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

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

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

Cost of Living in Wassenaar - Cost of Living in Wassenaar

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Wassenaar is around €1,200 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €2,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €1,400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Wassenaar is around €250,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €400,000. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €200,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around €300,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Wassenaar is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket costs €2.50 and a day pass costs €7.50. Taxi fares start at €2.50 and increase by €2.20 per kilometer. Gasoline is around €1.50 per liter.
Groceries Groceries in Wassenaar are relatively expensive. A loaf of bread costs around €2.50, a liter of milk costs around €1.50, a dozen eggs costs around €3.00, and a kilogram of apples costs around €2.50.
Restaurants Eating out in Wassenaar can be expensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around €50. A three-course meal at a high-end restaurant for two people costs around €100.
Utilities Utilities in Wassenaar are relatively expensive. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is around €150. The average monthly cost for internet is around €30.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition in Wassenaar is expensive. Preschool tuition is around €1,500 per year. Elementary school tuition is around €3,000 per year. Middle school tuition is around €4,000 per year. High school tuition is around €5,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Wassenaar

"Yes, the cost of living in Wassenaar is high. It is regarded as one of the most expensive Dutch towns, due to its location near The Hague and the high-income earners living there," said one expat living in Wassenaar.

"The cost of living in Wassenaar is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. However, the quality of life in Wassenaar is also high, with excellent public transportation, a low crime rate, and a variety of cultural activities," wrote a member in Wassenaar.

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

"I've been living in Wassenaar 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. Wassenaar is known for being an upscale area with beautiful villas and a high cost of living, so finding affordable housing might be a challenge. You might want to consider looking for a shared apartment or a small studio to keep your rent costs down. When it comes to neighborhoods, you should avoid the areas around the American School of The Hague and the Wassenaar Golf Club, as these tend to be more expensive. Instead, try looking for housing in the northern part of Wassenaar, near the town center, where you might find more affordable options. As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi can help you save on groceries, and you might want to consider getting a bike for transportation, as public transport can be pricey. Eating out and going out for drinks can also be expensive in Wassenaar, so you'll need to limit those activities or look for more affordable options in nearby cities like Leiden or The Hague. In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Wassenaar is possible, but you'll need to be strategic about your housing and spending choices," commented an expat living in Wassenaar.

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

"I've been living in Wassenaar for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Wassenaar is known for being an upscale area with beautiful villas and large estates, so finding affordable housing can be a bit challenging. However, there are some more affordable neighborhoods in the surrounding areas that you might want to consider.One option is to look for housing in the nearby towns of Leiden or The Hague. Both of these cities have more affordable housing options and are well-connected to Wassenaar by public transportation. If you're set on living in Wassenaar itself, you might want to consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates to help cut down on costs.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on things like groceries, dining out, and entertainment. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often instead of eating out will also help keep your costs down. When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in the area, such as visiting parks, museums, and local events.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on travel. While the Netherlands is a small country and it's easy to explore other cities and towns, frequent trips can add up quickly. Limiting your travel to occasional weekend trips or taking advantage of deals on public transportation can help you stay within your budget.In terms of expensive neighborhoods to avoid, you'll want to steer clear of areas like Rijksdorp and De Kieviet, as these are known for their luxurious homes and high price tags. Instead, focus on more affordable areas like Oostdorp or Kerkehout.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Wassenaar is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices," said one expat living in Wassenaar.

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

"I've been living in Wassenaar for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you might have to make some sacrifices. Wassenaar is known for being an upscale area with a lot of beautiful villas and large houses, so if you're looking for something more affordable, you might have to consider living in a smaller apartment or a more modest house. One of the more affordable neighborhoods in Wassenaar is the area around the town center, where you can find a mix of apartments and smaller houses. The prices here are generally lower than in the more exclusive neighborhoods like Rijksdorp or De Kieviet, which are known for their large villas and beautiful surroundings. If you're looking for something more affordable, I would recommend avoiding these areas, as the prices can be quite high.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a large garden or a spacious living area. However, you can still find some nice places with modern features like updated kitchens and bathrooms, even in the more affordable areas. Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you might have to rely more on public transportation or biking, as parking can be quite expensive in Wassenaar. The good news is that the public transportation system in the Netherlands is excellent, and you can easily get around by train, bus, or bike.Overall, living in Wassenaar on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and transportation. If you're flexible and willing to adapt, you can definitely make it work and enjoy living in this beautiful and charming town," commented an expat living in Wassenaar.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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