Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 76)
Apeldoorn sits in the eastern Netherlands, a city of 165 thousand people at just 17 meters above sea level. Its temperate maritime climate brings mild summers around 18°C, cool winters around 3°C, and frequent rainfall year-round, so expect green landscapes and plenty of gray, damp days. Expats tend to settle in the Berg en Bos and Parken neighborhoods, which offer a mix of leafy streets and easy access to the city's parks. The expat community here is medium-sized, and English is widely spoken, making it a comfortable place for newcomers to find their footing.
Living costs in Apeldoorn are notably lower than in major global hubs, with a cost of living index of 69 out of 100 compared to New York City. A single adult can expect monthly expenses of around $1,020 excluding rent, while a family of four spends about $3,450 excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center runs $953 per month, but oddly, outside the center it's higher at $1,178; a three-bedroom costs $1,570 in the center and $1,682 outside. Utilities run $309 monthly, internet $56, and a mobile plan $27. A monthly public transport pass is $67, a gym membership $34, an inexpensive restaurant meal $22, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot $81, and a cappuccino $5. The average local net salary is $3,252 per month, which covers the budget tier of $1,420, the mid-range tier of $2,140, and the comfortable tier of $2,163 for a single adult.
Safety is a strong point here, with a safety index of 82 out of 100 and a crime index of just 18, indicating a very low crime rate. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, and the air quality index is a low 35, contributing to a healthy living environment. These factors make Apeldoorn particularly appealing for retirees, reflected in a retiree score of 70, and for those focused on financial independence, with a FIRE score of 70. The overall expat score stands at 76, and the digital nomad score is even higher at 78.
For those looking to move, the Netherlands Orientation Year Visa, known as Zoekjaar, is available, requiring a minimum monthly income of $1,713. The nearest airport is AMS, just 6 kilometers away, making international travel convenient. Apeldoorn suits digital nomads, retirees, and families who value safety, green spaces, and a slower pace, but who still want access to a major European hub. With its excellent healthcare, low crime, and reasonable costs, it's a practical choice for those seeking a balanced life in the Netherlands.
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A 1BR in the center runs about $953.21/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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Apeldoorn is genuinely safe for daily life. You'll feel comfortable walking at night in most neighborhoods, and the city has a relaxed, orderly Dutch atmosphere. Expats report minimal anxiety about personal security. The high Safety Index reflects low violent crime and strong community policing. It's the kind of place where locals leave bikes unlocked—though that's changing slightly with petty theft uptick.
Petty theft (bike theft, pickpocketing in crowded areas) is the main concern, not violent crime. Avoid leaving valuables visible in cars or unattended in public spaces. The city center can attract opportunistic thieves during busy shopping periods. Solo female travelers face virtually no gender-specific safety issues. Scams are rare; standard precautions (verify bank communications, avoid oversharing online) suffice. No neighborhoods are genuinely dangerous, though some peripheral areas are less monitored.
The Netherlands has stable governance, reliable police, and no political instability affecting daily life. Corruption is minimal. Apeldoorn specifically is a provincial city with low protest activity. The main 'risk' is complacency—locals are so accustomed to safety that crime prevention awareness can lag. For an American considering relocation, this is an excellent choice: low crime, trustworthy institutions, and a genuinely welcoming expat community. Realistic assessment: this is one of Europe's safer mid-sized cities.
See how Apeldoorn's healthcare compares with Almelo
Apeldoorn has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers (around 18°C), cool winters (around 3°C), and frequent rainfall year-round, making it ideal for those who enjoy green landscapes but should prepare for grey, damp weather.
Apeldoorn is an attractive city for nomads seeking a balance between urban life and nature.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Apeldoorn | Located at Het Rietveld 55A, Apeldoorn. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Apeldoorn long-term? Netherlands Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar) lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Apeldoorn's digital nomad life compares with Almelo
A safe, green city known for the Paleis Het Loo. Very high standard of living.
Areas of Apeldoorn that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling, central, convenient living
Apeldoorn's city center offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's a lively area, but can be noisy. Good public transport links make it easy to get around, but parking can be challenging and expensive.
Green, upscale, residential tranquility
This is an affluent, leafy neighborhood known for its beautiful villas and proximity to parks. It's a quiet and peaceful area, ideal for retirees or those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. While walkable, having a car or bike is beneficial for accessing amenities further afield.
Family-friendly, quiet, suburban living
Orden is a residential area popular with families, offering a mix of housing options. It's further from the city center, but has local shops and schools. While generally safe and quiet, a car or bike is recommended for convenient access to amenities and the city center.
Diverse, affordable, up-and-coming
Located south of the city center, Zuid offers more affordable housing options. It's a diverse neighborhood with a mix of cultures and a growing number of shops and restaurants. While improving, some areas may feel less safe than others, and Dutch language skills are more essential here.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $953/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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