Amsterdam

Neighbourhoods

• Central and pricey: Jordaan, Canal Ring, De Pijp and Oud-West
• Popular and lively: Oost, Noord (across the IJ by free ferry) and Westerpark
• Family-friendly: Amstelveen, Buitenveldert and IJburg, with international schools nearby
• Commuter options: Haarlem, Zaandam, Diemen and Almere

What to expect

A one-bedroom typically costs 1,800 to 2,500 euros a month. Landlords often want gross income of three to four times the rent, plus a deposit of up to two months.

Tips for the search

• Use Pararius, Funda and specialist rental agents
• Prepare a digital file with your contract, payslips, passport and employer letter
• Consider a temporary furnished flat while you search

Monthly budget

A single person renting a one-bedroom alone needs about 3,000 to 3,500 euros net a month. A room in a shared flat (900 to 1,300 euros) brings that down to around 2,000 euros.

• Rent: 1,800 to 2,500 euros for a one-bedroom
• Health insurance: about 155 euros a month
• Groceries: 350 to 450 euros per person
• Eating out: lunch around 15 to 20 euros, dinner for two from 70 euros

Childcare

Full-time daycare can cost around 2,000 euros a month before the childcare allowance, which can reimburse a large share for working parents.

Saving money

• Shop at Lidl, Dirk and weekly street markets like the Albert Cuyp and Dappermarkt
• Cycle instead of buying a transit pass

Main sectors

• Tech and fintech: Booking.com, Adyen, Uber's international headquarters and hundreds of startups
• Finance: ING, ABN AMRO, the Amsterdam stock exchange and trading firms
• Creative industries: advertising, fashion and gaming
• Logistics and aviation: Schiphol and the port

Salaries

Salaries are among the highest in the country. Mid-level tech professionals often earn 55,000 to 80,000 euros a year gross, plus 8% holiday allowance.

Finding work

Most international employers hire in English and many are recognised IND sponsors. LinkedIn is the main platform, and recruiters are active in tech and finance.

Cycling

Most residents get around by bike. Distances are short and the network of bike lanes is excellent. Buy a sturdy second-hand bike and two good locks.

Public transport

• GVB runs the trams, metro, buses and free ferries to Amsterdam Noord
• Check in and out with a contactless bank card via OVpay, or an OV-chipkaart
• A monthly GVB pass costs around 100 euros
• NS trains link Amsterdam Centraal, Zuid and Sloterdijk to the rest of the country

Other options

• Taxis are expensive, and Uber and Bolt are only slightly cheaper
• Car ownership is costly, with high parking fees and waiting lists for permits

Everyday life

Life revolves around bikes, parks and terraces. Vondelpark, Westerpark and the Amsterdamse Bos are favourite green spaces, and on sunny days people head to canal-side cafés or boats.

Culture

• The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum
• Concerts at the Concertgebouw, Paradiso and Melkweg
• Festivals such as King's Day, Pride and Amsterdam Dance Event

Community

The international community is huge, with expat groups, sports clubs and language exchanges. Dutch social circles are harder to join but become loyal friendships.

Weather

Expect grey days, wind and drizzle. Good rain gear matters more than an umbrella, which is useless on a bike.