Living on an Average Salary in Amsterdam vs Rotterdam: What to Expect as a Brit Moving Abroad

As more people across the UK look beyond the country’s borders for work, the Netherlands has become a particularly attractive option. English is spoken widely, the job market remains stable, and the country is known for its healthy attitude toward work-life balance. For many Brits, especially younger workers or those frustrated with rising costs at home, the idea of relocating to the Netherlands feels both accessible and practical. Some of them choose to start a business by buying a shelf company in the Netherlands in order to speed up the process.

Two cities tend to draw the most interest: Amsterdam, the historic capital filled with international employers, and Rotterdam, a modern port city with a reputation for affordability and high-quality living. Both cities offer promising job prospects, but the reality of what you can afford on an average Dutch salary varies noticeably between them.

Understanding Dutch Salaries and Everyday Costs

How Dutch Pay Works

Dutch salaries are usually listed by the month rather than the year, which can take some getting used to for Brits. Taxes may appear higher at first glance, but the Dutch system provides robust employment protections, mandatory pension contributions, and an annual holiday allowance worth 8% of your yearly wage. These benefits, along with strong social services, often make the overall package feel more balanced than many UK workers expect.

What Counts as “Average”

The average salary in the Netherlands sits somewhere between the UK national average and typical pay in large UK cities. However, it’s important to understand that “average” doesn’t stretch the same way everywhere. Just as salaries go further in Exeter than in London, the Dutch experience varies widely between cities. Nowhere is the difference more obvious than between Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Amsterdam: Plenty of Opportunity, Higher Costs

Renting in the Capital

Amsterdam is known for its charming canals and world-famous museums, but it’s also one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe. Adverts for flats can attract dozens of applicants within hours, and spaces in central neighbourhoods are particularly limited. Even on a standard salary, many newcomers find themselves compromising on size or location. Expect to pay more for less space, and be prepared to act quickly when you find an available flat.

Daily Living

Once you’re settled, daily life is relatively straightforward. Cycling remains the most popular way to get around, and the city’s public transport network is extensive and reliable. Groceries and dining out tend to be slightly more expensive than in most UK towns, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as the housing costs. Cultural activities, from concerts to museums, are plentiful, though often priced in line with its status as a major tourist destination.

Lifestyle and Work

Amsterdam attracts international businesses, start-ups, and creative industries, making it a natural fit for workers in tech, media, finance, and design. English is commonly used in offices, and social life is easy to build thanks to its large expat community. For many Brits, the city’s energy, diversity, and cultural richness outweigh the downsides, though life may feel busy and fast-paced compared to quieter parts of the UK.

Rotterdam: More Affordable Without Losing Quality

Housing That Stretches Further

Rotterdam offers a clear advantage when it comes to space and affordability. Flats are larger, rents are significantly lower, and competition is far less intense. Brits arriving from areas like Somerset, Dorset, or Devon often find that Rotterdam’s neighbourhoods feel more manageable and calmer than Amsterdam’s bustling centre. On an average salary, you’re more likely to enjoy a comfortable living rather than simply making ends meet.

Day-to-Day Costs

Rotterdam’s cost of living is also noticeably friendlier. Public transport is modern and efficient, and many daily expenses, from groceries to leisure activities, tend to be slightly cheaper than in the capital. The city’s modern layout and wide streets give it a spacious feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a less crowded environment.

Who Thrives Here

Rotterdam’s job market is strong in logistics, engineering, maritime industries, architecture, and increasingly in tech. While the expat scene is smaller than Amsterdam’s, it’s growing steadily, and English remains widely spoken in many workplaces. For Brits who prioritise comfort and affordability over a busy social scene, Rotterdam often comes out ahead.

Work–Life Balance in Both Cities

Working Hours

OECD labour data shows that Dutch employees typically work fewer hours per week than workers in the UK. Standard full-time hours range from 36 to 40 per week, and many employees work part-time. Overtime culture is significantly more relaxed than in many British workplaces.

Generous Leave

Holiday entitlement is another high point. Most workers receive the minimum 20 days required by law, but it’s common for companies to offer more, especially in professional fields. The holiday allowance paid in late spring provides a financial lift that many find helpful for travel or summer expenses.

Which City Makes More Sense on a Normal Salary?

Choose Amsterdam if you want:

• A lively, international environment
• Greater access to global companies
• A rich cultural and social scene
• Strong opportunities in creative and tech industries

You’ll likely pay more for housing, but gain a vibrant lifestyle in return.

Choose Rotterdam if you want:

• A more spacious, affordable home
• Lower everyday living costs
• A modern, easy-to-navigate city
• Strong career options in logistics, engineering, and tech

Your salary will stretch further, making day-to-day life more comfortable.

Final Thoughts for UK Readers

For anyone in the UK considering relocating for work, whether for adventure, affordability, or a fresh start, both Amsterdam and Rotterdam offer compelling reasons to make the move. The Netherlands is safe, well-organised, and welcoming, and the combination of shorter working hours and generous leave often leads to a better quality of life.

But the experience will differ depending on where you choose to live.

• Amsterdam rewards you with culture and vibrancy, but demands a sensible budget.
• Rotterdam offers comfort, space, and affordability without compromising on opportunity.

Whichever city you choose, Brits moving abroad will find the Netherlands to be a country that’s easy to settle into, and one where a standard salary still provides a solid foundation for everyday life.