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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Nijmegen 2024
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Cost of Living in Nijmegen

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Nijmegen, understanding the the cost of living in Nijmegen 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 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
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) €150 - €200 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) €30 - €50 per month
Groceries (Milk, Bread, Eggs, Fruits, Chicken, Beef, etc.) €300 - €400 per month
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €15 - €20
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-range Restaurant €50 - €70
Private Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child €800 - €1,000
Private Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child €4,000 - €6,000
Private Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child €6,000 - €8,000
Private High School, Yearly for 1 Child €8,000 - €12,000
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. The cost of living in Nijmegen, like any other city, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, if you choose to dine out frequently at high-end restaurants, your food costs will be significantly higher than if you cook at home. Similarly, if you choose to live in a luxury apartment in the city center, your housing costs will be much higher than if you choose a modest apartment outside the city center.In terms of transportation, Nijmegen has an efficient public transportation system, and a monthly pass costs around €90. However, if you choose to use a car, you will need to factor in the cost of fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking.The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is typically around €150 - €200 per month, but this can vary depending on the size of your apartment and your usage. Internet service is relatively affordable, with plans offering 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, and cable/ADSL typically costing between €30 and €50 per month.Private school tuition can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from €800 - €1,000 per month for preschool, €4,000 - €6,000 per year for primary school, €6,000 - €8,000 per year for middle school, and €8,000 - €12,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nijmegen

"The cost of living in Nijmegen 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 the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate and is usually not included in the rent. Groceries in Nijmegen are reasonably priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while dining in mid-range to high-end restaurants can be costly. Public transportation in Nijmegen is efficient and widely used, but the cost can add up if used daily. Owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gasoline and parking fees. Healthcare in Nijmegen, as in the rest of the Netherlands, is of high quality but can be expensive if you are not covered by health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Nijmegen is manageable but can be high depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. It's always advisable to budget and plan accordingly," said one expat living in Nijmegen.

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

"I've been living in Nijmegen 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 Nijmegen 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 $800-$1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Dukenburg or Lindenholt, you can find cheaper options, around $600-$800 a month. These areas are a bit quieter and further from the city center, but they're still nice places to live and have good public transportation connections. Groceries will cost you around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out and socializing can be quite expensive, so you might have to cut back on that. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $20-$30, and a pint of beer is around $5. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, will cost you around $150-$200 a month. Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable, a monthly pass costs around $70. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and will cost you around $100-$150 a month. So, if you add it all up, you're looking at around $1,200-$1,500 a month, depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. It's definitely doable, but you'll have to be careful with your spending. You might have to sacrifice things like eating out often, living in the city center, or having a large apartment. But in return, you get to live in a beautiful, vibrant city with a high quality of life," commented an expat living in Nijmegen.

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

"I've been living in Nijmegen 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 budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Nijmegen is lower than in cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, but it's still not cheap. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center, you're looking at around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Dukenburg or Lindenholt, you can find cheaper options, around $700 to $900 a month. Groceries are relatively affordable, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Eating out can be expensive, so you might have to limit how often you do that. Public transportation is excellent and a monthly pass costs around $90, but if you live close to your work or if you're comfortable biking, you can save on transportation costs. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and it's not cheap. You're looking at around $100 to $150 a month, depending on the coverage you choose. Utilities like gas, electricity, and internet can add up to around $200 a month. So, if you add it all up, it's definitely possible to live on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending. You might not be able to afford some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out regularly or living in a large apartment in the city center. But if you're willing to make some sacrifices, you can definitely make it work. As for neighborhoods to avoid, I would say that the city center and popular areas like Bottendaal and Oost are going to be the most expensive. If you're looking for more affordable options, consider neighborhoods like Dukenburg, Lindenholt, or Neerbosch-Oost. They're a bit further from the city center, but they're still nice places to live and you'll get more for your money," said one expat living in Nijmegen.

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

"I've been living in Nijmegen for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively lower compared to other Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. For housing, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center. If you're looking for something cheaper, consider neighborhoods like Dukenburg or Lindenholt. They're a bit further from the city center, but you can find apartments for around $800 to $1,000. On the other hand, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, consider areas like Nijmegen-Oost or Bottendaal. They're quite trendy and close to the city center, but the rent can go up to $2,000 or more. Groceries will probably cost you around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is quite affordable too, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $15 to $20. For transportation, if you're like most Dutch people, you'll probably get around by bike, which is practically free. But if you prefer public transportation, a monthly pass costs around $90. As for utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, you're looking at around $150 to $200 a month. Internet and mobile phone services are quite affordable too, costing around $50 to $70 a month. So, if you add it all up, you're looking at around $2,500 to $3,000 a month for basic expenses, leaving you with plenty of room for entertainment, travel, and savings. Of course, this is just a rough estimate and your costs might be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. But overall, I'd say that living in Nijmegen on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably without making too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Nijmegen.

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

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