Top 10 cities in the Netherlands, all you need to know!

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and also the biggest city of the Netherlands. Our beautiful capital has over 873.000 inhabitants and is a real attraction for tourists.

Amsterdam
Sights:

Recommended: The Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Vondelpark and a cruise through the canals. Note: about 15 million tourists visit Amsterdam every year.

Employment opportunities:

If you have relocated or you want to relocate to Amsterdam, chances are you are looking for a job or have already found one. If you don’t have a job yet, there are plenty opportunities. For example; there are many recruitment agencies in the Netherlands that focus on expatriates.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: House prices in Amsterdam are considerably higher than in other parts of the Netherlands. This applies not only to rental properties, but also to owner-occupied homes. This means that many people, including expats, choose to live around Amsterdam with a good connection to Amsterdam when they work here. This often means a halving of the monthly costs for rent or the mortgage. Maybe you like to live in a busy city and you don’t mind living smaller for a lot of money. But maybe something to consider?
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.300,- till € 1.900,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: It is also not easy to get a home in Amsterdam. Many people are looking for a home, rent or buy, so you have to beat many other people.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Amsterdam. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages of living in Amsterdam
• Central:
do you live in Amsterdam? Then you never have to cycle far to the supermarket. Everything is centrally located, so you hardly ever have to travel far to go somewhere.
Public transport: Public transport is not to be missed in Amsterdam. You are always close to the bus, train or metro, which can be useful if you often have to travel by public transport.
• No boredom: in Amsterdam you can do all kinds of things, and many of those things are not even that far away from your home. For example: the gym, the swimming pool or a restaurant. All the things you need are probably close to your home. In addition, you can have a drink with a friend at a nearby café during the weekend.

Disadvantages of living in Amsterdam
The environment: the environment in Amsterdam is different than if you live in a village, you have less nature around you. There are people who don’t mind and love the city more. But there are also many people who like to live and be in nature. If you like to be in nature, Amsterdam might not be perfect for you.
Population: Amsterdam has countless different people and many different cultures in the city. The city hardly sleeps, especially if you live close to the centre.
Crowds: in large cities, especially Amsterdam is very busy, there are many people, including many tourists and students. The city is a place of entertainment for young people, so it is very busy on weekends. So you have to take into account any music nuisance.

2. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second biggest city of the Netherlands with more than 651.000 inhabitants. Rotterdam is the largest municipality in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. A beautiful city!

Rotterdam
Sights:

What is fun to do in Rotterdam? Perhaps the huge harbor, the Markthal, Blijdorp zoo and the towering Euromast. Tip: take a boat trip and admire the skyline of Rotterdam.

Employment opportunities:

If you are looking for a job in Rotterdam, there are definitely some options. Are you struggling with your new job, or are you simply looking to improve yourself? There are many career coaches in the Netherlands who specialise in working with international professionals. These career coaches offer training courses in personal development, leadership and more.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: House prices in the big cities, just like in Rotterdam are considerably higher than in other parts of the Netherlands. This applies not only to rental properties, but also to owner-occupied homes. This means that many people, including expats, choose to live around Rotterdam, but close to a good public transport so you’ll be in the centre of Rotterdam in no time.This also often means a halving of the monthly costs for rent or the mortgage. Maybe you like to live in a busy city and you don’t mind living smaller for a more money. But maybe something to consider?
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.100,- till € 1.700,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: It is also not easy to get a house/apartment in Rotterdam. Many people are looking for a house/apartment, rent or buy, so you have to beat many other people.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Rotterdam. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
Everything is close! Of course it depends a little bit on where you live in the city, but if you live in the heart of the city you have just about everything within walking distance. The supermarket, the dentist, the shops, the nice restaurants and even the hospital!
You live nice and centrally. You don’t have to cycle to a station for half an hour, you can simply choose from a train, metro or tram! Certainly if you live in the Randstad you will be in other large cities in no time. With Intercity Direct it is only 42 minutes from Rotterdam to Amsterdam!
You never have to get bored in the city. The offer is large and you can do all kinds of things if you wish. For example, there are dozens of yoga studios and gyms. Enough choice!

Disadvantages:
In general, there is little nature in the big city. Of course there are beautiful city parks, but there are often no large nature areas where you can run ten kilometres through the forest or stroll around for an afternoon. Speaking of running, there are so many traffic lights in the city!
If you live in the city you naturally have more people, unfortunately also less nice people. It is always busy in the city! Especially in the summer months, the city is flooded with day trippers and the festivals pop out of the ground every weekend. This is of course great fun if you fanatically visit all festivals.

3. The Hague (Den Haag)

The third largest city in the Netherlands is The Hague. Here you can get a breath of fresh air by the sea, visit Madurodam and view some of our famous palaces (Noordeinde Palace, Peace Palace and Huis ten Bosch Palace). The Hague has more than 539.000 inhabitants.

The Hague
Sights:

In the centre of the oldest section of The Hague is the Binnenhof – the Inner Court – an irregular group of buildings constructed around a large central courtyard. With its origins dating back to 1250 and tied to the building of a castle, it soon became the residence of the ruling aristocracy, and today houses both chambers of Parliament. And as above, there are a lot of touristic attractions. The Hague is an old city and so lovely to visit.

 

Employment opportunities:

In addition to the government and beautiful residential areas, The Hague also has many offices in which companies are located. The employment in The Hague is therefore good. The Hague is also an ideal city for students to live in because of the highly qualified courses that you can follow.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: House prices in the Haque are a bit less than in the big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. But before you will make a mistake to live in The Hague, because it is not cheap to live either. Perhaps Rijswijk, the city next to The Hague is a cheaper place and does this suit your need better?
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.000,- till € 1.600,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: It is in all big cities in the Netherlands difficult to get a rental house or if you would like to buy a house. Many people are looking for a house/apartment. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to The Hague. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• The Hague is one of the largest Dutch cities and part of the Randstad. Also the city is close to the beach.
• The Hague has a lot to offer in terms of residential areas. In addition to the hip city districts, there are also many districts that belong to The Hague and are experienced as quiet.
• Public transport is well organized in the city. There is a large central station where you can go in all directions.
• In the Centre of The Hague there are many catering establishments such as terraces and restaurant where you can enjoy a snack or a drink. In the summer, the entire centre is full of people sitting on the terrace.

Disadvantages:
• Every advantage has its drawback. This also applies to live and working in the Randstad. For example, you will find little green in this area and you must first travel a bit if you want to run in the forest.
• The Hague is very busy, especially in the summertime. Not only tourist come to the Hague, but all inhabitants around the Hague as well.
• Less peace and quiet.

4. Utrecht

Number 4 of bigest cities is Utrecht with more tan 357.000 inhabitants. In Utrecht you will find everything you are looking for! Beautiful nature, history and shopping centers

Utrecht
Sights:

Beautiful nature (the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Loodsdrechtse plassen), history (the Dom of Utrecht, Slot Zeist and Kasteel Duurstede) and shopping centers including Hoog Catharijne.

 

Employment opportunities:

Employment in Utrecht has grown strongly in recent years, particularly in 2019 (+ 4.0%) and 2018 (4.3%). More than 10,000 jobs were added in both years. The strongest job growth took place in the Station area. But almost in all sector there is a growth. Think about the health care jobs and the service sectors (commercial and non-commercial).

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Utrecht is great to live in and a lot of expats are moving to Utrecht. House prices in Utrecht are a bit less than in the big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. But before you will make a mistake to live in Utrecht, because it is not cheap to live either. You have a lot of good areas in Utrecht, but also areas you don’t want to live. Good to check out what you preferences are and what you think is important.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.200,- till € 1.700,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: It is in all big cities in the Netherlands difficult to get a rental house or if you would like to buy a house. Many people are looking for a house/apartment. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Utrecht. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
Central in the Netherlands and the public transport in the city is really good!
It’s just like a big city and there is always something to do. The canals in the city, worth it!
The houses are so lovely and there is a lot of green area around Utrecht.

Disadvantages:
If you don’t like the big crowd I can imagine that it’s a nightmare. The city is always busy. Check the areas around the centre, those are great!
There are a lot of schools in the city and all students are coming to live and study in Utrecht. You will notice that the centre never sleeps. A lot of bars and disco’s.
The centre is always busy, also with foreigners and tourist.

5. Eindhoven

Eindhoven rank fifth in the top 10 largest cities in the Netherlands with more than 234.000 inhabitants. This city is know for the TU, Philips, Strijp-S (a hip, cultural district) and various museums.

Eindhoven
Sights:

Would you like to shop? You an do that not only in the city centre, but also in the Heuvel Galerie, a large shopping centre with 160 shops. Do you want to relax? Then relax in one of the beautiful wellness centres in the area!

 

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Eindhoven is so wonderful is great to live in and a lot cheaper than in the Randstad (around Amsterdam). Check out where you would like to live in Eindhoven, because this city has also a lot of nice areas to choose from.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.000,- till € 1.450,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: It is in all big cities in the Netherlands difficult to get a rental house or if you would like to buy a house. Many people are looking for a house/apartment. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Employment opportunities:

There are a lot of International companies who chose to set up their European offices in the Netherlands. So, a lot of opportunities for expats who are looking for a job. But not only at Internationale companies, there are more opportunities for expats.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Eindhoven. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:

• Not only and the side of the city, but also in the city you have a lot of green areas.
• You’ll meet all kinds of people from a young age till 100 years old.
• You’ll never be bored in the city. There is always something to do!

Disadvantages:
• if you don’t like the big crowd I can imagine that it’s a nightmare. The city is always busy. Check the areas around the centre, those are great!
• Eindhoven is not very centrally located in the Netherlands. It will be more difficult to get to another city, it will take you longer.
• Carnaval. Maybe you love Carnaval. But if you don’t a whole week everybody is free and the city is really busy.

6. Groningen

‘There is nothing like Groningen’. With more than 233.000 inhabitants, people love to live in Groningen. You’ll find the Martini Tower, the Groninger Museum and the beautifull National Park Lauwersmeer.

Groningen
Sights:

From Groningen you can also take a day trip in one of the Wadden Islands. Looking for adventure? Then definitely go mudflats! Don’t know what that is, check it out!

Employment opportunities:

It is striking that last year many permanent jobs were added; almost 4 thousand pieces. The number of temporary workers decreased. The growth in the number of jobs was mainly due to commercial services, ICT, trade and catering, education and health care. The technical, economic and administrative professions are struggling with a shortage of skilled workers.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Groningen in the North of the Netherlands is less crowded. But of course it’s a big city and in all big cities the prices are higher than the villages around it. 
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.000,- till € 1.500,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: less people are searching for a house compares to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Check out in which area you would like to live and what suits you best. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Groningen. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• There are a lot of green areas around the city. Great to walk or drive by.
• The centre is historic and the houses are so beautiful.
• You’ll never be bored in the city. There is always something to do!

Disadvantages:
• if you don’t like the big crowd I can imagine that it’s a nightmare. The city is always busy. Check the areas around the centre, those are great too!
• There are a lot of schools in the city and all students are coming to live and study in Groningen. You will notice that the centre never sleeps. A lot of bars and disco’s.
• Groningen is in the North of the Netherlands and quit far from all other cities. You need to travel more and longer to get somewhere else.

7. Tilburg

Tilburg is not such an old city, but it’s a really nice city in Brabant with more than 219.000 inhabitants.

Tilburg
Sights:

There is plenty to see. Do you like museums? Then go to the Textile Museum or the Brabant Nature Museum. Do you want to be outside? Go on a safari in the Beekse Bergen or a day at the Efteling. There is always something to do!

Employment opportunities:

Tilburg is a kind of a logistic hotspot in the Netherlands. “It is so good for the economy and local employment.”

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Tilburg in Brabant is not as big as Amsterdam or Rotterdam are. There are also less houses available, but the houses which are available are more affordable.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.000,- till € 1.400,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: less people are searching for a house compares to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Check out in which area you would like to live and what suits you best. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Tilburg. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• Not only around the city, but also in the city you have a lot of green areas.
• The centre is historic and the houses are so beautiful.
• You’ll never be bored in the city. There is always something to do!

Disadvantages:
• If you don’t like the big crowd I can imagine that it’s a nightmare. The city is always busy. Check the areas around the centre, those are great!
• Tilburg is not very centrally located in the Netherlands. It will be more difficult to get to another city, it will take you longer.
• Carnaval. Maybe you love Carnaval. But if you don’t a whole week everybody is free and the city is really busy.

8. Almere

Almere is number 8 of the largest cities in the Netherlands with more than 211.000 inhabitants. This city is mainly known for its beautiful nature. Almere borders 3 different lakes: the IJmeer, the Markermeer and the Gooimeer.

Almere
Sights:

There are several recreational areas where you can swim in the summer. Also worthwhile: city estate De Kemphaan and Museum de Paviljoens.

Employment opportunities:

In total, approximately 6,000 new jobs will be created in Flevoland in the period 2018-2020. The information and communication, care & welfare, retail and employment agencies & job placement sectors are showing the strongest growth. Many sectors in Flevoland are underrepresented, compared to the average in the Netherlands. At this moment a lot of people are moving from Amsterdam to a cheaper place to live and work there. This is the case for Almere as well.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Almere is up and coming. Because the prices in Amsterdam are so high a lot of people from Amsterdam are moving to Almere. That’s why the prices in Almere are getting more expensive.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.100,- till € 1.600,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: Check out in which area you would like to live and what suits you best. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Almere. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• You’ll get more house for your money.
• The air is cleaner than in around Amsterdam (Schiphol) and the nature is close by.
• Way less tourist in Almere, just for the architecture.

Disadvantages:
• If you work in Amsterdam there is a lot of travic from Almere to Amsterdam. Public transport is better, but also busy.
• There is not much to do in Almere, you always need to go somewhere else to have a night out if you would like.
• There are a lot of judgments about Almere; that Amsterdam is better. But Almere is up and coming!

9. Breda

Breda has been namend the best nightlife city and has also been voted the best city center in the Netherlands (2019) with more than 184.000 inhabitants.

Breda
Sights:

You’ll find numerous cosy restaurants, cafes and terraces in the city centre. You can also enjoy shopping, walking in the Valkenberg city park and sailing on the canals (recommended!).

Employment opportunities:

Jobs have also increased in Breda in recent years. The greatest growth can be seen in Business services, Construction, Information and communication.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Breda in Brabant is not as big as Amsterdam or Rotterdam are. There are also less houses available, but the houses which are available are more affordable.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.100,- till € 1.500,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: less people are searching for a house compares to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Check out in which area you would like to live and what suits you best. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Breda. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• All ‘Brabanders’ (people who live in Breda) will never move somewhere else. It’s the city to live in!
• In the centre there is a lot of really nice restaurants, shops and so many beautiful houses.
• Breda is known for its cosy atmosphere.

Disadvantages:
• It’s always busy in the city, most of all with one day tourist.  
• Breda is not very centrally located in the Netherlands. It will be more difficult to get to another city, it will take you longer.
• Carnaval. Maybe you love Carnaval. But if you don’t a whole week everybody is free and the city is really busy.

10. Nijmegen

Last but not least! Number 10: Nijmegen is located in Gelderland and is immediately the largest city in the province with more than 177.000 inhabitants.

Nijmegen
Sights:

Some nice sights: the beautiful city centre, the Kronenburgerpark and the many monuments. Just outside the centre you immediately step into nature. You can walk along the Waal, through the hills, polders or forests. Relax!

Employment opportunities:

Employment in Nijmegen was going well. A growth in Business services, healthcare and the hospitality industry. Also in the transport, storage and communication sectors.

Housing market (buy or rent):

• House prices: Nijmegen is a really good city to live in and not that big as Amsterdam for example.  There are also less houses available, but the houses which are available are more affordable.
– For a unfurnished apartment with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms you need to think about € 1.000,- till € 1.400,-. It depends on your preferences and areas. Your gross income need to 3 or 4 times the rent a month.
• Opportunities: less people are searching for a house compares to Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Check out in which area you would like to live and what suits you best. If you can use some help with this. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disadvantages and advantages:

When you are going to move and you do not yet know exactly where, it can be quite difficult to find out. Maybe you were thinking about moving to Nijmegen. Or would you rather live in a village? To help you choose, we have selected a number of advantages and disadvantages of living in the Amsterdam below.

Advantages:
• In the centre you’ll have a really great street with shops and restaurants, but also a beautiful park (Kronenburgerpark) to walk or chill and much more!
• Nijmegen is the oldest city of the Netherlands!
• You can go everywhere on your bike!

Disadvantages:
• It’s always busy in the city, most of all with one day tourist.  
• Nijmegen is not very centrally located in the Netherlands. It will be more difficult to get to another city, it will take you longer. But closer to Germany.
• Nijmeegse Vierdaags. Every year there is a big event called the ‘Nijmeegse Vierdaagse’. Maybe you love big events. But if you don’t a whole week everybody is free and the city is really busy.

Are you relocating to the Netherlands and want to know more information about one of the cities above?
Don’t hesitate to contact us