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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Delft 2024
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Cost of Living in Delft

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Delft helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Delft - Cost of Living in Delft

Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) €800 - €1,200 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Center) €700 - €1,000 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) €3,000 - €4,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Center) €2,500 - €3,500 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €90
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.60
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) €150 - €200 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €40 - €50 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) €300 - €400 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €15 - €20
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant €60 - €80
Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child €800 - €1,000
Private Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child €4,000 - €6,000
Private Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child €6,000 - €8,000
Private High School, Yearly for 1 Child €8,000 - €12,000
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary. The cost of living in Delft, like any city, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, dining out frequently, choosing to live in a larger or more luxurious apartment, or sending your children to private schools will significantly increase your cost of living. Conversely, cooking at home, living in a smaller apartment, or utilizing public schools can help to reduce your cost of living. It's also important to note that the cost of living in Delft is generally lower than in larger Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Delft

"The cost of living in Delft 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. Groceries in Delft can be relatively expensive, with prices for items such as bread, milk, and eggs being higher than in some other countries. Eating out in Delft can also be costly, especially in the city center. However, there are cheaper dining options available, particularly in the student areas.Public transportation in Delft is efficient and widely used, but the cost can add up, especially for daily commuters. Many residents choose to cycle as Delft is a bike-friendly city, which can help to save on transportation costs. Healthcare in the Netherlands is of a high standard, but it is mandatory for all residents to have at least basic health insurance, which can be a significant monthly expense. Overall, while the cost of living in Delft can be high compared to other cities in the Netherlands, it is balanced by the high quality of life and services available," said one expat living in Delft.

Can I live in Delft on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Delft for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Delft is relatively high compared to other cities in the Netherlands, but it's still lower than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The biggest expense you'll have is housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $800 to $1,200 a month. If you want to save on rent, you might want to consider living in the outskirts of the city or in a nearby town like Rijswijk or Pijnacker, where rents are cheaper. However, keep in mind that you'll have to factor in the cost of commuting to Delft. Groceries can cost around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite expensive, so you might want to limit that to once or twice a month. Public transportation is efficient and relatively cheap, but if you want to save more, consider getting a bike. Delft is a small city and very bike-friendly. Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can cost around $150 a month. Internet and mobile phone plans are quite affordable, around $30 to $50 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Delft. The city is full of beautiful canals, historic buildings, and parks that you can explore. There are also many museums and art galleries that offer discounted rates or even free admission on certain days. In terms of neighborhoods, the city center is the most expensive area to live in. It's full of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars, but the cost of living is high. The neighborhoods of Hof van Delft and Voordijkshoorn are more affordable and still offer good amenities. In conclusion, living in Delft on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You might have to live in a smaller apartment or in a less central neighborhood, cook your own meals instead of eating out, and limit your entertainment expenses. But in return, you'll get to live in a beautiful, historic city with a high quality of life," commented an expat living in Delft.

Can I live in Delft on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Delft for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and planning. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to some other places, but it's still manageable. Firstly, housing is likely to be your biggest expense. The city center is beautiful with its historic buildings and canals, but it's also the most expensive area. If you want to save on rent, you might want to consider living in the suburbs or in a nearby town like Rijswijk or Pijnacker. These areas are less expensive and still have good public transportation connections to Delft. Food is another significant expense. Eating out can be quite pricey, so I usually cook at home. The local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce at a reasonable price. Transportation is another cost to consider. The public transportation system here is excellent and you can get a monthly pass for around $100. If you live close to your work or if you don't mind biking, you can save a lot on transportation. Biking is very popular here and it's a great way to get around the city. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and it can cost around $100-$150 per month. However, it covers a lot of medical expenses, so it's definitely worth it. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Delft. The city has beautiful parks, museums, and historic sites that you can visit. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out often or living in a large apartment in the city center. But overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Delft on $3,000 a month. It's a beautiful city with a high quality of life, and I've really enjoyed my time here," said one expat living in Delft.

Can I live in Delft on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Delft for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, even with a taste for modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Delft is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. It's also home to the renowned Delft University of Technology, which attracts students from all over the world. This means that the city has a youthful, energetic vibe, and there's always something happening. In terms of housing, the cost can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. The city center, for example, is quite expensive. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings, the best restaurants, and the most popular shops. If you want to live in the city center, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with others to make it work with your budget. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Hof van Delft, Voordijkshoorn, and Tanthof are more affordable. They're a bit further from the city center, but they're still within biking distance. Plus, they're quieter and more residential, which might be a plus if you prefer a more peaceful environment. Groceries and other everyday expenses are quite reasonable in Delft. You can find affordable supermarkets like Lidl and Albert Heijn in almost every neighborhood. And if you enjoy cooking, you'll love the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, cheese, and other Dutch specialties. As for transportation, Delft is a very bike-friendly city. Most people use bikes as their main mode of transportation, which can save you a lot of money on public transport or car-related expenses. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. You can visit the city's many parks, explore the historic city center, or take a boat tour on the canals. Plus, there are always events and festivals happening, especially during the summer. All in all, living in Delft on $5,000 a month is definitely doable. You might have to make a few sacrifices, but you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and experience everything this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Delft.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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