The following tables list prices (in euros) of various items and commodities for sale in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This price list should be of use to both tourists and any potential expats considering a move to the Netherlands.
Note, some figures should only be taken as a guideline – prices can vary and are subject to change. As with elsewhere in the world, inflation has been significantly high of late in the Netherlands.
Cost of Eating and Drinking Out in Amsterdam
Prices for meals out vary considerably in Amsterdam and range from the budget fast-food places, cheap eetcafé-style restaurants to the more upscale establishments. Drinks prices are generally consistent overall although higher prices can be found at either “tourist traps” or trendier bars and clubs. The Dutch are not great tippers, however a small tip is always appreciated by your server.
Friet (chips) €3.00-4.00
Big Mac (McDonalds) €5.50
Sandwich/Bagel (cafe) €5.00-12.00
Main Course Meal (standard eetcafe) €13-30
Meal+Wine+Dessert (per person) €35-100
Draft Beer (250ml) €3.70
Draft Beer (500ml) €7.00
House Wine (glass) €5.50
Mineral Water/Soft Drink (glass) €3.50-4.50
Espresso €3
Cappuccino/Koffie Verkeerd/Latte/Flat White €3.50-4.50
Starbucks Caffe Latte Grande €4.75
Tea (cup) €3.00-4.00
Cost of Travel in Amsterdam
Public transport in Amsterdam and Netherlands is normally quite reliable and offers reasonable value. Of late, fuel prices have reached near record levels.
Train Ticket Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport €4.90-€5.90
Train Ticket Amsterdam to The Hague €13.60
1 hour public transport ticket €3.40
1 day Amsterdam public transport ticket €9.00
Ferry ride on the IJ (GVB) Free
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (3 days) €40.50
Annual Train 40% Discount Card €60
Taxi Fare in Amsterdam €10-25
Taxi Fare (Schiphol Airport to City) €45-60
Petrol (Euro95) 1 Litre €2.00
Diesel 1 Litre €1.95
Bike Rental (1 day) €10-15
Car Parking (per hour, inner centre) €7.50
Cost of Miscellaneous Items in Amsterdam
Cultural activities such as the theatre and museums are not that cheap although there are some free concerts and festivals. Expats should consider investing in the Museum Card which gives unlimited free entry to 400 museums over the whole year. Tobacco and cigarettes in the Netherlands are heavily taxed/regulated and prices are set to rise further.
Stamp for Netherlands (0-20g) €1.01
Stamp for international destinations (0-20g) €1.65
Cigarettes (Marlboro pack of 20) €8.20
Haircut (Male) from €18
Haircut (Female) from €35
Cinema Ticket (Standard) €13
Theatre Ticket from €20
Night Club Entry €5-20
Museum Admission €5-30
Annual Museumkaart €64.90
GO City Amsterdam All Inclusive Card (5 days) €99
Hotel Room – good standard (per night) from €150
Cost of Utilities for Living in Amsterdam
From mandatory health insurance for residents to utility bills and telecom charges.
Internet 200Mb/s (monthly) €43
Prepaid Mobile Standard Call (per minute) €0.09-0.26
Prepaid Mobile SMS Text €0.15-0.30
Apple iPhone 13 128GB unlimited data (monthly – 12 months) €64
Electricity, Gas & Water (monthly) €150-300
Household Refuse Tax (monthly) €29-38
Internet + TV Package (monthly) from €55
Basic Health Insurance (monthly) €125-150
Cleaner (hourly) €15-20
Cost of Education/Childcare
Childcare in the Netherlands is expensive, although you may be able to get a rebate from the tax system, depending on your income. International schools can charge hefty tuition fees, whilst local primary and secondary schools are tuition-free.
Childcare (1 day per week, monthly cost) €380
International School (annual tuition fee) €6,000-26,000
University (statutory tuition fee – EU/EEA students) €2,209
Cost of Flat/House Rental in Amsterdam
Renting a flat or house in Amsterdam is likely to be your biggest monthly outgoing. Prices range from cheaper flat shares, social housing (you will either have to wait some years on the list, have a Dutch partner renting one or be lucky to find a sublet) to more expensive properties on the private rental market.
Social Housing (monthly) up to €763
Room Flat Share (monthly) €400-1,200
Studio Appartment (monthly) €700-1,500
1 Bed Appartment (monthly) €900-1,900
2 Bed Appartment (monthly) €1,300-2,500
2-3 Bed House (monthly) €2,000-4,000
Rentbird is a new subscription-based search bot that scans around 1,400 local housing sites covering virtually all rental properties in the Netherlands. You sign up and enter your desired housing search parameters and when a suitable house/flat comes on the market you immediately get notified by WhatsApp and email.
This article was originally published in 2010. Last updated 30 January 2023.
