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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Arnhem, understanding the the cost of living in Arnhem 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 Centre) €700 - €1,000 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) €600 - €800 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) €2,500 - €3,500 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) €2,000 - €2,800 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €90
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.60
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 €60 - €80
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. The cost of living in Arnhem, like any city, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, dining out frequently, choosing to live in a luxury apartment, or sending your children to private schools will significantly increase your cost of living. Conversely, cooking at home, living in a modest apartment, and utilizing public schools can help to keep your cost of living lower. It's also important to note that the cost of living can fluctuate over time due to factors such as inflation, changes in the housing market, and changes in the local economy. Therefore, it's always a good idea to do your own research and budgeting to determine the cost of living that you can expect based on your personal circumstances and lifestyle.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Arnhem

"The cost of living in Arnhem 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 can be higher depending on usage. Groceries in Arnhem can be pricey, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other cities. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially in more upscale establishments. However, there are also affordable dining options available. Public transportation in Arnhem 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 high fuel costs and parking fees. Healthcare in Arnhem is of high quality but can be expensive if not covered by insurance. Fitness and sports activities are also available but can add to the monthly expenses. Overall, the cost of living in Arnhem can be manageable if one plans and budgets carefully. It is also worth noting that salaries in Arnhem are generally high, which can offset the cost of living," said one expat living in Arnhem.

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

"I've been living in Arnhem 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 the Netherlands is relatively high compared to other countries, but Arnhem is more affordable than cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Firstly, housing will be your biggest expense. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800-$900, but you can find cheaper options in neighborhoods like Presikhaaf, Malburgen, or Klarendal. These areas are a bit further from the city center but are still well-connected by public transport. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Spijkerkwartier, Burgemeesterswijk, or Hoogkamp are more expensive and might be out of your budget.Groceries will be your next big expense. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on food if you cook at home. Eating out can be quite expensive, so you might have to limit that to once or twice a month. Public transport in Arnhem is excellent and a monthly pass costs around $70. If you live close to your work or if you don't mind cycling, you can save on this expense. The Netherlands is a very bike-friendly country and many people cycle to work or to the supermarket.Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and the basic package costs around $120 a month. You might also need to budget for utilities like electricity, water, and internet which can cost around $150-$200 a month.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Arnhem. The city has beautiful parks like Sonsbeek or Zypendaal where you can go for a walk or have a picnic. There are also many museums and art galleries that offer discounted or free entry on certain days.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Arnhem is doable, but you will need to budget carefully and make some sacrifices. You might not be able to eat out often or live in the most expensive neighborhoods, but you can still enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Arnhem.

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

"I've been living in Arnhem 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 in Arnhem is relatively high compared to other cities in the Netherlands, but it's still lower than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The biggest expense you'll have is housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $800 to $1,200 a month, but if you're willing to live a bit further out, you can find cheaper options. For example, neighborhoods like Presikhaaf, Malburgen, and Klarendal are a bit more affordable and still have good access to public transportation. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Spijkerkwartier and Burgemeesterswijk are more expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're on a tight budget. Groceries will probably cost you around $300 a month, but you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. Eating out can be expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20 to $30, but there are also plenty of cheaper options like kebab shops and snack bars. Public transportation is quite good in Arnhem and a monthly pass costs around $90. If you're planning to use a car, keep in mind that gas is quite expensive and parking in the city center can cost up to $3 per hour. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and will cost you around $120 a month. Other expenses like utilities, internet, and mobile phone can add up to around $200 a month. So, if you add it all up, you'll see that living on $3,000 a month is doable, but it doesn't leave a lot of room for extras like travel, entertainment, or savings. You'll have to be careful with your spending and make some sacrifices, but it's definitely possible to live a comfortable life in Arnhem on that budget," said one expat living in Arnhem.

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

"I've been living in Arnhem 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 quite reasonable compared to other Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. For instance, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. If you're looking for something cheaper, consider neighborhoods like Presikhaaf or Malburgen. They're a bit further from the city center, but still have good public transportation connections and you can find a decent place for around $800 to $900 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Burgemeesterswijk or Hoogkamp are quite expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're on a budget. Groceries will probably cost you around $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is a bit pricey, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $20, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $40. But there are also plenty of affordable take-out options and food markets where you can get fresh produce for less. Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable here. A monthly pass costs around $90. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas is quite expensive in the Netherlands, and parking in the city center can also add up. As for utilities, expect to pay around $200 a month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. Internet and mobile phone services are quite affordable, with packages starting at around $30 a month. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Arnhem. The city has beautiful parks, like Sonsbeek and Zypendaal, where you can relax or have a picnic. There are also several museums and art galleries, with entrance fees usually around $15. All in all, I'd say you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month in Arnhem. You might have to make some adjustments, like cooking at home more often or choosing a cheaper neighborhood to live in, but you won't have to give up on modern amenities or a good quality of life," commented an expat living in Arnhem.

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.


SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

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.
Learn More

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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