The 10 best cities in the Netherlands to live in

Discover the 10 best cities in the Netherlands to live in based on their quality of life, average salaries, and cost of living.

Ivandzhelin

7 minute read

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15 Aug 2024

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Living

The Netherlands is home to plenty of vibrant cities, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're drawn to bustling urban centers, scenic towns, or rich culture, there's a perfect spot for you. We’ve compiled a list of 10 cities to help you choose the best place to live in the Netherlands. From the dynamic capital of Amsterdam to the picturesque beauty of Utrecht and the student-friendly vibe of Groningen, discover the best cities in the Netherlands that make it an exceptional place to call home.

Choosing the best city in the Netherlands to live in depends on various aspects. You need to consider the reason for your move, whether it’s to work or study; the costs associated with living there; the quality of life and the environment of the city. Before diving into the 10 best places to live in the Netherlands, here’s a brief overview.

1. Amsterdam
2. Rotterdam
3. Utrecht
4. The Hague
5. Eindhoven
6. Delft
7. Maastricht
8. Tilburg
9. Leiden
10. Groningen

Our selection of the 10 best cities in the Netherlands is based on several factors, including average salaries, cost of living and average renting price, safety, recreational activities, public transport and connectivity, and job or study opportunities in English.

1. Amsterdam

• Average salary: €4,167
• Average renting price: €1,820

With its high quality of life and welcoming international community, Amsterdam is the best city to live in the Netherlands. There is always something to do in Amsterdam, from watching your favorite band live at Ziggo Dome to exploring the art at the Rijksmuseum.

The Dutch capital is attractive to working expats as it offers plenty of job opportunities in English. Major companies like PWC, Booking, ING, Nike, and Uber have offices there. Beyond career growth, Amsterdam has world-class universities like the University of Amsterdam, which offers 98 English-taught degrees.

However, Amsterdam has a high cost of living, with monthly expenses for a single person around €2,876, making it the most expensive city in the Netherlands. Despite this, the average salary is about €4,167 monthly, the second highest in the country. Finding homes for rent in Amsterdam can be challenging, but starting 2 to 3 months before your move should help secure the perfect spot

2. Rotterdam

• Average salary: €3,704
• Average renting price: €979

Known for its international port and skyscrapers, Rotterdam is the business heart of the Netherlands. This second-best city in the Netherlands rivals the capital with its international community and high standard of living. Home to companies like Deloitte, HousingAnywhere, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, Rotterdam offers many English-speaking job opportunities. It also hosts Erasmus University, one of the world's best.

Rotterdam offers plenty to do, from grabbing a drink in the park to surfing in the canals. Iconic sights include the Yellow Cube houses, the Markthall, and the Erasmus Bridge. Rotterdam is more affordable, with a single person's monthly living costs averaging €1,758. Exploring homes for rent in Rotterdam is more accessible than in Amsterdam and offers more accommodation options.

3. Utrecht

• Average salary: €3,780
• Average renting price: €1,118

Located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train, Utrecht is a picturesque city favored for its beauty. With a sizable international community, excellent education and proximity to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, it attracts many working professionals. They often choose to search for homes for rent in Utrecht over larger cities for its tranquil atmosphere and fewer tourists.

Utrecht offers a calmer nightlife with numerous bars and pubs. Residents can stroll in the parks, relax at canal-side cafes and restaurants, or enjoy a boat ride through the scenic canals. Job opportunities abound at companies like Bol.com, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, NS, Rabobank, and VodafoneZiggo. With an average monthly cost of living of €2,092, Utrecht is the second most expensive city in the Netherlands but also offers high average salaries.

4. The Hague

• Average salary: €5,401
• Average renting price: €869

The Hague is one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands, especially for those interested in politics, as it houses the Dutch parliament, royal family, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, and numerous embassies.

There is plenty to do in The Hague, such as visiting the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof, where the Prime Minister's office is located. The city has a lively nightlife, ideal for young professionals, and excellent educational institutions that attract families worldwide. Located by the seaside, residents can enjoy the beach anytime.

The Hague boasts the highest salaries in the Netherlands and a lower cost of living than Amsterdam or Rotterdam. There are plenty of excellent neighborhoods like Archipelbuurt and Kortenbos, where you can explore homes for rent in the Hague.

5. Eindhoven

• Average salary: €4,012
• Average renting price: €1,018

Home of Phillips, Eindhoven is the largest city in the North Braband province and one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands. It’s known as a technological and industrial hub, as it’s the home of companies like NTS Group, ASML, DAF and Vertico. The city is the greenest in the Netherlands, so there are plenty of parks and greenery to walk or picnic. To unwind in Eindhoven, you can catch a PSV game at the Phillips stadium or visit the Next Nature Museum.

Finding a rental home in Eindhoven’s center will be more difficult than looking for a place to live in one of the more residential neighborhoods. Salaries in Eindhoven are high in comparison to the cost of living, which is on the more affordable side for the Netherlands. The city has a large international community, mostly families and young professionals working in the city.

6. Delft

• Average salary: €3,472
• Average renting price: €869

Most people know Delft because of its porcelain and the Delft University of Technology, one of the highest-ranked universities in the Netherlands. Its tranquil atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and excellent education make Delft one of the best cities in the Netherlands.

With an average monthly cost of living of €1,789, Delft is the second cheapest place to live in the Netherlands on our list. The city is attractive mostly to university students and families. As it’s close to Rotterdam and the Hague, people working in the bigger cities often choose to live in Delft and commute to work.

7. Maastricht

• Average salary: €3,395
• Average renting price: €855

Named after the river Maas, which splits it in half, Maastricht is one of the best cities in the Netherlands. The city is known for its scenery, story-like atmosphere, and gorgeous residential neighborhoods. One of the biggest selling points is that you can find homes for rent in Maastricht with gorgeous riverside views. Because of its tranquil vibe, it’s the perfect city for young families.

The city is popular amongst those living in the Netherlands because of its proximity to Germany and Belgium, which allows you to travel seamlessly between the countries. There are plenty of sights to see and do, like the annual carnivals, which fill the streets with people dressed in costumes. With an average monthly cost of living of €1,918, Maastricht is relatively expensive for the area, but the high salaries make up for it.

8. Tilburg

• Average salary: €3,009
• Average renting price: €882

Tilburg is considered one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands due to its vibrant cultural scene and excellent quality of life. Events like the Tilburg Fair, one of the largest funfairs in Europe, and the Incubate Festival attract visitors from all over, adding to the city's lively atmosphere. Additionally, Tilburg is home to a thriving student population, thanks to Tilburg University.

With an average monthly cost of living of €1,769, Tilburg is the cheapest place to live in the Netherlands. You won't be disappointed regardless of which neighborhood you choose to live in, Tilburg. The city has well-maintained parks and recreational areas, such as the Spoorzone, a former railway yard transformed into a creative and leisure hub.

9. Leiden

• Average salary: €3,604
• Average renting price: €1,020

Leiden combines academic excellence, natural beauty, and a lively social scene, making it one of the best places to live in the Netherlands. You can enjoy swimming in the ocean, biking in nature, or grabbing a drink with friends at a nearby pub. Its location in the "Bulb Region" makes visiting the famous tulip fields easy in the spring.

One of the best cities in the Netherlands, Leiden is renowned for the prestigious University of Leiden, which attracts a large international student and academic community. Leiden offers a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, historic buildings, and vibrant markets. Due to higher rental prices, the cost of living in Leiden is around €1,920 monthly, but the average salary of €3,604 allows residents to comfortably cover expenses and save.

10. Groningen

• Average salary: €3,318
• Average renting price: €828

While Groningen might be the last city on our list, it is certainly one of the best places to live in the Netherlands for students. Located in the north, Groningen boasts a large international community, predominantly students, thanks to its renowned universities, including the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

There is plenty to do in Groningen, from fine dining in the Forum and enjoying a drink on a terrace to strolling in the Noorderplantsoen and biking to the colorful houses (Reitdiephaven). The city also offers a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the year. Groningen's size, amenities, affordable cost of living, and excellent education make it the best city in the Netherlands for students.

With its high quality of life, plenty of job opportunities in English and the largest international community in the country, Amsterdam is the best city to live in the Netherlands. The Dutch capital is followed by Rotterdam, which offers equal job opportunities but has a lower cost of living.

Utrecht is also an excellent choice for a city to live in as it’s close to larger Dutch cities, allowing for an easy commute, and isn’t as touristy as Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The Hague is the best city in the Netherlands for those working in politics or international organizations, whereas Eindhoven is the best place to live if you want to work in tech or industry.

If you’re moving with your family, the best place to live in the Netherlands for kids is Utrecht, which has a tranquil vibe and low crime rate. Delft is also a wonderful option as it’s a relatively small city but still close to bigger cities like Rotterdam and the Hague.

Groningen is the student city of the Netherlands. It’s the best place to live as it’s relatively big but has a tight-knit community of international students. The University of Groningen is one of the best in the country and offers hundreds of degrees in English.

Tilburg, Delft, and Leiden are also excellent places to study in the Netherlands. They have the same student-city atmosphere but are smaller than Groningen. On the other hand, Amsterdam and Rotterdam have some of the best universities in the Netherlands, but their cost of living is high for students.