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | €1,800 – €2,800 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €2.00 |
| Monthly public transport pass | €90 – €100 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.60 – €1.80 | |
| Taxi (1km) | €2.00 – €2.50 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | €0.80 – €1.20 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.00 – €2.00 | |
| Rice (1kg) | €1.00 – €2.50 | |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | €7.00 – €12.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €10.00 – €20.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €50.00 – €80.00 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | €7.00 – €9.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | €100 – €200 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | €30 – €50 per month | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | €0.10 – €0.30 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | €300 – €800 per month |
| Elementary School | €4,000 – €12,000 per year | |
| Middle School | €6,000 – €15,000 per year | |
| High School | €8,000 – €20,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Groningen
“The cost of living in Groningen is considered moderate compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite high, while it is significantly cheaper in the outskirts. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate and is usually not included in the rent. Groceries in Groningen can be relatively expensive, with prices for items such as bread, milk, and eggs being higher than in some other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially in more upscale establishments. However, there are also plenty of affordable dining options, including fast food and street food.Public transportation in Groningen is efficient and widely used, but the cost can add up if you’re using it daily. Many residents choose to cycle as the city is very bike-friendly, which can help to save on transportation costs. Healthcare in the Netherlands is of a high standard, but it is not free. Residents are required to have health insurance, and while the cost of this can vary, it is generally considered to be quite high.Overall, while the cost of living in Groningen can be high compared to some places, it is balanced by the high quality of life and services available,” said one expat living in Groningen.
Can I live in Groningen on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Groningen for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Vinkhuizen, Selwerd, or Paddepoel. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they’re more affordable and still have good public transportation connections. You should avoid neighborhoods like Oosterpoort, Schilderswijk, and the city center, as they tend to be more expensive.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save money on groceries. You should also try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can be quite expensive in Groningen. If you do want to eat out, look for cheaper options like kebab shops or snack bars.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Groningen is a very bike-friendly city, so I’d recommend getting a bike to get around. It’s not only cheaper than using public transportation, but it’s also a great way to explore the city and stay active. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly pass to save on costs.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on entertainment and leisure activities. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities in Groningen, like visiting parks, attending free concerts, or joining local clubs and meetups. You might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies, attending concerts or sports events, or traveling outside of the city.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Groningen is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding an affordable place to live, being smart about your grocery shopping and eating habits, using a bike for transportation, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Groningen.
Can I live in Groningen on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Groningen for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like the city center and Helpman, might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Vinkhuizen, Beijum, or Lewenborg. These areas are more affordable and still have good access to public transportation and amenities.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is probably living in a smaller apartment or sharing a place with roommates. Rent can be quite high in Groningen, especially if you want to live alone. Sharing a place with others can help you save on rent and utilities, and it’s quite common for expats and students to do so.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in the Netherlands can be quite expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation, biking, or walking instead. Groningen is a very bike-friendly city, and you can easily get around on two wheels. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and stay in shape!When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll have to be more mindful of your spending. Try to cook at home more often and avoid eating out too much, as it can quickly add up. There are plenty of affordable supermarkets in Groningen, like Aldi and Lidl, where you can find reasonably priced groceries.Lastly, you might have to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. Going out for drinks, attending concerts, or joining a gym can be quite expensive in Groningen. Instead, look for free or low-cost activities, like visiting parks, attending free events, or joining a sports club with low membership fees.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Groningen is possible, but you’ll have to be more conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation costs, and being mindful of your spending on groceries and entertainment, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Groningen.
Can I live in Groningen on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Groningen for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Helpman, De Wijert, and Paddepoel. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a nice living environment with good access to public transportation, supermarkets, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Oosterpoort, Schildersbuurt, and Noorderplantsoen, as the rent prices there can be quite high.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries and public transportation are quite affordable in Groningen. You can save money by cooking at home more often and using a bike or public transport to get around the city. Additionally, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting the city’s parks, museums, and cultural events.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Groningen on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite enjoyable. Just be prepared to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and prioritize your spending, and you should be able to live comfortably without too many sacrifices,” commented an expat living in Groningen.
