One of Europe’s wealthiest and most densely populated countries, the Netherlands offers an excellent standard of living and reliable infrastructure. However, anyone moving there in 2026 needs to arrive with a realistic housing budget, with prices rivalling those in the most expensive European countries such as Sweden.
Rents for newly let homes increased by 7.3% between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026. New tenants in the private sector paid an average of €1,892 per month during the first quarter of 2026. More than 42% of the available properties in this part of the market were priced above €2,000 per month.
Better value can be found outside Amsterdam and the most expensive parts of the Randstad. In this guide, we look at some of the best Dutch cities in which to live and work remotely, before comparing the cheapest places to live in the Netherlands in 2026.
The monthly budgets below are Nomad Guide estimates for one person. They include accommodation, utilities, groceries, local transport, basic health insurance and a reasonable amount of leisure spending.
The lower end generally assumes a room in a shared property and relatively careful spending. The upper end assumes that you rent a one-bedroom apartment by yourself. Short-term digital nomad estimates are higher because furnished monthly accommodation normally costs considerably more than a long-term rental.
Table of Contents
- 6 of the Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands and Work Remotely
- Understanding Our 2026 Cost Estimates
- Can Digital Nomads Live in the Netherlands?
- Moving to the Netherlands: Useful Resources
- What Are the Cheapest Cities to Live in the Netherlands?
6 of the Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands and Work Remotely
1. Rotterdam
Rotterdam remains one of the best alternatives to Amsterdam for anyone seeking a large, international Dutch city. It has striking modern architecture, extensive cultural and nightlife options and one of the most diverse populations in the country.
The city is particularly well suited to people who prefer modern urban living to the canals and historic streets found elsewhere in the Netherlands. There are numerous coworking spaces, cafes suitable for remote work and convenient rail connections to The Hague, Amsterdam, Belgium and other parts of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam is no longer a genuinely cheap option, though. The average rent for a newly let private-sector home reached €22.78 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, following a 10.4% year-on-year increase. This was one of the sharpest rises recorded in any of the five largest Dutch cities.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Rotterdam: €1,750–€2,850
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €2,300–€3,700
- Average private-sector rent in Q1 2026: €22.78 per square metre
The lower budget will usually require a flatshare or a room outside the most desirable central districts. A one-bedroom apartment, utilities, health insurance and a moderate social life can easily push monthly spending towards €2,500 or more.
Despite the rising prices, Rotterdam still offers a better balance of size, entertainment and housing costs than Amsterdam. It is particularly appealing to people who want big-city living without paying the capital’s rental premiums.
2. The Hague
The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is the seat of the Dutch government and one of the world’s most important centres for international law. It is home to organisations including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
The large international community makes settling in relatively straightforward, while the city offers something that most major Dutch destinations cannot: easy access to the beach. Scheveningen and Kijkduin are both within the municipality, providing opportunities for coastal walks, watersports and summer beach days.
The Hague is quieter than Rotterdam and Amsterdam, but there is still a wide selection of restaurants, museums, bars and cultural venues. Rotterdam is also only around 25 kilometres away.
Private-sector rents averaged approximately €21–22 per square metre in early 2026. That makes The Hague expensive by wider European standards, but it remains more affordable than Amsterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht and some parts of Rotterdam.
- Estimated monthly living costs in The Hague: €1,650–€2,700
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €2,200–€3,500
- Average private-sector rent in Q1 2026: Approximately €21–22 per square metre
The Hague is one of the best all-round choices for foreigners moving to the Netherlands. It combines an international atmosphere, good transport connections, access to the coast and slightly more manageable housing costs than the most expensive Dutch cities.
3. Groningen
Groningen is one of the most attractive options for anyone who wants a compact, youthful city without the prices associated with the Randstad.
Located in the north of the country, it is a major university city with an energetic centre, extensive cycling infrastructure and a large international population. Nearly one-quarter of Groningen’s residents have an international background, while the University of Groningen and Hanze University together attract more than 12,000 international students.
Students help support a broad selection of affordable bars, restaurants, cultural events and shared accommodation. The centre is compact enough to cross easily by bicycle, and there are plenty of cafes and informal places in which to work.
The main drawback is the location. A direct train to Amsterdam takes roughly two hours, making Groningen less convenient for anyone who regularly needs to travel to the Randstad. For fully remote workers, that may not be a significant problem.
The average rent across Groningen province was €17.69 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026. The city itself can be more expensive than the wider provincial average, particularly around the centre and university areas, but it remains considerably cheaper than Amsterdam, Utrecht or Rotterdam.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Groningen: €1,500–€2,400
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €1,950–€3,000
- Provincial private-sector rent benchmark in Q1 2026: €17.69 per square metre
Groningen is arguably the best option for young remote workers who want an active social scene while keeping their costs down.
4. Eindhoven
Eindhoven has become an increasingly important destination for international professionals. It sits at the heart of the Brainport technology region and is closely associated with major companies such as ASML and Philips.
The city has a strong technology, engineering and design community, making it a logical base for freelancers and remote workers in those sectors. Eindhoven Airport provides useful connections to destinations across Europe, while trains to Utrecht and Amsterdam are relatively straightforward.
Eindhoven is less picturesque than Amsterdam, Utrecht or Groningen. The city was heavily damaged during the Second World War and is characterised by modern development rather than traditional Dutch architecture. However, former industrial areas such as Strijp-S have been transformed into creative districts with restaurants, workspaces and events.
Housing demand has grown alongside the local technology sector. Private-sector rents reached an average of €19.55 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 10% increase from the previous year.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Eindhoven: €1,650–€2,700
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €2,200–€3,500
- Average private-sector rent in Q1 2026: €19.55 per square metre
Eindhoven is less expensive than Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam. It is particularly attractive to people seeking professional opportunities in technology and engineering.
5. Amsterdam
Amsterdam remains the first choice for many people moving to the Netherlands. Its canals, historic neighbourhoods, museums, nightlife and international atmosphere make it one of Europe’s most distinctive cities.
It also has the country’s widest selection of coworking spaces, professional networking opportunities and international events. English is used extensively, and newcomers can initially function without speaking much Dutch.
The obvious drawback is the cost. Amsterdam remains by far the most expensive rental market in the Netherlands. Newly let private-sector properties averaged €28.53 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026.
Competition is also intense. Affordable properties can receive large numbers of applications, while landlords commonly expect tenants to have a gross monthly income of at least three times the rent.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Amsterdam: €2,150–€3,550
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €2,900–€4,700
- Average private-sector rent in Q1 2026: €28.53 per square metre
The lower end of the estimate generally requires a room in a shared property, potentially outside the central neighbourhoods. Renting an apartment alone and regularly eating or drinking out can easily result in monthly expenditure of more than €3,000.
Amsterdam is still one of the best places to live in the Netherlands for culture, nightlife and international opportunities. From a value-for-money perspective, however, it is difficult to recommend unless you have a high and reliable income.
6. Utrecht
Utrecht offers many of Amsterdam’s advantages on a smaller scale. The historic centre features canals, traditional architecture, lively cafes and a significant student population.
Its central location is one of its biggest strengths. Utrecht Centraal is the country’s busiest railway station and provides frequent connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven and most other major Dutch destinations.
The city is also home to numerous cultural venues, startup companies and coworking spaces. It is a particularly attractive base for people who occasionally need to travel around the Netherlands for meetings while working remotely for the rest of the week.
Unfortunately, Utrecht’s popularity has created severe pressure on its housing market. Private-sector rents averaged approximately €22.27 per square metre in the first quarter of 2026, putting the city among the more expensive places to rent in the Netherlands.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Utrecht: €1,900–€3,150
- Estimated short-term digital nomad costs: €2,500–€4,000
- Average private-sector rent in Q1 2026: Approximately €22.27 per square metre
Utrecht is an excellent city for lifestyle and connectivity, but it is not a budget alternative to Amsterdam. In some neighbourhoods, finding suitable accommodation may be almost as difficult.
Understanding Our 2026 Cost Estimates
The estimates in this article include:
- Rent for a room or one-bedroom property
- Gas, electricity and water
- Internet and mobile phone costs
- Groceries
- Basic local transport
- Dutch basic health insurance where required
- Moderate spending on eating out and entertainment
They do not include:
- Rental deposits and moving costs
- International flights
- Visa or residence-permit fees
- Childcare
- Car ownership
- Frequent long-distance rail travel
- Luxury spending
Dutch basic health insurance costs an average of approximately €159 per month in 2026. Actual premiums vary according to the insurer, policy and excess selected.
Can Digital Nomads Live in the Netherlands?
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need a residence permit to live or work in the Netherlands. A valid passport or national identity card is sufficient evidence of lawful residence, although other registration and financial requirements may apply.
The Netherlands does not operate a dedicated digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens. Anyone who is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen will normally need to qualify under an existing residence category, such as employment, study, entrepreneurship or self-employment.
The self-employed residence permit is not simply a remote-worker visa. Applicants generally need to demonstrate that their work is of essential interest to the Dutch economy, meet income requirements and register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Freelancers are also normally required to have one or more commissions in the Netherlands.
This means that a person employed remotely by a foreign company cannot assume that they can move to the Netherlands and continue working on tourist status. Check the immigration, employment and tax implications before arranging a long stay.
Anyone who will live in the Netherlands for more than four months must register with the municipality in which they live. This should normally be done within five days of arrival and results in registration in the Personal Records Database and the issuing of a citizen service number, or BSN.
Moving to the Netherlands: Useful Resources
- Pararius is one of the country’s largest rental websites and is available in English. It is a useful starting point for private-sector apartments and houses.
- Funda is another major Dutch property platform covering both rental and sale listings.
- The IND is the official source for Dutch residence-permit and immigration requirements.
What Are the Cheapest Cities to Live in the Netherlands?
The following estimates are designed to compare the likely total monthly cost for one person. The lower figure assumes shared accommodation and relatively careful spending. The upper figure assumes a one-bedroom apartment, utilities, basic health insurance and a more comfortable lifestyle.
| City | Q1 2026 private-rental benchmark | Estimated monthly living costs |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen op Zoom | €14.42/m² | €1,450–€2,250 |
| Enschede | €15.27/m² | €1,450–€2,300 |
| Apeldoorn | €15.28/m² | €1,500–€2,350 |
| Tilburg | Approximately €15.50–€16/m² | €1,500–€2,400 |
| Groningen | €17.69/m² provincial benchmark | €1,500–€2,400 |
| Almere | €19.44/m² | €1,650–€2,700 |
| Eindhoven | €19.55/m² | €1,650–€2,700 |
| Den Bosch | €20.24/m² | €1,700–€2,800 |
| The Hague | Approximately €21–€22/m² | €1,650–€2,700 |
| Utrecht | Approximately €22.27/m² | €1,900–€3,150 |
| Leiden | €22.69/m² | €1,850–€3,000 |
| Rotterdam | €22.78/m² | €1,750–€2,850 |
| Haarlem | €24.05/m² | €2,000–€3,250 |
| Amsterdam | €28.53/m² | €2,150–€3,550 |
The rental benchmarks are primarily based on newly let homes in the unregulated private sector. They should not be interpreted as the amount you will definitely pay for a room or apartment. Smaller properties often cost more per square metre, while social housing and regulated rooms may be considerably cheaper.
Bergen op Zoom, Enschede and Apeldoorn were among the least expensive measured private-rental markets in early 2026. Enschede and Apeldoorn averaged close to €15.30 per square metre, little more than half the Amsterdam figure.
These smaller cities can make sense for fully remote workers who do not need to commute regularly. However, they have smaller international communities, fewer coworking spaces and more limited nightlife than Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague or Utrecht.
Tilburg offers a useful compromise. It is a university city with relatively affordable rents and direct trains to Breda, Eindhoven and other parts of North Brabant. Portal data in mid-2026 suggested typical rents of approximately €15.50–€16 per square metre, although the market is relatively small and quarterly figures can fluctuate.
This article was updated in July 2026. Prices are estimates and may vary significantly according to the property, neighbourhood, contract, household and individual lifestyle.
Danny Holm
Danny is a digital nomad who has travelled extensively in Europe whilst writing about his adventures and closely monitoring his costs. He's a regular writer for nomadguide.eu and has experience of short stays in many of the best and cheapest places to live in Europe whilst working online.
Looking to relocte to Netherlands eoth my family of 6 . My self Nd my husband with four kids of school going ages. Which city will be best ?
Would need more info to even try and answer that really. What factors are most important to you?
I would like to move here to find work on fishing boats or warehouse work where is the best city for that ?
What is the minimum wage pay for people aged 25 ? For say painter and decorator ? And what is the most common occupation that would give a decent level of affordable living ?
Hi Fabian, the article is primarily aimed at people working remotely and I can’t really help answer your questions as they are quite specific and I have no real knowledge of fishing/warehouse industry, painting/decorating or other occupations in the Netherlands. Maybe you can look for other forums such as reddit or other social media sites to try and connect with people working in the country?
Hi there, I am wanting to travel to the netherlands to find work and cheap accomodation for young people. I am 21 and am looking for easy accomodation close to areas where people would work starter jobs. Any reccommendations?
Hi Luca, I think maybe one of the university cities would be your best bet as they would have a wider range of cheap accommodation and shared housing options for students and young people. Maybe somewhere like Nijmegen or Den Haag which has a large population of international students. In terms of starter jobs, I guess it depends what kind of work you’re looking for and you’d probably need to find a forum more specifically geared to the Netherlands and working there for that. Good luck!
I am looking to move to Netherlands (Den Haag) and would like to know if I can expect to find a 2 bedroom house (flat) within a budget of €400000. This should be a new construction or under construction property.
Hi Deepa, the article is about renting flats or rooms. I’m not sure about prices for buying a property in Den Haag but I imagine you could contact an estate agent there who would be much more informed!
Do you have adjusted housing if you can’t afford to move there?
I am a 54 year old pharmacist from Iran and I would like to come to Netherlands to find a job and live. Would you please tell me where to start and which city you recommend me to start. Thank you very much.
Hi Ali, It’s hard to give advice for a specific profession as I’m not a pharmacist and have no idea what the process of finding a pharmacy job would be like in the Netherlands or where the best cities would be to go. Perhaps try reaching out to people in that line of work in the Netherlands on social media or via other online forums. Good luck!
Hello…
We are family of four. Me wife and two kids 9 and 6 years.. we would like to come to neatherland and work and live there. Which is the best city to go and kids are going to school in english. Is there any english school? And are schools free? We are from india. Will wait for your reply thank you…
Hi Sadik,
There are some international schools where children study in English but they are private and will cost many thousand Euros per year. I believe there are a few bilingual public (free) schools where up to 50% of classes are taught in English but I don’t think you will have any options to study for free totally in English, unless somebody knows differently?