Cost of Living in Amsterdam 2025: What Every Student and Expat Must Know

Amsterdam attracts students, young professionals, and expats from around the world. Before moving, it’s important to know the cost of living in Amsterdam in 2025. On average, a single person spends around €1,500–€1,850 per month (INR 1,35,000–1,66,500), while students or those on a tighter budget can manage on €1,000–€1,250 (INR 90,000–1,12,500) depending on housing and lifestyle.  

Here are the approximate monthly expenses:  

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €1,500–€1,850 (INR 1,35,000–1,66,500) 
• Rent (1-bedroom outside city center): €1,000–€1,250 (INR 90,000–1,12,500) 
• Groceries: €250–€350 (INR 22,500–31,500) 
• Transportation (monthly public transport pass): €100 (INR 9,000) 
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): €200–€260 (INR 18,000–23,400) 
• Entertainment & leisure: €120–€250 (INR 10,800–22,500) 

This blog explains all the main expenses, ways to save money, and how much you can save in Amsterdam. 

Also Read: Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 

What is the overall monthly cost of living in Amsterdam? 
Amsterdam is known for its culture and high quality of life, but living costs are relatively high. Approximately, a single person spends about (€1,500–€1,850 INR 1,35,000–1,66,500) per month, depending on lifestyle and location.  

Here’s a detailed explanation of the monthly cost of living in Amsterdam:  

Expense Category	Approx. Monthly Cost (€)	Approx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom, city center)	1,500–1,850	1,35,000–1,66,500
Rent (1-bedroom, outside center)	1,000–1,250	90,000–1,12,500
Groceries	250–350	22,500–31,500
Transportation (monthly pass)	100	9,000
Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet)	200–260	18,000–23,400
Entertainment & leisure	120–250	10,800–22,500

Housing, groceries, and transport make up the largest share of living costs in Amsterdam, with city center apartments being more expensive than outer areas. 

What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Amsterdam? 

Students in Amsterdam can manage on a tighter budget if they choose affordable housing and control other expenses. Approximately, a student spends (€1,000–€1,250 INR 90,000–1,12,500) per month.  

Here are the approximate costs for students in Amsterdam: 

Expense Category	Approx. Monthly Cost (€)	Approx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Rent (shared apartment or student housing)	400–700	36,000–63,000
Groceries	200–300	18,000–27,000
Transportation (student pass)	50–70	4,500–6,300
Utilities & internet	150–200	13,500–18,000
Leisure & entertainment	100–150	9,000–13,500

Students often reduce costs by sharing apartments and using public transport, which can save up to 40% on housing and commute expenses compared to living alone. 

Also Read: Best Courses in Netherlands 

What is the average monthly cost of living for young professionals in Amsterdam? 

Young professionals often spend more due to central housing choices and an active social life. Approximately, they spend around €1,500–€1,850 (INR 1,35,000–1,66,500) per month. 

Here are the approximate monthly expenses for young professionals in Amsterdam: 

Expense Category	Approx. Monthly Cost (€)	Approx. Monthly Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom, city center)	1,500–1,850	1,35,000–1,66,500
Groceries	250–350	22,500–31,500
Transportation (monthly pass)	100	9,000
Utilities & internet	200–260	18,000–23,400
Leisure & entertainment	150–250	13,500–22,500

Also Read: High Paying Jobs in Netherlands 

How much do housing and rent cost in Amsterdam? 

Housing is the biggest monthly expense in Amsterdam, making up almost 40–50% of a resident’s budget.  

City center apartments are 30–50% more expensive than those in outer neighborhoods.  

Here are the approximate monthly accommodation expenses in Amsterdam:  

Housing Type	Approximate Rent (€)	Approximate Rent (INR)
1-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre	1,500–2,800	1,35,000–2,52,000
1-Bedroom Apartment, Outside Centre	1,400–2,300	1,26,000–2,07,000
3-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre	3,000–5,500	2,70,000–4,95,000
3-Bedroom Apartment, Outside Centre	2,200–3,500	1,98,000–3,15,000
Price per Sq. Meter to Buy, City Centre	8,000–11,000	7,20,000–9,90,000
Price per Sq. Meter to Buy, Outside Centre	5,000–9,000	4,50,000–8,10,000

Housing in Amsterdam is influenced by proximity to the city center, public transport access, and neighborhood popularity, with demand-driven prices rising 3–5% annually on average. 

Also Read: How to save money during studying abroad? 

Which neighborhoods are most affordable for expats and students?   

Amsterdam has several neighborhoods that offer lower rents and good amenities for students and expats. Choosing the right area can save a significant portion of monthly expenses.  

Here are the more affordable neighborhoods: 

• Amsterdam Noord: Connected by ferry, rents are about 20–30% lower than the city center, attracting young professionals and students. 
• Amsterdam Oost: Offers reasonably priced apartments with access to parks, local shops, and public transport. 
• De Baarsjes & Oud-West: Mid-range neighborhoods with rents 10–25% cheaper than the central district, popular among newcomers. 
• Amsterdam Zuidoost: Often the most budget-friendly area, with multicultural communities and lower rent for larger apartments. 

 

How much do utilities like electricity, water, and internet cost per month?  

Utilities in Amsterdam are generally stable but vary by apartment size and usage. Monthly bills include electricity, heating, water, garbage, mobile, and internet.  

Here’s a detailed breakdown: 

Utility Type	Approximate Cost (€)	Approximate Cost (INR)
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage)	200–350	18,000–31,500
Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+)	10–30	900–2,700
Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data)	30–60	2,700–5,400

Utilities usually account for 10–15% of monthly expenses, with internet and mobile costs being lower than housing but still essential for daily life. 

What are the food and grocery expenses in Amsterdam?  

Food and groceries form a major part of living costs in Amsterdam, with local markets offering affordable basics while meat and cheese remain pricier.  

To understand monthly spending on groceries, check the approximate prices below: 

Grocery Item	Approximate Price (€)	Approximate Price (INR)
Milk (1 liter)	1.00–2.00	90–180
Loaf of White Bread (500g)	1.10–4.00	99–360
Rice (1kg)	1.70–3.00	153–270
Eggs (12)	3.00–6.00	270–540
Local Cheese (1kg)	8.00–20.00	720–1,800
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	6.00–15.17	540–1,365
Beef Round (1kg)	9.00–32.00	810–2,880
Apples (1kg)	1.93–4.00	174–360
Bananas (1kg)	1.55–3.00	140–270
Oranges (1kg)	1.60–3.00	144–270
Tomato (1kg)	2.00–5.95	180–535
Potato (1kg)	1.00–2.10	90–189
Onion (1kg)	1.00–2.78	90–250
Lettuce (1 head)	1.00–2.00	90–180
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.65–2.00	59–180

For lower grocery costs, many residents shop at markets and chains like Albert Heijn, Lidl, Dirk, and Jumbo, which offer fresh produce and everyday essentials at reasonable prices. 

How much do restaurants and cafes cost in Amsterdam? 

Dining out in Amsterdam can range from quick budget meals to pricier restaurant experiences.  

For students and expats, knowing these restaurant costs helps plan monthly expenses effectively: 

Restaurant / Cafe Item	Approximate Price (€)	Approximate Price (INR)
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant	12–40	1,080–3,600
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, 3-course	80–120	7,200–10,800
McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent combo)	12–15	1,080–1,350
Cappuccino (regular)	3–7	270–630
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	2–4	180–360
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	2–4	180–360

Dining costs in Amsterdam vary by location and type. Budget-friendly options like FEBO, New York Pizza, and local cafés in De Pijp offer meals under INR 1,350, while full-service restaurants can cost INR 7,200–10,800 for two. 

How expensive is transportation in Amsterdam? 

Transportation in Amsterdam is efficient and widely used, with options ranging from public transport to taxis.  

Here are the costs for different modes of transport, including monthly passes, taxis, and fuel, to help you plan your budget: 

Transport Type	Approximate Cost (€)	Approximate Cost (INR)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	2.25–4.00	(INR 203–INR 360)
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	65.22–150.00	(INR 5,870–INR 13,500)
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	4.00–5.00	(INR 360–INR 450)
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	2.65–3.05	(INR 239–INR 274)
Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	30.00–55.35	(INR 2,700–INR 4,981)
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.75–2.17	(INR 158–INR 195)

Amsterdam’s public transport is highly efficient, with monthly passes costing roughly (INR 5,870–INR 13,500), making it far more cost-effective than owning a car for most residents. 

Is owning a car worth it in Amsterdam? 

Owning a car in Amsterdam can be very expensive and is usually not needed because the city has great public transport and is easy to get around by bike.  

A new car, like a Volkswagen Golf, costs about €32,000–€39,000 (INR 28,80,000–INR 35,10,000), and gas is around €1.75–2.17 per liter (INR 158–INR 195). Parking in the city center is limited and can cost more than €200–€300 per month (INR 18,000–INR 27,000), plus maintenance adds extra money.  

For students and expats, buses, trams, and bikes are usually much cheaper and more convenient than owning a car. 

Did You Know?  

Over 800,000 people use the GVB Monthly Pass each month for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the metro in Amsterdam, reducing 50% of the transportation costs. 

How much do lifestyle and entertainment activities cost in Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam offers many ways to enjoy life, from gyms and cinemas to bars and gaming.  

Here are the costs for common lifestyle and entertainment activities: 

• Fitness Club / Gym: Monthly fee ranges from €25–50 (INR 2,250–INR 4,500) 
• Cinema Ticket: Around €12–15 (INR 1,080–INR 1,350) per movie 
• PlayStation / Gaming (per month for online subscriptions or rentals): €20–40 (INR 1,800–INR 3,600) 
• Bowling / Mini Golf / Indoor Recreation: €8–15 (INR 720–INR 1,350) per session 
• Live Music or Theater Tickets: €20–60 (INR 1,800–INR 5,400) depending on the venue 
• Museum Entry / Cultural Activities: €10–25 (INR 900–INR 2,250) per ticket 

How much do education and healthcare cost in Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam is known for its quality education and healthcare system. International students and residents spend a significant part of their budget on tuition and health coverage, but costs are often lower than in other major European cities.  

• Education: 
  Education costs depend on the type of institution. Public universities charge roughly €8,000–€15,000 per year (INR 7,20,000–INR 13,50,000) for bachelor’s or master’s programs. Private universities can be higher. Students also spend €500–1,000 per year (INR 45,000–INR 90,000) on books and supplies. Scholarships and grants can help reduce costs for eligible students. 
• Healthcare: 
  Healthcare in Amsterdam is high-quality but requires insurance. Basic health insurance costs about €100–150 per month (INR 9,000–INR 13,500). Doctor visits can cost €30–50 (INR 2,700–INR 4,500) if not covered, and hospital treatments vary. Expats sometimes choose private plans for faster service or extra coverage. 

What hidden or unexpected costs should newcomers in Amsterdam expect? 

Moving to Amsterdam can be exciting, but newcomers often face extra costs they don’t always plan for.  

Here are some common hidden or unexpected expenses: 

• Banking Fees: Opening a bank account is usually free, but some banks charge monthly fees or fees for international transfers. 
• Bicycles & Maintenance: Bikes are a main mode of transport. Buying a decent bike costs €200–€600 (INR 18,000–INR 54,000), and repairs or locks add extra. 
• City Taxes / Registration Fees: New residents must register with the municipality; sometimes small fees apply. 
• Healthcare Deductibles: Even with insurance, some treatments or medications may require out-of-pocket payments. 
• Clothing for Weather: Amsterdam has wet, cold winters. Investing in jackets, raincoats, and boots can cost €100–€300 (INR 9,000–INR 27,000). 
• Household Setup Costs: Furnishing an apartment, buying kitchen items, and other home essentials can add €500–1,500 (INR 45,000–INR 1,35,000). 

What strategies help reduce living costs in Amsterdam? 

Living in Amsterdam can be expensive, but residents and students use practical strategies to save money.  

Here are some proven ways to cut costs: 

• Use Public Transport & Bikes: Over 800,000 people in Amsterdam use the GVB Monthly Pass, which costs €100 (INR 9,000) on average, reducing commuting costs by up to 50% compared to single tickets or car ownership. 
• Choose Affordable Housing: Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €1,000–1,250 (INR 90,000–1,12,500), nearly 40% cheaper than city-center apartments. Shared housing can further cut rent costs by 30–50%. 
• Shop at Budget Markets: Chains like Albert Heijn, Lidl, and Dirk offer groceries 20–30% cheaper than premium stores, especially for fresh produce and staples. 
• Cook at Home: Eating out costs an average of €15–20 (INR 1,350–1,800) per meal, while cooking at home can reduce monthly food costs by €150–250 (INR 13,500–22,500). 
• Take Advantage of Student Discounts: Many museums, cinemas, and transport services offer 10–50% off for students, saving hundreds of euros per year. 
• Compare Internet & Phone Plans: Choosing a mid-range plan can save €10–20 (INR 900–1,800) per month compared to premium packages. 
• Join Free or Low-Cost Activities: Amsterdam hosts over 200 free events annually, including concerts, cultural festivals, and park activities, providing entertainment at minimal cost. 

Conclusion 

Living in Amsterdam can feel expensive, but knowing the cost of living in Amsterdam and planning carefully makes it easier to manage. Rent, groceries, transportation, and entertainment can all fit into a realistic monthly budget with smart choices like public transport, cooking at home, and exploring free activities. 

Students and expats can enjoy Amsterdam’s culture and opportunities while keeping costs under control. By using cost-saving strategies and planning, you can live comfortably and make the most of your time in the city. 

Want to know more or have questions about moving to Amsterdam? Book a 1:1 free counselling session with upGrad experts to get personalized guidance and tips for budgeting and living in the city.