Living in Netherlands: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Netherlands

Summary: People describe life in Netherlands as modern, progressive, and vibrant. Expats love the country's excellent public transportation, its high quality of life, and its diverse culture. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 per month. The population of Netherlands is 17.3 million, and the largest cities are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. The cons of living in Netherlands include the high cost of living, the language barrier, and the weather.

What do I need to know about living in The Netherlands?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to The Netherlands, they said:

"Utrecht is nice, but finding a house is very difficult. There is a shortage of rooms and appartments," said one expat in Utrecht.

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How do I meet people in The Netherlands?

When we asked people living in The Netherlands about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats living in The Netherlands have the opportunity to join a variety of social and cultural clubs, such as a book club, language exchange, hiking group, or theater group. There are also many expat-specific organizations, such as International Women in The Netherlands, and Women in International Business, that hold regular events for newcomers and expats. Expats can also meet people through social networking sites, online forums, and local meet-ups, such as expatry drinks or coffee mornings. Additionally, attending local events and festivals, exploring the city, visiting public parks and markets, and participating in sporting activities are all great ways for expats to meet people and integrate into the local community," wrote a member in Netherlands.

"Hilversum International mums and tots group, English speaking group of mums and children who Meet every Thursday during term time, from 9.30-11.30 At De Lelie buurtcentrum, Lelie Straat Hilversum. For more information contact ," commented one expat who made the move to Hilversum.

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What is life like in The Netherlands?

When we asked people living in The Netherlands what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"This isn't a major tourist destination so the foreign network is much smaller. Here, six degrees of separation is more like three degrees of separation. The foreign population is very diverse, I was once at a party with 20 people and every single one was from a different country! Life revolves around moderate amounts of family life, social life and the outdoors. Nature is at your doorstep, with the Waal river and Ooij polder less than 10 minutes biking from the center of town. Nijmegen is a fine example of a very pleasant middle-sized city," remarked one expat living in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

"Family and socializing are very important in the Netherlands. People rarely talk about work; they are much more inclined to speak of their many and frequent travels all over the world. Sport is also extremely important (especially football). Where we live in Limburg, team handball is quite the rage," wrote one member in Meerssen.

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Is there a lot of crime in The Netherlands?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"The Netherlands has generally low crime rates compared to other European countries. However, it is not completely exempt from criminal activity and certain areas experience more instances of crime than others. Drug-related offenses, property theft, and vandalism are some of the most common crimes in The Netherlands. The overall rate of crime has steadily declined in recent years as The Netherlands has implemented more effective law enforcement initiatives," wrote a member in Netherlands.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in The Netherlands accepting of differences?

"It's not very diverse in Meerssen. It is small town of only 7,000 people, and I'd guess that at least half of its residents grew up here as well as their parents. The foreigners in Meerssen are French, English, American, Surinamese, African, Chinese, Kurdish, Greek, Turkish, to name a few. But this is a VERY small part of the population. In general, Meerssen is very welcoming of all sorts of people and are interested in learning as much about you as possible," wrote a member in Meerssen.

"The Netherlands is world famous for íts tolerance of other cultures and religions, ways of life, etc., dating back to the 16th century. Utrecht is no exception to that. The area is diverse in its people and religions. The general attitude is that "you can do what you like, as long as it doesn't bother me or is harmful to the well being of the society". I don't mean to imply that Holland is a 'lawless' country, for it is not, but it is a very liberal country," commented one expat who made the move to Utrecht.

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What are the schools in The Netherlands like?

"There are some excellent teachers and some not so good teachers, which can make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Try to have an interview," commented one expat when asked about The British School of Amsterdam in Amsterdam.

"If you want the availability of both American and International studies (AP and IB) with an American spirit of community and lots of extra-curriculars, this is the school for you. While there are some weaker teachers, the overall product is good. Americans who are coming from a very competitive suburban school district might find ASH a bit less rigorous and families from other countries might find the school challenging in some areas. Lots of team projects and public speaking are expected - more "American" in flavor. Graduates get into fine universities world-wide. The kids all have great self-esteem," explained one expat in Wassenaar, Netherlands with kids at American School of The Hague.

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Is the cost of living in The Netherlands high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in The Netherlands, they wrote:

"The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally high, particularly in bigger cities like Amsterdam. Prices for basic necessities such as groceries and utilities are high, although wages tend to reflect this. Housing prices can be particularly expensive, but the country generally offers good value for money when it comes to transport, entertainment and restaurants. All in all, the Netherlands is a great country to live in despite its relatively high cost of living," explained one expat living in Netherlands.

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"The cost of living in The Netherlands is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for things such as housing and food are higher than other parts of the world like Asia or Eastern Europe. A 1 bedroom apartment in the Netherlands could cost around $800-$950 USD and a 2 bedroom around $1000 - $1500. The cost of eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in The Netherlands is estimated to cost around 20 - 25 Euros, depending on what is ordered. Some of the cities in The Netherlands including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht tend to be some of the most expensive places to live, with the cost of living rising faster than the cost of living in the rest of the country," said an expat in Netherlands.

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What type of recreational facilities are in The Netherlands?

When we asked people living in The Netherlands about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In The Netherlands, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports facilities. Parks are a popular destination for locals, offering a variety of activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering a variety of water sports such as swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Sports facilities are also available, with many offering a variety of activities such as tennis, football, and basketball. Additionally, many cities in The Netherlands offer a variety of cultural activities, such as museums, theatres, and cinemas," said one expat living in Netherlands.

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What is the weather like in The Netherlands?

"The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The weather is generally mild and changeable, with plenty of rain throughout the year. The temperature rarely drops below freezing in winter, and snow is rare. Spring and autumn are usually mild and pleasant, with occasional showers. Summers are generally warm and sunny, with occasional showers," said one expat.

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Are there good restaurants in The Netherlands?

"One of the most popular restaurants in The Netherlands is De Kas, located in Amsterdam. De Kas is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Dutch cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace and a cozy interior, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Another popular restaurant in The Netherlands is De Librije, located in Zwolle. De Librije is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern French cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a special occasion. The Dutch restaurant, De Kromme Watergang, located in Rotterdam, is also a popular spot. De Kromme Watergang is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional Dutch cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Finally, the Dutch restaurant, De Librije, located in Amsterdam, is also a popular spot. De Librije is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern French cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a special occasion," wrote one expat living in Netherlands.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in The Netherlands?

"People living in The Netherlands typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers," remarked one expat living in Netherlands.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in The Netherlands?

"To travel to The Netherlands, foreign nationals typically require a Schengen visa. The process of applying for a visa requires applicants to schedule an appointment at their nearest Dutch embassy or consulate, where they must present their travel documents along with any additional supporting documentation specified by the consulate or embassy. The Netherlands also offers a variety of residence permits, which allow foreign nationals to remain in the country for extended periods of time. Depending on their intent, applicants can apply for a variety of residence permits such as study permits, employment permits, dependents' residence permits, family reunification permits, or others. The process of applying for a residence permit requires applicants to submit a completed application form, along with supporting documents such as proof of identity, proof of employment for employment permits and proof of registration for study permits. Once the application is evaluated and approved, applicants may then receive a residence permit granting them the right to stay in The Netherlands," mentioned one expat inNetherlands.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in The Netherlands?

"Healthcare and health insurance in The Netherlands are generally considered to be quite affordable. The government subsidizes healthcare costs for citizens, and the majority of people are covered by a basic health insurance plan. This plan covers most medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Private health insurance plans are also available, but they tend to be more expensive and offer more comprehensive coverage," wrote one expat living in Netherlands.

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