Moving to the Netherlands is not limited to Amsterdam - there are cities in the country with a better balance between housing prices, transportation and job opportunities. Some of them are more family-friendly, while others are more suitable for career or study. Find out more about which cities in the Netherlands are the most comfortable to live in

The Netherlands are often chosen by expats from different regions of the world, including Latvia, Turkmenistan, Ecuador, Serbia, and other countries, because of its stable economy, clear legalization rules, high level of security, and developed social infrastructure. For many, low street crime, high-quality healthcare, convenient public transportation, and the ability to live without a car are important arguments.

But if Amsterdam seems too expensive and overcrowded, it doesn't mean that the choice ends with the capital. There are cities in the country where it is easier to find housing, easier to get to work, and more comfortable to live without a car.

In this article, we have collected five cities that are often called the most convenient for living in the Netherlands with short, practical explanations: what about logistics, what the infrastructure looks like, where it is easier to work, and how the level of costs is generally felt.

In our previous article, we provided a detailed guide on how to obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands.

Moving to the Netherlands is a complex process that requires knowledge of local legislation, IND rules and the nuances of document preparation. Visit World migration specialists will help you go through all stages of legalization without stress.

Contact our experts and be sure that all documents are drawn up correctly the first time!

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the most convenient cities in the Netherlands in terms of logistics. It has a large railway junction, fast trains to Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, and well-developed public transport and bicycle infrastructure. For those who work for international companies or combine office and business trips, it is important that the city is home to Europe's largest port and one of the country's key transportation hubs.

The city attracts with a strong labor market in logistics, finance, IT, architecture, startups and creative industries. There are many international companies and English-speaking work environments, which makes it easier for expats to adapt. It is easier to find modern housing in Rotterdam than in Amsterdam, as much of the development is new, with good layouts and infrastructure in areas near the center.

In terms of living costs, Rotterdam remains one of the most expensive cities in the country, but on average, rents are more affordable than in the capital. People often choose to live in areas that combine proximity to the center, parks and quieter streets, as well as new neighborhoods with high-quality social infrastructure: schools, medical facilities and shops within walking distance.

Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the most convenient transportation hubs in the country: the city is located in the center of the Netherlands, and the main station connects all key destinations. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague can be easily reached in ~25-40 minutes by train, so Utrecht is often chosen by those who work in other cities but do not want to live in the overcrowded capital. Within the city, it is convenient to get around by bike and public transport - a car is not necessary.

The job market here is strong in education, IT, biomedicine, research, and consulting: many vacancies are associated with the university, medical centers, and international companies. The city is suitable for professionals looking for stable offices, hybrid work formats, and an English-speaking environment. For families, a well-developed social infrastructure is important: schools, kindergartens, medical facilities and parks within residential areas.

The downside of Utrecht is the high cost of rent: it is one of the most expensive cities in the country after Amsterdam. At the same time, outside the historic center, it is easier to find more affordable housing with a better price-quality ratio, and in the suburbs, new residential complexes with good infrastructure. In general, the city offers a balance between career opportunities and high-quality everyday comfort.

Harlem

Haarlem is often chosen by those who work or study in Amsterdam but do not want to live in the metropolis itself. The city has a convenient railway connection with the capital - the train ride takes about 15-20 minutes, and there is well-developed public transportation within the city. Due to its compact size, it is easy to live here without a car: most of the daily needs can be met on foot or by bicycle.

The infrastructure of Harlem is suitable for a quiet everyday life: the city has many local shops, coffee shops, schools, medical centers and green areas for walking. At the same time, the North Sea coast and dunes are close by, making it convenient for outdoor recreation on weekends. For those who work remotely or in a hybrid format, Haarlem is convenient because it combines the quietness of residential neighborhoods and proximity to the large labor market of Amsterdam.

In terms of housing prices, Harlem is slightly more affordable than the capital, but still more expensive than many other cities in the Netherlands due to its popularity among expats. In the suburbs and on the outskirts, it is easier to find more affordable rental options with larger areas, which is convenient for families. In general, the city is suitable for those who are looking for a balance between working in Amsterdam and a more comfortable pace of life.

You can learn more about health insurance and the healthcare system in the Netherlands here.

Leiden

Leiden is a compact city between The Hague and Amsterdam, which makes it convenient for those who work in the large Randstad agglomerations but do not want to live in overcrowded centers. There are good rail connections, and everything within the city is accessible on foot or by bicycle. For daily commuting, it is important that it takes about 15 minutes to get to The Hague and about 30-40 minutes by train to Amsterdam.

The city is strong in education, science, and medicine: the university, research centers, medical facilities, and science parks are concentrated here. This creates a stable demand for specialists, especially in academia, biotechnology and related industries. Leiden is suitable for students, young professionals and families looking for a more relaxed lifestyle without losing access to a large labor market.

In terms of cost of living, Leiden is on average more affordable than Amsterdam or Utrecht, especially when looking at new residential areas outside the historic center. It is easier to find housing with a better price-quality ratio, as well as convenient layouts for families. In general, the city is suitable for those who appreciate compactness, tranquility, and proximity to major economic centers.

Earlier, we told you how a foreigner can apply to a university in the Netherlands, get a student visa, choose a program and find the best universities.

Maastricht

Maastricht is suitable for those who work with international projects or in a cross-border format: the city is located near the borders of Belgium and Germany, and traveling between the countries takes a minimum of time. The transport infrastructure is well suited for daily travel within the region, and the city itself is compact - most routes can be easily covered by bike or on foot. This is a convenient option for those who do not plan to live in a congested metropolis.

The job market here is strong in tourism, service, education, and international programs, in particular due to universities and proximity to other EU countries. In Maastricht, it is easier to find jobs with an international environment, and competition for jobs is often lower than in Randstad. The city is well suited for professionals looking for a more relaxed pace of life without completely losing career opportunities.

The cost of living in Maastricht is on average lower than in most large cities in the Netherlands, especially in terms of rent. It's easier to find affordable apartments in different neighborhoods without waiting for months, which is important for those who plan to move on short notice.

The Immigration Guide from Visit World is a convenient and understandable guide created for those who plan to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in the Netherlands.

Inside you will find:

- a complete algorithm for applying for a residence permit or citizenship;

- an up-to-date list of documents, requirements and processing costs;

- addresses of official bodies dealing with migration issues;

- tips and life hacks for a comfortable life in the country.

With the “Immigration Guide” you will avoid common mistakes and save time searching for information - everything you need for a successful move is collected in one place!

We remind you! The Netherlands will be switching to a fully digital visa application system from August 2025. We've already covered how to properly submit an online application, what documents you need to upload, and what will change for travelers in the new visa application format.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Netherlands;

Legal advice on immigration to Netherlands;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Netherlands;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.