Moving to Amsterdam: Is this your sign to move?

Is Amsterdam a good place to live? Learn all about moving to Amsterdam, from the costs of renting to the salaries and learning Dutch.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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9 Aug 2024

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Moving

Is Amsterdam a good place to live? The city offers a high quality of life, abundant job and study opportunities in English, and an array of entertainment options, it’s no surprise that many expats choose to move there.

Before you start searching for homes for rent in Amsterdam, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons of living in the Dutch capital. To help you decide, we’ll answer the 5 crucial questions about moving to Amsterdam. From budgeting and best neighborhoods to learning Dutch, we’ve got you covered. Dive in to find out what you need to know before moving to Amsterdam.

To move to Amsterdam, you’ll need around €2,230 monthly, as the Dutch capital is the most expensive city to live in the Netherlands. If you’re moving with a partner or family, you should expect to double your living expenses based on household size. On the other hand, the average cost of living in Amsterdam for students are around €1,881 if renting a private room in shared housing.

In addition to monthly expenses, it's wise to have extra savings to cover unexpected costs or a security deposit. Ideally, you should set aside between €4,000 and €5,000, which equals about 2 months’ worth of living expenses.

A good salary in Amsterdam is between €3,000 and €4,000 monthly net (between €38,880 and €50,400). It allows you to cover your basic living expenses and save money without compromising your lifestyle. Luckily, one of Amsterdam's biggest pros is the high salaries. Locals earn around €54,000 annually, making them the second-highest earners in the Netherlands.

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s better to move to Amsterdam if you have a job in the city or nearby. Living in Amsterdam is expensive, so it can be difficult to support yourself in the city without a stable income.

When locals think of the pros and cons of living in Amsterdam, the biggest issue is always the living situation. The Dutch capital has one of the fiercest rental markets in the country, so it’s best to start exploring homes for rent in Amsterdam around 4 to 6 months before moving. This gives you ample time to find a neighborhood you like, compare prices, and choose a home you love. Consider things like your budget, the type of property you’re looking for, and the area of the city you want to live in.

Space

The first major factor influencing your move to Amsterdam is the type of property you’re interested in. With an average rental price of €1,821 monthly, living in Amsterdam is expensive. The amount varies depending on the size of the property, whether you’re living with roommates, if your utilities are included in the rent, and if the place is furnished. Based on the type of property, you can expect these rental prices:

• Private room (in shared housing): €1,007
• Studio: €2,067
• Apartment: €2,388

Location

Amsterdam is divided into 7 main districts, each with its distinct charm. Maybe you want to live in the trendy Zuid or the bohemian West. Or you’re on a tighter budget and look for the more affordable Nieuw-West or Zuidoost (Bijlmer). Regardless of what you’re looking for, each neighborhood in Amsterdam comes with plenty of amenities, including excellent public transport connections, places to unwind, and a welcoming community. Below, you can see a breakdown of the average rental prices for a 1-bedroom apartment in each Amsterdam neighborhood:

• Centrum: €2,451
• Oost: €2,250
• West: €2,147
• Nieuw-West: €2,125
• Noord: €2,362
• Zuid: €2,676
• Zuidoost (Bijlmer): €2,055

Tips for finding housing in Amsterdam

The best way to find a place to live in the Dutch capital is to look for homes for rent in Amsterdam well before your move. To give yourself ample time to find a home you love, start your search 4 to 6 months before your move. As you’ll be moving to Amsterdam, relying on trusted platforms like HousingAnywhere is best. This way, you can rent from verified landlords and be protected against rental scams with our Tenant Protection.

No, you don’t need to know Dutch to move to Amsterdam. One of the pros of living in the Dutch capital is that it has the largest international community in the Netherlands. English is widely spoken here, so you’ll be able to live without knowing the local language.

Yet, if you’re planning on setting roots in Amsterdam, learning Dutch is a good idea. It will make your life easier and help you integrate better. You can apply for free lessons from your university or the municipality.

As with every other relocation, your move to Amsterdam will require a few documents. Getting them in order before your move is important to your life in Amsterdam. Below, you can find a brief overview of the documents you need to move to Amsterdam:

• Visa
• Valid passport/ID
• Residence or work permit
• Pet passport (if applicable)
• Citizen service number (BSN)

Visa

If you’re moving to Amsterdam from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country, you’ll need to apply for a visa to live in the Dutch capital. You can apply for a short-term or long-term Dutch visa.

• Short-term visa (Schengen visa): issued for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period; allows you to live in Amsterdam for 3 months and travel to other countries in the Schengen area.
• Long-term visas (MVV): if you want to live in Amsterdam for over 90 days.
  • You need a study visa if you’re moving to study at one of Amsterdam’s universities.
  • If you’re moving to Amsterdam for work, you need to apply for a work visa, such as a highly-skilled migrant visa, a normal work visa, or an entrepreneur visa.

Residence permit

There are several types of residence permits you can apply for when moving to Amsterdam. For those moving to Amsterdam for work, you will need either a highly skilled migrant permit, which requires a job offer from a recognized sponsor and meeting salary thresholds, or a regular employment permit, where the employer must demonstrate that no suitable candidate is available within the EU/EEA.

If you are moving to study, you will need a student residence permit. This permit requires admission to a full-time course at a recognized Dutch educational institution, along with proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance.

Both permits involve an application process through the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and registration with the local municipality upon arrival.

Citizen service number (BSN)

If you plan to live in Amsterdam for more than 4 months, you need to register at the municipality (Gemeente). Once registered, you will receive a Citizen service number (BSN), which is essential for various administrative tasks, including opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and starting employment.

You need to bring your passport, birth certificate translated into English, a rental contract, and, if applicable, your residence permit or proof of application.

Set up an appointment prior to moving to Amsterdam, as the waiting times are long.

Yes, Amsterdam is a good place to live. The city offers a high quality of life with its rich cultural scene and welcoming community, making it easy for newcomers to settle in. Amsterdam ensures a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle with ample job opportunities, high average salaries, extensive green spaces, and lively entertainment options. While the cost of living is high, the city's many benefits make it a compelling choice for residents.