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Living Costs in Amsterdam

The cost of living in the Netherlands can be expensive. This means that it’s extremely important to budget well and to stick to your budget.

Apr 21, 2017

The cost of living in the Netherlands can be expensive. This means that it’s extremely important to budget well and to stick to your budget. Here are some average costs of living in Amsterdam (in EUR and USD):

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Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment): €1600 ($1900) *

Utilities (monthly average): €165 ($195)

Monthly public transport pass: €97.50 ($115)

Meal (inexpensive restaurant): €15 ($17.70)

Coffee: €3.30 ($3.90)

Milk (1 liter): €1.10 ($1.30)

Vegetables (1kg): €1.70 ($2)

Eggs (dozen): €2.75 ($3.25)

Water (1.5 liter): €0.90 ($1.05)

Chicken (1kg): €7.80 ($9.25)

Wine (bottle): €7 ($8.30)

Bread (loaf): €1.80 ($2.10)

* Across the Netherlands, it’s possible to rent rooms from your school that are much less expensive than private renting. You’ll normally have your own space and bathroom but will share a kitchen with others. In the US, this type of accommodation is known as dorms. In Europe, it’s known as either corridors or halls of residence.

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As for healthcare, the Netherlands uses a universal system that’s among the very best in the world. Dutch healthcare is consistently ranked as outstanding on a global scale. 

Dutch healthcare isn’t quite free, though. All adults who live and work in the Netherlands are required to take out state-subsidized insurance that starts at €100 ($118) per month. If you had to apply for a student visa to study in the Netherlands, then you’ll need to have presented health insurance with a minimum value of €30,000 ($35,500) valid across the entirety of the EU. This insurance is how you’ll normally access healthcare in the Netherlands.

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.