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Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Capital City

Follows Netherlands Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,130
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
22 facilities

With a population of just 93,765, Leeuwarden is a modest provincial capital that may leave some transplants yearning for the energy of a larger Dutch city. The historic city center and natural surroundings offer charm, but bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Winters are long and dreary, with the occasional ice skating spectacle to break up the gloom. Overall, Leeuwarden caters best to those seeking a quieter pace of life in a compact, well-preserved slice of the Netherlands.

Can I afford Leeuwarden?

$

Leeuwarden

You could save

870/mo

Savings Rate29%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,050
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,080

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
29/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Netherlands Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
22
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$23
Meal (Mid-range) $135
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $314
Mobile Plan (mo) $36
Gym (mo) *$39
Cinema Ticket $16

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $630
1BR Outside (mo) *$801
3BR Center (mo) $1,170
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,249

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Blitsaerd
Best For
retirees

Expat Life Notes

Safe canal city in the north. authentic Dutch lifestyle.

Pros

  • ✓ Canals and safety
  • ✓ Low cost for NL

Cons

  • ✗ Isolated
  • ✗ Windy

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1171 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Leeuwarden

Click any question to expand the answer.

Leeuwarden has a population of approximately 93,765 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,625 per month in Leeuwarden, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1050/month.

The nearest airport to Leeuwarden is GRQ, approximately 54km away.

Leeuwarden is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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