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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Den Bosch
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Cost of Living in Den Bosch

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Den Bosch, understanding the the cost of living in Den Bosch helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €800 - €1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €600 - €900 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,400 - €2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,000 - €1,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €3,000 - €4,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €2,000 - €3,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €3.00
  • Monthly public transport pass: €90 - €120
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: €2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.60 - €1.80
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.80 - €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 - €2.50
  • Rice (1kg): €1.00 - €2.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.00 - €3.50
  • Cheese (1kg): €8.00 - €15.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €7.00 - €12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €10.00 - €18.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Tomato (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Potato (1kg): €0.80 - €2.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.60 - €1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 - €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10.00 - €20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses): €50.00 - €80.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €7.00 - €9.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €4.00 - €6.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.50 - €6.00
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 - €4.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €2.00 - €3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €100 - €200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 - €0.30
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €30.00 - €50.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €300 - €800 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €4,000 - €12,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: €6,000 - €15,000 per year
  • High school tuition: €8,000 - €18,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Den Bosch

"The cost of living in Den Bosch is considered to be relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside of the city center are slightly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also a significant monthly expense. Groceries in Den Bosch can be pricey, with costs for items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables being higher than in other parts of the Netherlands. Eating out at restaurants, especially in the city center, can also be costly. Public transportation in Den Bosch, like in most Dutch cities, is efficient but can be expensive, especially for daily commuters. Owning and maintaining a car can also be a significant expense due to the high cost of gasoline and parking fees in the city. Healthcare in Den Bosch is of high quality but can be expensive, especially for those without health insurance. Despite the high cost of living, Den Bosch offers a high quality of life with its rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous recreational activities," said one expat living in Den Bosch.

Can I live in Den Bosch on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Den Bosch for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like De Haren, De Kruiskamp, or Maaspoort. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Vughterpoort and Het Zand.You'll also need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries. When it comes to eating out, you might want to limit it to once or twice a month and look for budget-friendly options.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so I'd recommend getting a bike for daily commuting. Den Bosch is a bike-friendly city, and you can save a lot on transportation costs by cycling instead of using public transport or driving a car.Another thing to consider is your entertainment and leisure activities. You might have to cut back on expensive hobbies or going out to bars and clubs. Instead, you can explore the city's parks, museums, and other free or low-cost attractions.Lastly, you'll need to be careful with your utility bills, especially during the winter months. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use and try to keep your heating usage to a minimum.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Den Bosch is doable, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being careful with your grocery and entertainment expenses, and using a bike for transportation, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Den Bosch.

Can I live in Den Bosch on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Den Bosch for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Maaspoort, Empel, and Hintham. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Vughterpoort, Uilenburg, and Deuteren, as the rent prices there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, I'd suggest getting a bike or using public transportation instead of owning a car. The city is quite bike-friendly, and you can save a lot on gas and parking expenses. Plus, public transportation is pretty reliable and can get you to most places within the city.For groceries, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, which offer lower prices compared to other grocery stores. You can also save money by cooking at home more often and limiting how often you eat out at restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Den Bosch. You can visit the beautiful St. John's Cathedral, take a walk in the Bossche Broek nature reserve, or explore the historic city center. There are also many parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out at fancy restaurants or going on expensive vacations. But overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Den Bosch on $3,000 a month if you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending," said one expat living in Den Bosch.

Can I live in Den Bosch on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Den Bosch for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.The most expensive neighborhoods in Den Bosch are the city center and the areas around the central train station. These areas are beautiful and have a lot of historic charm, but the cost of living is quite high. If you want to live in one of these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to make it work on your budget.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods in Den Bosch where you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Some of these areas include Maaspoort, Empel, and Rosmalen. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more spacious apartments and houses at a lower cost. Plus, they still have good public transportation connections to the city center, so you won't feel too isolated.In terms of other expenses, groceries and dining out can be quite affordable in Den Bosch if you're smart about where you shop and eat. There are several supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. For dining out, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, especially if you're open to trying local Dutch cuisine or other ethnic foods.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or services that you might be used to. For example, you might need to limit how often you go out for drinks or entertainment, as these can be quite expensive in the Netherlands. Additionally, you might need to be more conscious of your energy usage, as utility costs can be high.Overall, living in Den Bosch on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation and lifestyle choices. But in the end, you'll still be able to enjoy the beautiful city and all it has to offer," commented an expat living in Den Bosch.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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