Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands for South Africans and Expats

Last updated: 24 September 2026

“Where should we live?” is usually the second question South Africans ask about moving to the Netherlands, right after “how do we get a visa?”. The country is small, and you can get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in under an hour, but every city has a very different feel, price tag and job market.

This guide compares the best cities to live in the Netherlands for South Africans and other expats, with real rent figures, what each city is good for, and what to watch out for.

Short answer: Amsterdam has the most international jobs but the highest rents. The Hague is great for families, international schools and the beach, and it is where the South African embassy is. Utrecht is central and lively, Rotterdam is modern with a big port economy, and Eindhoven is the tech hub with lower rents. Haarlem, Amstelveen and Leiden are popular with expats who want a calmer life close to Amsterdam or The Hague.

Jump to: Rent compared | The cities | How to choose | What South Africans often look for | FAQ

Rent compared: what you pay per city

Rent is the single biggest factor in your budget. These are average asking rents per square metre for free sector rentals in the second quarter of 2026, according to Pararius. We have also worked out what a 70 m² apartment would cost at that average.

Averages hide a lot. A new build in a popular area will cost more, and you can find cheaper places a bit further out. For the full picture, read our guides to renting in the Netherlands and the cost of living compared to South Africa.

The best cities for South Africans and expats

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the obvious choice for many people, and for good reason. It has the most international employers, English is spoken everywhere, and there is always something happening. It has the biggest expat community, great food and coffee (see our guide to the best coffee in Amsterdam), and Schiphol airport is 15 minutes away, which matters when you fly home to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Good for: Singles, couples and anyone who wants big city life and the widest choice of jobs
Watch out for: The highest rents in the country, fierce competition for housing and crowds of tourists in the centre.

Amstelveen

Just south of Amsterdam, Amstelveen is green, safe and very international, with many families working for companies in Amsterdam Zuid and at Schiphol. It is home to international schools and has a quieter, suburban feel while you can still cycle or take the tram into Amsterdam.

Good for: Families working in Amsterdam who want space and good schools
Watch out for: Rents are the second highest on this list, and it can feel a bit quiet if you want nightlife.

Haarlem

Haarlem is a beautiful old city 15 minutes from Amsterdam by train and 10 minutes from the beach at Zandvoort. It has a lively centre, great markets, restaurants and specialty coffee, and a more relaxed pace than Amsterdam. For South Africans who miss the sea, having the beach and the dunes on your doorstep is a big plus.

Good for: People who work in Amsterdam but want a calmer life near the beach
Watch out for: Housing is expensive and scarce, close to Amsterdam levels in popular neighbourhoods.

The Hague (Den Haag)

The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and home to international organisations, embassies, and the South African embassy. It has a large international community, lots of international schools, and its own beach at Scheveningen and Kijkduin. It often feels more spacious and family friendly than Amsterdam, and the rent is noticeably lower.

Good for: Families, people working for international organisations, and beach lovers
Watch out for: Some neighbourhoods are very different from others, so take time to explore before signing a lease.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam was rebuilt after World War II and is the most modern looking city in the Netherlands, with skyscrapers, bold architecture and Europe’s biggest port. It is multicultural, down to earth and has a strong engineering, logistics and tech scene. South Africans often say it feels less formal than other Dutch cities.

Good for: Engineers, logistics and port jobs, and people who like a modern big city
Watch out for: Rents have risen fast and in 2026 were slightly higher on average than in The Hague and Utrecht.

Utrecht

Utrecht sits right in the middle of the country, with the biggest train station in the Netherlands, so you can reach almost anywhere quickly. It has a beautiful canal centre, a big university and a young, lively feel. Many people choose it as a compromise when one partner works in Amsterdam and the other elsewhere.

Good for: Commuters, young professionals and couples working in different cities
Watch out for: Very popular and competitive for housing, especially close to the centre.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is the Dutch tech capital, home to ASML, Philips and hundreds of high tech companies in the Brainport region. It has a big international community of engineers and lower rents than the Randstad cities. It is also closer to Belgium and Germany for weekend trips.

Good for: Engineers and tech workers, and families on a budget
Watch out for: It is smaller and quieter than Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and it is further from Schiphol, although Eindhoven has its own airport.

Leiden and Delft

Both are historic university cities with beautiful canals, lots of internationals and easy access to The Hague and Amsterdam. Leiden is between Amsterdam and The Hague, close to the beach, and Delft is home to the technical university and many engineering companies.

Good for: Academics, researchers and people who want small city charm
Watch out for: Small housing markets with strong demand from students.

Groningen

Groningen in the north is a lively student city with a relaxed feel, lots of cycling and much lower rents than the west. It is a good option if your job is there or you work remotely.

Good for: Students, remote workers and people on a tighter budget
Watch out for: It is far from Schiphol and the Randstad, and the weather in the north is even more Dutch.

How to choose where to live

1. Start with the job. Most people choose a city within about 45 minutes of work by train or bike. Commuting by train is normal here, and employers usually pay for it.
2. Set a housing budget. Landlords usually want a gross income of about three times the rent. Check what that means for you before falling in love with a neighbourhood.
3. Think about schools. If you want an international school, look at where they are and how long their waiting lists are. Our guide to schools in the Netherlands has more.
4. Visit before you sign. Spend a weekend in two or three cities if you can. The vibe differs a lot, even between neighbourhoods.
5. Check the commute to Schiphol. If you plan to fly home often, living near the airport saves a lot of time.

What South Africans often look for

• The beach. If you come from the coast, The Hague, Haarlem, Leiden and the towns along the North Sea like Zandvoort feel more like home. See our guide to Zandvoort, the beach near Amsterdam.
• Sunshine. The coastal areas usually get more sunshine hours than inland, which helps in winter.
• Space. Houses with gardens are rare in the city centres. Suburbs and smaller towns give you more space for the money.
• Other Saffas. South Africans are spread all over the country, with big groups around Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven. Our guide to the South African community in the Netherlands shows where to find them, and there are plenty of places to watch the Springboks.
• Safety. Crime levels in Dutch cities are low compared to South African cities. Bike theft is the most common crime you will deal with, so buy a good lock.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best city in the Netherlands for South Africans?

It depends on your job and lifestyle. Amsterdam has the most international jobs, The Hague is great for families and the beach, Utrecht is the most central, and Eindhoven is best for tech jobs and lower rents.

Where do most South Africans live in the Netherlands?

South Africans live all over the country, with large groups in and around Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, where most international jobs are.

What is the cheapest big city to live in the Netherlands?

Of the big cities, Eindhoven had the lowest average rent per square metre in 2026. Cities further from the Randstad, like Groningen, Zwolle and Enschede, are cheaper still.

Where is the South African embassy in the Netherlands?

The South African embassy is in The Hague.

Planning the full move? Start with our complete guide to moving from South Africa to the Netherlands.

Sources: Pararius Huurmonitor Q2 2026, BusinessTech: hotspots skilled South Africans are moving to.