Top 9 Cities in The Netherlands for American Expats

The Netherlands attracts thousands of immigrants every year. Its large expat community, flourishing start-up scene, and picturesque cities contribute to a high quality of life that’s hard to beat. Combined with a progressive culture and favorable tax incentives, the Land of Tulips is a popular destination for people seeking better prospects.

Despite the advantages, navigating life in a foreign country can be tricky, even for the most prepared. One of the biggest challenges can be picking a new home base. That’s why we at Remitly have put together this quick guide to the top cities in the Netherlands for expats.   

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Best cities for expats in the Netherlands

Approximately 30,000 American expats are living in the Netherlands. As a small country with an exceptional road network and public transport system, it’s common for most to live in one city and work in another, giving you varied options when choosing your new home.  

For our list, we considered factors like housing, climate, lifestyle, job opportunities, access to amenities, and the overall cost of living. Let’s dive right into the 9 best cities in the Netherlands for expats.

Amsterdam: vibrant, international, and cultural

The Dutch capital is one of the most popular spots for expats, with its beautiful neighborhoods, iconic canal houses, booming economy, and dynamic cultural scene.   

Pros

• Stunning natural features, including lakes, canals, and over 30 parks and green spaces.
• Lively nightlife and world-class cultural attractions like the Van Gogh Museum.
• Excellent career opportunities—the city is a growing tech hub.
• Balanced lifestyle—voted 9th on the Urban Work Life Index in 2021. 

Cons

• Unpredictable weather.
• High-cost housing—it’s one of the most expensive cities in Europe. You can sometimes find more affordable options toward Noord or Zuidoost.
• The city can become crowded, as it’s a popular year-round destination for tourists.

Amsterdam is the clear choice for U.S. nationals who want the convenience of big cities, a multicultural environment, and plenty of career opportunities.

The Hague: modern, coastal, and multicultural

The Hague (Den Haag) is nestled along the seaside,  and is the capital of the South Holland province and the seat of the Dutch parliament and royal family. It’s also home to the International Court of Justice, other multilateral organizations, and many foreign embassies.   

Pros

• Highly diverse—59% of residents are foreigners.
• Numerous international companies are based in The Hague.
• It’s more affordable than other Dutch major cities.
• Offers a great public transport system; you can get to Gouda, home of the famous cheese, in under 40 minutes.

Cons

• Unfavorable weather and climate.
• Competitive housing market.
• It gets crowded during peak tourist season.

Living here allows you to enjoy modern cityscapes against the natural beauty of the North Sea coast, famous for resorts like Scheveningen beach.

Rotterdam: bold, adventurous, and unique

Most of Rotterdam had to be completely rebuilt after the Second World War. Compared to other big cities in the Netherlands, its daring, modern architecture stands out, including well-known sights like the Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and Market Hall.

Pros

• Lively, multicultural entertainment scene.
• Lower cost of living than Amsterdam and the Hague.
• Excellent roads and links to attractions.
• A vibrant maritime industry—Rotterdam is home to Europoort, the biggest European port.

Cons

• The city is more industrial, with fewer green spaces than other cities.
• Some can find it hard to socialize here.
• The weather is often cold, rainy, and unpredictable.

Expats like Rotterdam because of its proximity to the city center (Centrum), especially neighborhoods such as Kralingen and Kop van Zuid. 

Utrecht: charming, historic, and interconnected

Locals call Utrecht, one of the oldest Dutch cities, “Little Amsterdam,” because of its historic houses, tree-lined canals, and cobblestone streets, which mirror the nation’s capital.

Pros

• An ideal location in the heart of mainland Netherlands, with excellent links to many large cities.
• Historic center and famous attractions like the Dom Tower.
• Vibrant bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Consistently voted one of the best cities in the Netherlands for expats to live in.

Cons

• Can get crowded during tourist seasons.
• Expensive housing.
• Not car-friendly, which may deter some expats.

If you’re a fan of great music, quaint cafes, and rich history, Utrecht might just be the place to be.

Leiden: youthful, energetic, and outdoorsy

This attractive university city in the Randstad region is the country’s epicenter for knowledge. It’s home to the Netherlands’ oldest university and a vibrant international community.

Pros

• Many stunning canals and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Extremely bike-friendly.
• Rich cultural heritage blends with great cafes, restaurants, and bars.
• Well-connected to Den Haag, Amsterdam’s beaches, and Rotterdam.

Cons

• Scarce housing due to the large student population.
• High rents and general cost of living.
• Limited job market.

Its bustling, energetic streets, youthful vibe, and family-friendly neighborhoods position Leiden as a frontrunner for expats.

Eindhoven: innovative, green, and relaxed

As the birthplace of innovative companies like Philips, The “Silicon Valley of the Netherlands” has become its main design and technology hub.  

Pros

• One of the greenest Dutch cities—green spaces make up nearly 28% of its inner areas.
• Close to Eindhoven Airport, the second busiest in the country.
• There are many apartments available in the city center.
• Hosts numerous international companies, offering wide-ranging job opportunities.

Cons

• High rents and living costs.
• Wet and humid weather.
• Less of an international atmosphere than other cities.

Eindhoven is only 30 minutes away from Tilburg University, fostering a high-tech ecosystem and laid-back culture that attracts expats with relevant technical expertise.

Haarlem: idyllic, compact, and touristy

Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland. Its ideal location close to Amsterdam and the coastal seaside makes this small city a hit with tourists, students, and expats.

Pros

• It’s known as one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful cities.
• High quality of life, with excellent education and healthcare.
• Has a rich history and distinct character.
• Great shopping and family-friendly lifestyle.

Cons

• High housing prices.
• Job opportunities are limited to certain industries.
• It rains a lot here, which may be a deterrent if you prefer sunnier weather. 

Haarlem’s famous courtyard gardens (hofjes) add to its unique charm. Whether you prefer to be in the center or closer to the beach, there are plenty of expat-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. 

Groningen: happy, artistic, and easy-going

Groningen is the largest city in the northern Netherlands and an economic and cultural hub. You can enjoy a top-tier entertainment scene, thanks mainly to the large student population, and still prioritize peace and quiet. 

Pros

• Ranked among Europe’s happiest cities and top three for quality of life.
• Affordable housing—rents are nearly 50% lower than in Amsterdam.
• Attractive education and career opportunities.
• Famous for its nightlife—most bars stay open until 5 a.m. 

Cons

• Unpredictable weather.
• Scarce housing.
• The streets can get crowded.
• It’s two hours away from Schiphol Airport.

Groningen’s lively city center has plenty of museums, cafes, and music venues. It offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to suit any interest.

Maastricht: ancient, quaint, and cosmopolitan

This historic city straddles both banks of the Meuse River (Maas), boasting charming medieval architecture set against scenic river views.

Pros

• The second leading cultural hub after Amsterdam, with numerous attractions.
• Is the Netherlands’ designated “carnival city”—Maastricht hosts Dutch Carnaval annually.
• Lots of green areas, like Sint Pieter.

Cons

• Some expats find it hard to integrate into local groups.
• Limited job opportunities.
• Housing can be unaffordable and hard to find.

Maastricht gives off a dynamic, cosmopolitan feel that appeals to American expats, primarily because of its proximity to Germany and Belgium. 

Helpful tips for Americans moving to the Netherlands

From big cities to small towns, the Dutch landscape has a little something for everyone. Here are some helpful tips for expats considering a move to the Netherlands:

• Weather: Temperatures rarely hit extremes, but the unpredictable weather takes a while to get used to. In fact, the gloomy skies and constant rain can spark Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a unique phenomenon that’s common in the Dutch expat community. If you start feeling unexplained bouts of sadness, irritability, and lethargy, spend more time in the sun and use a light therapy lamp to mimic the effects.

• Language: The official language is Dutch, but many people speak English, German, and French, too. International businesses primarily use English. However, learning the local vocabulary is always a good idea as sometimes, the language barrier can limit your work prospects and social circle.

• Culture: Dutch people are friendly but also like their space. You might not hang out with colleagues outside work as much as you’re used to.

• Food: Dutch cuisine incorporates local and global influences and emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. You’ll find exciting restaurants and cafes in every major city, with traditional and modern menus to suit any palette.

• Healthcare: The Netherlands’ healthcare system ranks consistently high in Europe for accessibility, quality, research, and patient satisfaction. As an American citizen, you must apply for Dutch health insurance within four months of gaining your residence permit. 

• Safety: While crime rates are quite low across the Netherlands, it always pays to stay aware. Take safety precautions and avoid less desirable areas, especially at night. Also, using a bank account or online money transfer service will help keep your savings safe and transaction fees low.  

• Cost of living: Coming from the U.S. and other expensive countries, the Netherlands’ relatively low cost of living might be a shock—it’s about 20% lower than in the U.S.

Useful resources

Exploring life in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be complicated. Access helpful resources online via the official government website or in your municipality to help ease the process. Good luck on your Dutch adventure!

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