Cost of Living in Flevoland for Expat Families: Your Detailed Guide to Almere & Lelystad
Moving your family to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it comes with a long to-do list. At the top of that list is understanding your finances. Questions like, "What will our monthly budget look like?" or "Can we afford the lifestyle we want?" are crucial. While many expats immediately look at Amsterdam or Utrecht, the province of Flevoland, specifically the modern cities of Almere and Lelystad offers a fantastic, family friendly, and often more affordable alternative.
Planning a relocation can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. This guide is designed to give you a clear, detailed breakdown of the everyday costs for an expat family living in Flevoland. We'll cover everything from housing and utilities to childcare and leisure, using real data to help you budget with confidence. At New Roots Housing, we're local experts dedicated to making your transition as smooth as possible, starting with the financial clarity you need.
Housing: Your Biggest Expense, Managed
For most families, housing is the largest monthly expense. The great news is that Flevoland offers significantly more value than the bigger Dutch cities. Your budget will stretch further here, allowing for more space for your family.
Average Monthly Rent (Unfurnished)
Rental prices in Flevoland are primarily influenced by proximity to Amsterdam, making Almere slightly more expensive than the equally charming Lelystad.
Almere: As a major commuter city, Almere is highly sought after.
2-Bedroom Apartment/House (70-90 m²): Expect to pay between €1,600 and €2,100.
3-Bedroom Family Home (90-120 m²): Rents typically range from €1,800 to €2,500.
Lelystad: Offering more space for your money, Lelystad is a fantastic option for families.
2-Bedroom Apartment/House (80-100 m²): The average range is €1,400 to €1,900.
3-Bedroom Family Home (110-145 m²): Rents generally fall between €1,600 and €2,300.
Good to Know: Furnished properties are available and typically cost 10-20% more per month. While convenient for short-term stays, furnishing a home yourself can be more cost effective for contracts of two years or more.
Additional Housing Costs
Security Deposit (Waarborgsom): This is a one time payment, usually capped at a maximum of two times your basic monthly rent.
Service Charges (Servicekosten): If you're in an apartment building, expect a monthly fee of €50 to €250 for the upkeep of communal areas.
Navigating the Dutch rental market can be tricky. New Roots Housing helps you find properties that fit your budget, reviews your rental contract, and ensures you understand all associated costs, so there are no surprises.
Keeping the Lights On: Monthly Utilities
Utilities are a significant recurring cost. The total monthly bill for a family of four in a standard home typically ranges from €320 to €480.
Energy (Gas & Electricity): This is the largest portion, ranging from €200 to €300. This cost is highly dependent on your home's energy label—a modern, A-label home can be significantly cheaper to run.
Water: The water supply in Flevoland is managed by Vitens, with an average family bill of €30 to €45 per month.
Internet & TV: A comprehensive package with high speed internet will cost between €60 and €85.
Mobile Phones: For two adults with typical SIM only plans, budget around €30 to €50 per month.
Feeding Your Family: Groceries & Dining Out
Your food budget will depend on your family's habits, but here’s a reliable estimate.
Supermarket Grocery Bill: A family of four can expect to spend €600 to €800 per month on groceries at a mid range supermarket like Albert Heijn or Jumbo.
Pro Tip: You can reduce this by 15-25% by shopping for staples at discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi.
Cost of Staples:
Milk (1 liter): €1.20 - €1.50
Loaf of Brown Bread: €1.50 - €2.50
Chicken Breast (500g): €6.00 - €8.00
Dining Out: A three course meal for two at a mid range restaurant in Almere or Lelystad costs around €70 to €90. A casual main course at an eetcafé will be closer to €15-€25 per person.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs
The Netherlands is famous for its efficient public transport and cycling culture.
Public Transportation: For regular travel, you'll use a national smart card called the OV-chipkaart. A daily commute by train from Almere to Amsterdam is most economical with a monthly pass, costing around €200 to €250.
Car Ownership: Owning a car is expensive in the Netherlands. Monthly running costs (fuel, insurance, road tax) for a standard family car can easily exceed €420, not including parking or depreciation. For many, a car is a weekend convenience rather than a daily necessity.
Cycling: The Dutch way! Investing in good quality bikes for the family is a practical, one-time cost that saves you money on local trips to school, shops, and sports clubs every single day.
Investing in the Future: Childcare & Education
For expat families, this is a major financial and lifestyle decision. Flevoland is exceptionally well-equipped with excellent options.
Childcare (Ages 0-4): The gross monthly cost for full-time daycare (kinderopvang) can seem high, around €1,500 to €1,800 per child. However, most working families are eligible for a generous, income-dependent government subsidy called the kinderopvangtoeslag, which dramatically reduces the net cost.
Education:
Dutch Public Schools: These are free and offer fantastic immersion for families staying long-term. Parents are usually asked for a voluntary annual contribution (ouderbijdrage) of €50 to €150 for extra activities.
International School Almere: As a government-subsidized international school, it offers a more accessible option than private schools. Annual tuition is approximately €4,520 per child.
Choosing the right school and neighborhood is a huge decision. At New Roots Housing, we can provide guidance on local schools and help you find a home in your desired school district. Understanding the Dutch School System
Staying Healthy: The Dutch Healthcare System
The Dutch healthcare system is excellent and is based on mandatory health insurance.
Monthly Premium: Every adult must have a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering). The average premium is around €157 per adult per month.
Children: Children under 18 are covered for free under their parents' policy.
Deductible (Eigen Risico): There is a mandatory annual deductible of €385 per adult. This means you pay the first €385 of most healthcare costs yourself each year (GP visits are excluded).
The Flevoland Advantage: More Life for Your Money
Why are so many expat families choosing Flevoland? It comes down to a perfect balance. The cost of living, especially housing, is significantly lower than in Amsterdam or Utrecht. This financial breathing room doesn't come at the cost of quality of life. In fact, it enhances it. Flevoland is known for its modern infrastructure, abundant green spaces, water sports, and strong community feel. It's a place designed for families, offering a safe, spacious, and welcoming environment where your children can thrive, all while being a short train ride away from the capital. You get the best of both worlds: a peaceful, affordable home base with easy access to big city amenities.
Practical Tips for Managing Costs
Embrace Cycling: Use the bike for local trips to save on fuel and public transport fares.
Shop Smart: Buy staple groceries at discount stores like Lidl and Aldi.
Look for Bundles: Combine your internet, TV, and mobile phone plans with one provider for a discount.
Check Allowances: Use the official government websites to see if you are eligible for benefits like the childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) or rental allowance (huurtoeslag)
Your New Beginning in Flevoland
Flevoland offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, space, and family friendly living for expats moving to the Netherlands. With careful financial planning, you can build a wonderful life here without the financial pressures of the larger cities.
Understanding these costs is the first step, and we're here to help you with the next ones. If you're ready to find your perfect family home in Almere or Lelystad, we invite you to get in touch.
Visit us at www.newrootshousing.nl or contact us today to book a free consultation for your relocation needs. Let us help you plant your new roots in Flevoland!