Moving to Amsterdam

Are you Moving to Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam is thought to be one of the most multicultural cities on earth with around 177 different nationalities making the city their home. It is also said to have more culture per capita than any other city with world renowned attractions such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gough Museum and it also has the world’s oldest stock exchange! In 2012 Amsterdam was voted the 2nd best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit and with its rich culture twinned with a relaxed vibe why wouldn’t you want to move to Amsterdam?

Here are some of our fast facts for those who plan on moving to Amsterdam.

Language: Dutch.

Population: 851,000

Average Temperature Winter: 4°.

Average Temperature Summer: 17°.

Currency: Euro.

Flight time from the UK: 1hr 15mins

Known For: Bicycles. Amsterdam is one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world and with its small size, flat terrain and 500km of bike paths it is no wonder Amsterdammers would prefer to pedal across town than get stuck in traffic! There is thought to be about 1.2 million bikes in Amsterdam (more than the number of residents) and the Central Station boasts a whopping 270,000 bike racks! If you are planning on buying a bike on arrival in the city just make sure you buy a good bike lock – about 50,000 bikes are stolen every year!

Best areas to live:  The City Centre or Canal Belt is probably the best known of Amsterdam’s districts and you are sure to find a stereotypical period Dutch apartment here. That said the rents are high and the stairs are steep! The Old South area is the “posh” part of the city, popular with expats due to its lovely suburban feel and close proximity to the Vondelpark. For a lively, vibrant and multicultural part of town check out the Latin Quarter or Pijp and if you are after a more spacious house or apartment (and even a garden) try the Plantage.

Cost of Living: Living costs are always the first thing to bear in mind before relocating. In Amsterdam monthly rent for a 2 bedroom flat is on average £1,347, a litre of petrol is £1.41 while the cost of dinner out for two people would set you back around £64. A beer would cost about £4.34, a monthly train ticket is £78 and a month’s utility bill is approximately £130.

For more information on moving to Amsterdam get in touch with your local Clockwork team today.