Gouda, The NetherlandsCost of Living in Gouda
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Gouda helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | €800 - €1,200 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | €600 - €900 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | €2,500 - €3,500 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €90 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.60 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) | €150 - €200 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | €30 - €50 per month |
| Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | €800 - €1,000 per month |
| Private Elementary School, Yearly for 1 Child | €4,000 - €6,000 per year |
| Private Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child | €6,000 - €8,000 per year |
| Private High School, Yearly for 1 Child | €8,000 - €12,000 per year |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | €15 - €20 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | €50 - €70 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | €4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | €3.50 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | €2.75 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | €1.50 |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | €0.90 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | €1.25 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | €2 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | €2.50 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | €10 |
| Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) | €8 |
| Apples (1kg) | €2 |
| Oranges (1kg) | €2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | €2 |
| Potato (1kg) | €1 |
| Onion (1kg) | €1 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | €1 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | €1 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | €6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | €1.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | €1.75 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | €7 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Gouda
"The cost of living in Gouda is considered moderate compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside of the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate. Groceries in Gouda are priced reasonably, with local markets offering a variety of fresh and affordable produce. Eating out at restaurants can range from inexpensive to high-end dining, depending on the establishment. Public transportation in Gouda is efficient and affordable, with options including buses, trams, and trains. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel costs and parking fees. Healthcare in the Netherlands is of high quality, but it can be costly if you are not covered by health insurance. Education, from primary to tertiary levels, is also of high quality but can be expensive for non-residents. Overall, while the cost of living in Gouda can be high compared to other cities in the Netherlands, it offers a high quality of life, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and public services," said one expat living in Gouda.
Can I live in Gouda on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Gouda for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Gouda is relatively high compared to other cities in the Netherlands. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to live in the city center, you're looking at around $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Bloemendaal or Plaswijck, you can find cheaper options, around $700-$800 a month. Utilities and internet will cost you around $150-$200 a month. Groceries can be quite expensive, especially if you're buying imported goods. I usually spend around $300 a month on groceries, but I try to shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi to save money. Eating out and entertainment can also add up. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20-$30, and a cinema ticket is around $12. Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable in Gouda, so you won't need a car. A monthly transport pass costs around $90. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and will cost you around $100-$120 a month. As for sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out often, going to the cinema or theater, or traveling around Europe. You'll also have to be careful with your grocery shopping and try to save on utilities where you can. In terms of neighborhoods, I would avoid the city center and the area around the train station, as they are the most expensive. Instead, look for apartments in Bloemendaal, Plaswijck, or even Korte Akkeren, which is a bit further out but still within biking distance of the city center. All in all, living in Gouda on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require careful budgeting and some sacrifices. However, the quality of life in the Netherlands is high and Gouda is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so I think it's worth it," commented an expat living in Gouda.
Can I live in Gouda on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Gouda for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and planning. The cost of living here is relatively high compared to some other places, but it's still manageable. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. The city center is quite expensive, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 a month. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Bloemendaal, Plaswijck, or Korte Akkeren, you can find cheaper options. These areas are still very nice and have good public transportation connections to the city center. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,000 a month.Then there's the cost of utilities, which can be quite high in the Netherlands. Expect to pay around $200 a month for electricity, gas, and water. Internet and mobile phone services are relatively cheap, around $50 a month.Groceries are also a bit expensive here, but you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi. Eating out can be pricey, so I usually cook at home most of the time. I spend around $300 a month on groceries.Public transportation is excellent and not too expensive. A monthly pass for the bus and train within Gouda costs around $50. However, most people here use bicycles for their daily commute, which is even cheaper.Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and costs around $100 a month. However, this covers most of your medical expenses.So, if you add up all these costs, you'll see that living in Gouda on $3,000 a month is doable, but it doesn't leave a lot of room for savings or discretionary spending. You'll have to be careful with your money and avoid unnecessary expenses. But overall, I've found that the quality of life here is excellent and well worth the cost," said one expat living in Gouda.
Can I live in Gouda on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Gouda for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively lower compared to other Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. However, you might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle. For instance, dining out at high-end restaurants or frequenting upscale bars might have to be limited. But don't worry, there are plenty of affordable yet quality restaurants and cafes around. When it comes to housing, the city center can be quite expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. If you want to save on rent, consider living in neighborhoods like Bloemendaal, Plaswijck, or Korte Akkeren. These areas are a bit further from the city center but are still very accessible and offer cheaper rents, around $800 to $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment. Groceries can cost around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your diet. Public transportation is efficient and affordable here, so you might not need a car unless you plan on frequently traveling outside the city. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $90. Healthcare in the Netherlands is excellent but can be quite expensive if you're not covered by insurance. Make sure to factor in health insurance costs, which can be around $120 per month. Entertainment, like going to the movies, museums, or events, can cost around $200 a month. But there are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in Gouda, like visiting the famous cheese market or exploring the beautiful canals and historic buildings. All in all, with careful budgeting, you can live comfortably in Gouda on $5,000 a month. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and the quality of life is high. Just be mindful of your spending, especially on housing and dining out, and you should be able to enjoy the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Gouda.
About the Author
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.
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