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The pros & cons of living in Amsterdam

Of course, no place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read on and discover what British expats love about life abroad — and the challenges they face in Amsterdam.

Pros of living in Amsterdam

International city: Amsterdam is a very international city, making it easy to form connections. There are many English-speaking expats living here, providing you with the opportunity to make friends from all over the globe.

Cycle everywhere: Despite being a major international city, Amsterdam is surprisingly small, which means you can cycle just about anywhere. Cycling from the east to the west side of Amsterdam takes about 45 minutes, roughly the same time it would take by car when considering traffic. With bike lanes throughout the city and plentiful, free bike parking, cycling in Amsterdam is incredibly convenient.

Tax break: The “30/20/10 ruling” is a significant incentive for expats. This tax break reduces taxable income by up to 30% for foreigners in highly skilled jobs. However, this ruling only applies for the first five years. After that, you’ll be subject to the same tax rates as Amsterdam citizens. Be sure to check if your job qualifies for this ruling.

Language: Most Dutch people speak good English, which is great for getting around the city, settling in, and making friends with locals. Although learning Dutch is not necessary, we still recommend it for better integration. Your employer may also require you to learn it.

Cons of living in Amsterdam

Cost of living: The cost of living in Amsterdam has become the primary concern for many expats moving here. Everyday activities are becoming increasingly unaffordable, making it difficult to save money by the end of the month unless you are very frugal or have a high salary.

Housing prices: Especially costs for accommodation in Amsterdam are soaring, driven by its popularity among expats. This surge in prices often forces many to reside outside Amsterdam and commute to work. As a single person, you could easily spend around 1,200 EUR per month on rent alone.

Government bureaucracy: Like in most European cities, navigating bureaucracy in Amsterdam can be challenging. Processes such as opening a bank account, securing health insurance, and handling immigration papers can be tricky to manage, but they are all part of living in the Netherlands.

What I love about Amsterdam is the organization and the better future for my children. (British member in Zurich)

Opinion

Your questions about Amsterdam, answered

I like that it’s an easy-going city. It’s not difficult to get around. My wife loves it and my children have lots of autonomy and activities — football, yoga, tennis, karate, etc. (British member in Amsterdam)

Opinion

Why British expats move abroad (& how they like it)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our British members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Wherever you go, enjoy the international experience

We’re not just in Amsterdam! InterNations has lively communities in most of the Netherlands’ major cities. If you’re traveling or moving to another Dutch city, check out our British communities in The Hague, Rotterdam , Maastricht, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Breda, or Groningen. But that’s not all! If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, InterNations has got you covered. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities worldwide.