Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands for Expats

If you're researching the best cities to live in the Netherlands, you're probably planning an exciting move to this beautiful country. I totally get it - figuring out the best place to live in the Netherlands can be overwhelming. Don't worry, I'm here to help!

I wish I could tell you exactly which Dutch city would be perfect for you, but without knowing your lifestyle, that's pretty tricky. Instead, I'll do my best to paint a picture of each major city. Hopefully, this info will help you figure out which of the top cities in the Netherlands to live might become your new home.

I've been living in the Netherlands for years and have explored most of the best cities in the Netherlands to live. There's one exception, though - I haven't visited Eindhoven yet. For that city, I'm basing my info on what friends have told me and what I've read online from expats living there.

First Tip: Go With the necessity

If you're planning to look for a job or university before moving to one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands, I'd suggest keeping an open mind. Go where the opportunity takes you!

Some smaller Dutch cities can be really great, even if you don't hear about them much. Don't worry if you move somewhere and don't love it at first. Once you have a job, you can use your free time on weekends to check out other places. This way, you can look around and find a new spot you like without rushing or feeling stressed. Having a job gives you time to plan your next move carefully.

Now, let's dive into the most popular cities!

The 5 Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands

I've chosen these 5 cities because they're not only the largest in the Netherlands but also the most popular among internationals. In a survey we did last year, we found that about 70% of expats were living in these top cities in the Netherlands to live.

To give you a feel for each city, I'll provide some key info and a brief summary. Here's what I'll cover for each of the best cities to live in the Netherlands:

💶 Cost of living: Based on current rental prices

👥 Population: Number of people living in the city

🫧 Young population percentage: Percentage of people aged 20-40

🌦️ Weather: Average temperature ranges for winter and summer, plus rainfall info

🧹 Cleanliness: Rating from 1-10 (1 is super dirty, 10 is super clean)

📸 Tourism intensity: How crowded the city can feel due to tourists

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: How welcoming the city is to the LGBTQ+ community

I've organized this list from the most expensive city to the least expensive, based on rental prices. Keep in mind that in the Netherlands, you might need to spend around 30-40% of your income on rent in the more expensive cities.

Let's explore the best cities to live in the Netherlands!

Amsterdam

💶 Cost of living: Most expensive city in the Netherlands

👥 Population: 872,000 people (largest city)

🫧 Young population percentage: 32%

🌦️ Weather:

❄️ Winter average temperatures: 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F)

☀️ Summer average temperatures: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)

☔️ About 800mm of rain per year, spread quite evenly

🧹 Cleanliness: 7/10

📸 Tourism intensity: Highest in the Netherlands

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: Very high, ranked #1

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is often considered one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands for expats. It's the most expensive city to live in, but it also offers some of the highest salaries in the country.

The city is known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. There's always something happening in Amsterdam, from music festivals to art exhibitions. The famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are must-visits for art lovers.

Amsterdam's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in finance, tech, and creative industries. Companies like Booking.com and TomTom have their headquarters here, making it one of the top cities in the Netherlands to live for job seekers in these fields.

One of the best things about Amsterdam is how bike-friendly it is. You'll see more bicycles than cars in the city center! It's a great way to get around and stay fit.

The expat community in Amsterdam is huge and welcoming. You'll hear English spoken almost everywhere, making it easier to settle in if you're not fluent in Dutch yet.

Keep in mind that finding housing in Amsterdam can be challenging due to high demand. It's not uncommon for people to spend months looking for a place to live.

Utrecht

💶 Cost of living: 2nd most expensive city in the Netherlands

👥 Population: 359,000 people (4th largest city)

🫧 Young population percentage: 35%

🌦️ Weather:

❄️ Winter average temperatures: 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)

☀️ Summer average temperatures: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)

☔️ About 800mm of rain per year

🧹 Cleanliness: 8/10

📸 Tourism intensity: Moderate

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: High

Utrecht is often described as a smaller, more relaxed version of Amsterdam and is considered by many as one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands. It's a university city with a young, vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful historic center.

The city is known for its iconic Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. You can climb to the top for amazing views of the city!

Utrecht's central location makes it a great base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands. It's only about 30 minutes by train to Amsterdam, and you can reach most other major cities within an hour or two, making it one of the best places for people who enjoy traveling, exploring different places in the country.

The job market in Utrecht is strong, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and IT. The Utrecht Science Park is home to many innovative companies and research institutions.

One thing I love about Utrecht is its cozy feel. The city center is compact and walkable, with lots of cute cafes and shops along the canals. On sunny days, the terraces along the Oudegracht (Old Canal) are packed with people enjoying a drink or a meal.

Like Amsterdam, Utrecht is very bike-friendly. In fact, it's home to the world's largest bicycle parking facility, with space for 12,500 bikes!

Rotterdam

💶 Cost of living: 3rd most expensive city in the Netherlands

👥 Population: 651,000 people (2nd largest city)

🫧 Young population percentage: 31%

🌦️ Weather:

❄️ Winter average temperatures: 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F)

☀️ Summer average temperatures: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)

☔️ About 850mm of rain per year

🧹 Cleanliness: 7/10

📸 Tourism intensity: Moderate

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: High

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture and innovative spirit, making it one of the best cities in the Netherlands to live for those who love contemporary urban environments. After being heavily bombed in World War II, the city was rebuilt with a focus on bold, contemporary design. The result is a skyline unlike any other in the Netherlands.

The city is home to Europe's largest port, which plays a big role in its economy. There are lots of job opportunities in logistics, maritime industries, and international trade. Rotterdam is also becoming a hub for sustainability and clean energy initiatives, making it one of the top cities in the Netherlands to live for professionals in these fields.

One of my favorite things about Rotterdam is its diversity. It's a truly international city, with residents from all over the world. This multicultural vibe is reflected in the city's food scene - you can find cuisine from just about every corner of the globe here!

Rotterdam is known for its festivals and events. The International Film Festival Rotterdam and the North Sea Jazz Festival are just two of the many cultural highlights throughout the year.

The city has great public transport, including water taxis that zip you across the Maas River. And like other Dutch cities, it's very bike-friendly.

Housing in Rotterdam can be expensive, but it's generally more affordable than Amsterdam or Utrecht. The city has some really cool architectural gems, like the famous Cube Houses, which are definitely worth checking out!

The Hague

💶 Cost of living: 4th most expensive city in the Netherlands

👥 Population: 548,000 people (3rd largest city)

🫧 Young population percentage: 30%

🌦️ Weather:

❄️ Winter average temperatures: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)

☀️ Summer average temperatures: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)

☔️ About 800mm of rain per year

🧹 Cleanliness: 8/10

📸 Tourism intensity: Low to moderate

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: High

The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is known as the International City of Peace and Justice and is considered one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands for those interested in international affairs and diplomacy. It's home to the Dutch government and many international organizations, including the International Court of Justice.

This city has a more formal, elegant feel compared to other Dutch cities. You'll see lots of embassies, grand buildings, and wide, tree-lined streets. But don't worry - it's not all serious business. The Hague also has beautiful beaches, great shopping, and a lovely old town area.

Job opportunities in The Hague often revolve around government, international organizations, and NGOs. There's also a growing tech and startup scene, making it one of the top cities in the Netherlands to live for professionals in these fields.

One thing I love about The Hague is how international it feels. You'll hear many languages spoken on the streets, and there are lots of expat groups and international schools.

The city has some great museums, including the Mauritshuis, which houses Vermeer's famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring". And don't miss the miniature city of Madurodam - it's a fun way to see all of the Netherlands in one afternoon!

Living in The Hague can be expensive, especially in the city center or near the beach. But there are more affordable areas if you're willing to live a bit further out.

Eindhoven

💶 Cost of living: 5th most expensive city in the Netherlands

👥 Population: 234,000 people (5th largest city)

🫧 Young population percentage: 29%

🌦️ Weather:

❄️ Winter average temperatures: 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)

☀️ Summer average temperatures: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)

☔️ About 750mm of rain per year

🧹 Cleanliness: 7/10

📸 Tourism intensity: Low

🌈 LGBTQ+ friendliness: Moderate to high

Eindhoven is often called the City of Light, thanks to its history as the birthplace of Philips electronics. Today, it's known as a hub for technology and design, making it one of the best cities in the Netherlands to live for tech professionals and creatives.

The city has a strong job market, especially in tech, engineering, and design fields. The High Tech Campus Eindhoven, nicknamed the "smartest square kilometer in Europe", is home to more than 160 companies and institutes.

Eindhoven has a more modern feel than some other Dutch cities. It was heavily rebuilt after World War II, so you won't find as many historic buildings here. Instead, you'll see lots of innovative architecture and public art.

One of the biggest events in Eindhoven is Dutch Design Week, which attracts designers and creatives from all over the world. The city also has a great music scene, with venues like the Effenaar hosting both local and international acts.

Housing in Eindhoven is generally more affordable than in the larger Dutch cities, which can be a big plus for expats. The city is also very green, with lots of parks and nature areas nearby.

While Eindhoven might not have the same tourist appeal as Amsterdam or Rotterdam, many expats find it a comfortable and affordable place to live, with a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities to work in the Netherlands?

The best cities for English-speaking jobs in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. These cities have the most international companies and organizations, offering a wide range of job opportunities for expats.

What are the best cities to live in the Netherlands for families?

Some of the most family-friendly cities in the Netherlands include Utrecht, Amstelveen (near Amsterdam), Leiden, and Groningen. These cities offer good schools, plenty of green spaces, and family-oriented activities.

Which Dutch city is the cheapest to live in?

Among larger cities, Groningen, Enschede, and Tilburg tend to be more affordable. However, keep in mind that housing costs can vary a lot even within cities.

Conclusion: Which is the best city to live in the Netherlands?

I hope this guide gives you a good picture of what different Dutch cities have to offer. Each of the best cities to live in the Netherlands has its own unique character and charm.

Personally, I've found the Netherlands to be a great place to live. The quality of life is high, the healthcare system is excellent, and the work-life balance is generally very good. As an expat, I've always felt welcome here.

Remember, wherever you end up, you'll be in a country with great public transport, so exploring other top cities in the Netherlands to live is easy. Why not plan a visit to check out a few cities in person before making your decision?

When choosing the best place to live in the Netherlands, consider factors like job opportunities, cost of living, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Whether you're drawn to the bustling energy of Amsterdam, the student vibe of Utrecht, the modern feel of Rotterdam, the international atmosphere of The Hague, or the tech scene in Eindhoven, you're sure to find a city that feels like home.

If you want to learn more about life in the Netherlands, check out our other guides on cost of living and Dutch culture. And don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions about the best cities to live in the Netherlands. Good luck with your move!