What it really costs me to live in Amsterdam

What surprised me

Housing is the biggest problem. I spent seven weeks searching, and I only got my studio because I could prove an income of more than three times the rent. The deposit was two months' rent. Many of my colleagues live in Haarlem, Zaandam or Almere and commute.

Health insurance is mandatory and not included in your salary like in Kenya or Canada. It is an extra monthly bill, and you pay the deductible before most care is covered. On the other hand, GP visits are covered without the deductible.

Groceries are not as expensive as I feared. Supermarket prices are lower than in Toronto, and markets are cheap for vegetables.

Eating out is expensive. A simple lunch is 15 euros, a dinner for two with wine can easily be 90.

Bikes save money. I bought a second-hand bike for 180 euros, and it was stolen after four months. My second bike has two locks.

What I love

• Everything is close. I cycle 12 minutes to work
• Excellent public transport when I need it
• English works for almost everything, although I am learning Dutch
• Real work life balance. My manager leaves at 5pm and so do I

What I do not love

• The housing shortage and the rent I pay for a small space
• The grey, windy winters
• Everything needs a DigiD login and a Dutch bank account, which took three weeks to set up

The verdict

Amsterdam is expensive, but on a professional salary with the 30% ruling, I save more than I did in Toronto. When the ruling ends, I will probably move to a cheaper city like Utrecht or Rotterdam. For now, I am happy here.