Wondering how far your salary goes in Amsterdam? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
1-bed apartment (centre)€1,800-2,600 / mo
Meal, mid-range restaurant€20-35
Beer (café)€4-6
Coffee€3.50
Monthly transit (GVB)€100 (or ~free by bike)
Est. single-person monthly€900 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~920,000 (city), ~2.5 million (metro)
Official language
Dutch (English near-universal)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Work week
Monday–Friday
Power plug
Types C/F, 230V
Getting around
Bike-first, plus excellent trams and trains
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Amsterdam checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Amsterdam
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.