The best Dutch cities for remote working expats

1 year ago

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5 minutes reading time

A blue van parked in front of a brown brick stone apartment building. A boat bobs by on the canal in front.

Choosing the right city can make all the difference when you’re living and working remotely in the Netherlands. While fast Wi-Fi and a good rental are essential, your surroundings matter just as much. Do you want a bustling city with coworking spaces on every corner, or something quieter and greener, with quick train access to the action?

The Netherlands may be small, but each city offers a unique experience for expats, and some are better suited to remote work than others. Whether you’re moving with your family or flying solo, here are our picks for five of the best cities for remote workers in the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam – the classic

No surprise here: Amsterdam remains the top choice for many expats. It’s packed with coworking spaces, English-speaking services, and a high concentration of global companies and startups. The city’s compact layout and extensive bike lanes make it easy to get around, and the abundance of cafés means you’ll never run out of remote work spots if your home isn’t sparking inspiration. Need to travel? Schiphol Airport is a short journey away from the city centre on public transport, so you’re never too far from another part of the Netherlands or another country altogether.

The downside? Competition for rentals is fierce, and prices are among the highest in the country. You’ll need to act fast when listings go live.

Best for: Networking, international companies, vibrant city life

Watch out for: High rent, fast-moving rental market

2. Utrecht – the charmer

Just 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam, Utrecht offers a quieter pace with all the perks of a university town. The canals are just as charming, but the crowds are thinner. You’ll find a strong community of freelancers and remote workers, plus a growing number of coworking hubs and creative spaces.

Its central location also makes it ideal if you plan to travel regularly around the Netherlands or to other parts of Europe.

Best for: Creative professionals, solo expats, frequent travelers

Watch out for: Smaller rental stock than Amsterdam, and gradually rising prices

3. The Hague – the coastal

Home to international organizations, embassies, and NGOs, The Hague offers a more formal vibe with plenty of expat-friendly infrastructure. It’s close to the coast, which makes it an excellent choice if you want a mix of city life and beach walks after work.

You’ll find family-friendly neighborhoods, solid public services, and a rental market that’s competitive, but not quite as intense as Amsterdam.

Best for: Expats in international sectors, families, coastal living

Watch out for: Slightly less startup culture than other major cities, can get crowded during tourist season

Want to learn more about the Hague? Check out our full blog about this hidden gem!

Check out the blog

4. Eindhoven – the innovator

If you’re in tech or design, Eindhoven may be your best match. Known for innovation and home to major employers like Philips and ASML, the city has a future-focused attitude and a more affordable rental market than some of the others on this list.

It’s also one of the more modern cities in the Netherlands, with newer housing options and a growing startup scene.

Best for: Tech professionals, digital creatives, smaller budgets

Watch out for: A bit quieter culturally than Amsterdam or Rotterdam

5. Rotterdam – the alternative

Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city, and the one that feels the most different from the rest. Rebuilt after World War II, it’s full of bold architecture, wide open spaces, and a slightly more international and experimental feel. It’s a great choice for freelancers, designers, and remote workers who want a bigger city without the tourist rush of Amsterdam.

The rental market is competitive, but prices are often lower than in the capital, and you’ll find more modern apartments and lofts.

Best for: Creatives, freelancers, expats looking for something different

Watch out for: More modern, less “charming Dutch” architecture (if that matters to you)

How to choose the right city for your remote lifestyle

The Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe for remote workers, but not every city offers the same experience. Whether you’re drawn to Amsterdam’s energy, Rotterdam’s history, or Eindhoven’s creativity, there’s a Dutch city to match your remote lifestyle.

The “best” city will depend on your priorities. Do you need access to international schools? Do you want to live in a walkable city center or close to nature? Are you prioritizing budget, or are you willing to pay more to be close to the action?

Wherever you decide to live, finding the right rental can be challenging, especially in a fast-moving market. That’s where Rentbird (that’s us!) comes in. We scan the rental market across 1400+ platforms and send instant alerts when new listings match your criteria, so you can stay one step ahead than everyone else, so you don’t have to feel like you’re working two jobs at once.

Want to make your move smoother? Try Rentbird and get notified the moment the right rental hits the market, wherever you decide to call home.

Amy Worgan

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