Living expenses in The Netherlands (Holland)
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Cost of living
The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in the Netherlands is modest compared with cities like New York, Paris, London and Beijing. In fact, it is one of the lowest in Europe. Here is an indication of the cost of some basic items on a student budget.
The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that the cost of living in the Netherlands is modest compared with cities like New York, Paris, London and Beijing. In fact, it is one of the lowest in Europe. Here is an indication of the cost of some basic items on a student budget.
Housing 250 - 500 euro per month
Food 250 euro per month
Spending 55 euro per month
Security approx one month rent
Bicycle 50 - 150 euro (second hand)
NB: Please be aware that these living expenses do not include tuition fees (please refer to the degree programme of your choice to find out the tuition fee) and other study-related costs (approx. € 650 per year).
So during your stay in Holland you can expect to spend between € 850 and €1,000 per month on living expenses. This does not include tuition fees.
Covering your expenses
Make sure to have covered all your expenses for the whole of the study abroad period before you come to Holland. It is very hard to find additional funding once you are in the Netherlands. Most scholarship programmes, for instance, will only accept applications while you are still in your home country, and finding work is very difficult if you don’t speak any Dutch. If you need an entry visa for the Netherlands you have to submit proof that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself during your studies.
Dutch currency
Dutch currency is known as the euro, abbreviated by eur or €. The currency in circulation comes in the following forms: coins of one, two, five, ten, twenty and fifty eurocents, and one and two euro. Notes are available in denominations of €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Most shops do not accept bank notes of €100 or above. Most small payments in the Netherlands are handled in cash, although an increasing number of shops and supermarkets have instituted bank card and PIN code systems.
Cash dispensers (ATMs)
If you have a Cirrus, Plus, or Euro Card/ MasterCard bank card or a credit card with a four-digit PIN number, you will be able to withdraw money from your home bank account from one of the numerous cash dispensers in Holland. Please inquire at your home bank about this service, its conditions and costs.
Credit cards
Credit cards are becoming more popular, although they are not as common as in the USA or France, and large payments are generally handled through a bank account. Make sure you have a bank card enabling you to draw money from a cash dispenser or that you have some euro’s on you.
Public transport
Public transport in Holland can be quite expensive, depending on how frequently you use it and the distances you travel. It will cost you around €53 per month maximum. The cheapest and easiest way to travel in any major city is by bicycle. Prices of second-hand bikes vary from €100 to €200. A decent lock costs approximately €50.
Food 250 euro per month
Spending 55 euro per month
Security approx one month rent
Bicycle 50 - 150 euro (second hand)
NB: Please be aware that these living expenses do not include tuition fees (please refer to the degree programme of your choice to find out the tuition fee) and other study-related costs (approx. € 650 per year).
So during your stay in Holland you can expect to spend between € 850 and €1,000 per month on living expenses. This does not include tuition fees.
Covering your expenses
Make sure to have covered all your expenses for the whole of the study abroad period before you come to Holland. It is very hard to find additional funding once you are in the Netherlands. Most scholarship programmes, for instance, will only accept applications while you are still in your home country, and finding work is very difficult if you don’t speak any Dutch. If you need an entry visa for the Netherlands you have to submit proof that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself during your studies.
Dutch currency
Dutch currency is known as the euro, abbreviated by eur or €. The currency in circulation comes in the following forms: coins of one, two, five, ten, twenty and fifty eurocents, and one and two euro. Notes are available in denominations of €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Most shops do not accept bank notes of €100 or above. Most small payments in the Netherlands are handled in cash, although an increasing number of shops and supermarkets have instituted bank card and PIN code systems.
Cash dispensers (ATMs)
If you have a Cirrus, Plus, or Euro Card/ MasterCard bank card or a credit card with a four-digit PIN number, you will be able to withdraw money from your home bank account from one of the numerous cash dispensers in Holland. Please inquire at your home bank about this service, its conditions and costs.
Credit cards
Credit cards are becoming more popular, although they are not as common as in the USA or France, and large payments are generally handled through a bank account. Make sure you have a bank card enabling you to draw money from a cash dispenser or that you have some euro’s on you.
Public transport
Public transport in Holland can be quite expensive, depending on how frequently you use it and the distances you travel. It will cost you around €53 per month maximum. The cheapest and easiest way to travel in any major city is by bicycle. Prices of second-hand bikes vary from €100 to €200. A decent lock costs approximately €50.