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Lelystad, Netherlands
Capital City

Follows Netherlands Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,130
Retiree Score
81.0
Safety Index
78.5
Healthcare
10 facilities

Lelystad is a city built on reclaimed land, with a population of 83,033. That means dealing with an ever-present bureaucracy and infrastructure challenges. The landscape is dominated by artificial waterways, parks, and farmland, creating a sterile, engineered atmosphere. While the city has tourist attractions like the Batavia replica ship, the reality is a bleak, windswept setting. Lelystad is best suited for those drawn to the technical feats of Dutch land reclamation, rather than those seeking vibrant urban life.

Can I afford Lelystad?

$

Lelystad

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)
81/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Netherlands Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
79
Safety
10
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
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) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $98
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $276
Mobile Plan (mo) $15
Gym (mo) *$44
Cinema Ticket $14

* 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
Warande, Kustpark, Batavia Haven
Best For
families, outdoor enthusiasts

Expat Life Notes

Lelystad offers more affordable housing than the rest of the Randstad but is often considered a quiet residential city.

Pros

  • ✓ Lower rent for NL
  • ✓ Good sailing/outdoor activities
  • ✓ Direct trains to Amsterdam

Cons

  • ✗ Lack of city center charm
  • ✗ Windy climate

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1238 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

Spakenburg, NetherlandsOostrewolde, NetherlandsPullman, WA, United StatesDendermonde, BelgiumLiving in Dendermonde, Belgium offers Flemish affordability near Brussels, but requires Dutch skills and tolerance for small-town rhythms. Lower costs come with

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Lelystad

Click any question to expand the answer.

Lelystad has a population of approximately 83,033 people.

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

The nearest airport to Lelystad is AMS, approximately 53km away.

Lelystad is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 78.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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