29 Pros and Cons of Living in Amsterdam

Looking to move to Amsterdam in the Netherlands?

You might be drawn by the city’s open-minded and international atmosphere, its rich history and culture, or its status as a European hub for business and travel.

But are you aware of the plethora of tourists and the high cost of living?

Before you make the move, it’s important to be aware of both the pros and cons of living in Amsterdam.

Read on to find out whether the 29 pros and cons of living in Amsterdam make it an ideal home for you.

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Cost of Living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Accommodation Costs

Rent in Amsterdam isn’t cheap.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around €1,600.

For a three-bedroom apartment, you’re looking at an average rent of €2,700.

If you want to live in a more expensive neighbourhood like De Pijp or Oud-Zuid, expect to pay even higher prices.

Utilities

Water, electricity, gas, and internet will set you back around €140 per month.

Telephone and television services are an additional €40 per month.

Food Costs

Eating out in Amsterdam can be expensive, with the average meal costing around €20.

If you’re cooking at home, a week’s worth of groceries for one person will cost around €80.

Transportation Costs

If you’re planning on using public transport, a monthly pass will set you back €50.

Alternatively, a ten-ride card costs €17.

If you choose to cycle, remember that you’ll need an industrial bike lock to keep it secure!

Entertainment Costs

A movie ticket in Amsterdam costs €12.

If you want to catch a game of football (soccer), tickets start at around €30.

Healthcare Costs

The Netherlands has a high-quality and affordable healthcare system, which is good news if you’re planning on living in Amsterdam.

However, you will need to take out health insurance.

The average monthly premium for health insurance in the Netherlands is €80-€100.

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Alcohol Costs

A pint of beer in a bar will set you back €5, while a glass of wine will cost around €4.

If you’re planning on buying alcohol from the supermarket, a bottle of wine starts at €3 and a six-pack of beer is around €7.

Pros and Cons of Living in Amsterdam

1. Pro: Small Town Feel in a Big City

With a population of just over 820,000 people, Amsterdam feels like a small town despite being a major European city.

This is partly because the city is easy to get around on foot or by bike, and also because there are few high-rise buildings.

2. Con: Big City Costs

However, living costs in Amsterdam are high, especially when compared to other parts of the Netherlands.

Rent is expensive, and groceries, transportation, and entertainment can also cost a lot.

3. Pro: Amazing Cafe Culture

Amsterdam is renowned for its cafe culture, and with good reason.

There are cafes on almost every street corner, and they’re the perfect place to people-watch or catch up with friends.

You’ll regularly find locals enjoying a coffee and a slice of cake, or a beer and a Dutch cheese platter.

I recommend stopping in for a fresh mint tea – made with mint leaves rather than a tea bag. It was my Amsterdam obsession!

4. Con: Cash is King

Despite the fact that Amsterdam is a major European city, cash is still king.

Many businesses only accept cash, and even those that do accept card payments often have a minimum spend of €10 or €20.

So, make sure you always have some cash on you!

Once you have a Dutch bank card, this will be less important. But many businesses don’t accept foreign credit cards.

5. Pro: Everyone Speaks English

Amsterdam is a very international city, and English is widely spoken.

In fact, most locals are fluent in English, as it’s taught in schools from a young age.

So, you won’t have any trouble communicating with people, even if you don’t speak Dutch.

That being said, I did get lost in Amsterdam and stuck in a train station where – although they spoke English – they didn’t seem to understand my questions.

So not everyone will know exactly what you’re saying.

6. Con: You Need to Learn Dutch to Fit in – BUT It’s Hard to Practice

Although everyone speaks English, you’ll need to learn some Dutch if you want to fit in.

This is because many locals speak English amongst themselves, so they won’t switch to Dutch just because you’re there.

You can join language classes, but you’ll find yourself more insulated with your fellow students.

Dutch people often assume you’re struggling if you have a bad accent (guilty!) and will switch to English. So it can be difficult to practice.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

7. Pro: Amazing Work/Life Balance

The Dutch have a great work/life balance, and this is reflected in Amsterdam.

Most people work from 9am to 5pm, and then they have the rest of the day free to enjoy life (sometimes even 10am!)

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the sunshine even when you’re working.

It’s very common for people to take holiday leave, and even for dads to take time off to help out with the kids.

8. Con: But the Slower Pace Means Things Aren’t Constantly Available

While the slower pace of life is one of the things I love about living in Amsterdam, it does have its downside.

For example, if you want to buy something on a Sunday, you’re out of luck as almost everything is closed.

And good luck finding anything open after 6pm during the week!

It’s getting a bit better as some shops are opening past 5pm so you don’t have to leave work early to get your groceries.

But you’ll still need to plan ahead if there’s any urgent shopping to be done.

9. Pro: Plethora of Job Opportunities

Amsterdam is a major European city, and as such, there are plenty of job opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for a big corporate job or a small startup, you’re sure to find something that suits your skills and interests.

The job market is quite competitive, but if you have the right skillset, you should be able to find something.

If you speak English, you’ll have a wide range of options available to you. But you’ll be precluded from many government jobs.

The tourism industry favours people that speak English, however. And many locals seek English au pairs to help their children get immersion in the language.

10. Pro: “13 Month Salary”

In the Netherlands, you get paid 13 months a year.

Or so they joke.

That’s because you get about a month of holiday leave that you can take.

And people always take their full leave.

It’s not common, like in America, for your employer to look down on you for taking time off.

11. Con: A Lot of Paperwork to Move to Amsterdam

If you want to move to Amsterdam, be prepared for a lot of paperwork.

You’ll need to get a residence permit, which can be difficult to obtain if you’re not from the EU.

You’ll also need to open a Dutch bank account and get a BSN number.

And don’t forget to register with the municipality!

The municipality is responsible for a lot of things, like rubbish collection and public transport.

You can’t just rock up and start living in Amsterdam. You need to jump through a few hoops first.

12. Pro: Diverse and Accepting Cultures

Amsterdam is a very diverse city, and people are generally accepting of different cultures.

Of course, there will always be exceptions, but overall, people are open-minded and tolerant.

This is likely due to the fact that many people living in Amsterdam are not originally from the Netherlands.

So they’re familiar with the experience of being a foreigner in a new country.

While there is some racism in Amsterdam, as there is around the world, for the most part, people are very accepting.

And they’re massively LGBTQ+ friendly.

13. Con: People Think It’s all Weed and Sex Tourism (It’s Not!)

While it’s true that Amsterdam is known for its weed and sex tourism, there’s so much more to the city than that!

There’s a thriving art and culture scene, as well as a lively nightlife.

And of course, there are the canals.

If you’re thinking of moving to Amsterdam, don’t be put off by the stereotypes. Yes, there are coffee shops and the Red Light District.

But there’s so much more to the city than that.

In fact, the Red Light District is mostly just a tourist gimmick now, as the sex trade has moved far from the area.

And cannabis isn’t even legal in Amsterdam!

14. Pro: Beautiful Architecture, Amazing Museums, and Charming Canals

Amsterdam is a city with a lot to offer in terms of history and culture.

There are many beautiful buildings, as well as amazing museums.

And, of course, the canals are just charming.

If you love architecture, you’ll definitely enjoy living in Amsterdam.

There are plenty of old buildings to admire, as well as new ones.

And if you’re a fan of art, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to museums.

The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are just two of the many options available.

15. Con: Full of Tourists (Can Be Annoying!)

While it’s true that Amsterdam is a beautiful city with plenty to offer, it also means that it’s full of tourists.

And while most of the time they’re not a bother, sometimes they can be.

They might clog up the sidewalks or take photos without asking.

Of course, as a tourist yourself, you might not mind.

But if you’re living in Amsterdam, you might find the never-ending stream of tourists to be a bit much.

16. Pro: Easy to Travel Far and Wide with Trains and Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam is very well-connected, both within the Netherlands and internationally.

There are plenty of trains that can take you around the country.

And Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest in Europe.

This makes it easy to travel, whether you’re going on a day trip or taking a longer vacation.

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17. Con: Constant Hen Dos/Bachelorette Parties

Bachelorette parties are a constant in Amsterdam.

Since it’s so easy to get to the city from across Europe, and there’s so much to do, it’s a popular destination for hen dos.

You might find yourself getting sick of the constant stream of drunk girls in matching t-shirts!

18. Pro: Lots of Green Space

Despite being a city, Amsterdam has plenty of green space.

There are parks all over the place, as well as trees lining the streets.

This makes it a very pleasant city to live in.

You may not have a backyard, but you’ll definitely be able to find a park nearby where you can stretch your legs, walk your dog, or take your kids to play.

19. Con: Lots of Rain (But That’s Also a Pro!)

Amsterdam gets a lot of rain.

But while that might seem like a negative, it’s actually one of the things that makes the city so green and pleasant.

So if you don’t mind a little (or a lot) of rain, you’ll probably enjoy living in Amsterdam.

20. Pro: Very Safe

Amsterdam is a very safe city.

There’s very little crime, and you can walk around alone at night without worrying.

Of course, you should always take precautions when living in any city.

But overall, Amsterdam is a very safe place to live.

21. Con: Pickpockets are Active in Centrum

While Amsterdam is generally a safe city, you do need to be careful of pickpockets.

They’re especially active in the busy tourist areas like Centrum.

So if you’re carrying valuables, make sure to keep them close to you.

22. Con: Bike Theft is Rampant

Unfortunately, bike theft is also a big problem in Amsterdam.

Since so many people rely on bikes to get around, they’re an easy target for thieves.

So if you’re living in Amsterdam, make sure to invest in a good lock and be vigilant about where you leave your bike.

23. Con: It’s Not Well Lit at Night

Amsterdam isn’t very well lit at night.

So if you’re walking around alone, you might feel a bit unsafe.

In Centrum, you’ll find everything lit up like Christmas.

But in the suburbs, it’s pitch black – especially in those gorgeous green parks.

Be sure to carry a flashlight with you (especially if, like me, your phone dies constantly). Otherwise, it’s pretty spooky to walk through them.

24. Pro: You’ll Know All Your Neighbours

Since Amsterdam is such a small city, you’ll quickly get to know all your neighbours.

This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your personality.

But it’s definitely something to consider if you’re thinking of living in Amsterdam.

It’s kind of nice to have a sense of community like this, and it really speaks to the friendliness of the Dutch people.

25. Con: Don’t Cycle Unless You Know What You’re Doing

Cycling in Amsterdam is not for the faint of heart.

You really need to know what you’re doing, or you’ll quickly find yourself in danger.

Between the tram tracks, the cobblestone streets, and the hordes of tourists, it’s easy to get into an accident if you’re not careful.

While it’s a common and cheap way to get around, tourists or new expats often end up causing chaos.

It takes practices skill to navigate Amsterdam by bike.

Start by attempting small streets first. Watch how others cycle on the busier roads. Then attempt it once you feel brave enough!

26. Pro: Outdoor Food and Clothing Markets

Amsterdam is full of outdoor food and clothing markets.

From the weekly farmer’s market to the world-famous flower market, there’s always something to see and do.

And of course, you can also find some great bargains if you’re looking for them.

I highly recommend the Albert Cuyp market – for both food and clothes!

27. Con: Health Insurance is Mandatory and Expensive

If you’re living in Amsterdam, you’re required to have health insurance.

And while the Dutch health care system is excellent, it’s also very expensive.

So be prepared to pay a lot for your insurance – even if you’re healthy and don’t use it often.

If you register months after arriving, they’ll back charge you to when you did arrive. So just pay for it up front.

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28. Pro: Best Apple Pie in Europe

No matter where you go in Amsterdam, you’ll find the best apple pie in Europe.

I’m not exaggerating – it’s that good.

So if you have a sweet tooth, living in Amsterdam is definitely the right choice for you.

Dutch apple pie is my absolute favourite iteration of this dessert. It’s a bit crisper than American apple pie and the seasonings are JUST right.

It pairs best with a fresh cup of tea at a local cafe.

29. Pro/Con: People Plan Very Far in Advance (Even for Mundane Things)

Whether it’s making dinner plans or booking a weekend getaway, the Dutch like to plan very far in advance.

While this can be helpful (you’ll never have to worry about being spontaneous), it can also be a bit of a pain.

If you’re the type of person who likes to go with the flow, living in Amsterdam might not be the best choice for you.

But if you’re organized and enjoy having everything planned out, you’ll fit right in!

They even plan their relaxation nights to do nothing!

Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Amsterdam

1. De Pijp

2. Oud-Zuid

3. De Baarsjes

4. Westerpark

5. Amstelveld & Surrounds

6. Plantage

7. Rivierenbuurt & Surrounds

Visas to Move to Amsterdam as an Expat

If you’re planning on living in Amsterdam, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

The type of visa you’ll need depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.

For example, if you’re a citizen of the European Union, you can live and work in Amsterdam without a visa.

But if you’re a citizen of the United States, you’ll need to apply for a work visa.

The best way to figure out what type of visa you’ll need is to consult with an immigration lawyer.

They can help you navigate the complex visa system and make sure you have all the correct paperwork.

Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Moving to Amsterdam

So, is living in Amsterdam right for you?

It depends.

If you’re looking for a vibrant and international city with plenty to do, Amsterdam is a great choice.

But if you’re not used to living in big cities, the fast pace might be a bit overwhelming.

And if you don’t like cold weather, you might want to consider living somewhere else in Europe.

But overall, I think the pros of living in Amsterdam outweigh the cons.

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