A colleague of mine — a product manager from Berlin — moved to Almere three years ago with his partner and two young children after spending eighteen months trying to find a suitable apartment in Amsterdam. He had a good job, a decent salary, and still could not make the numbers work for a family-sized apartment within cycling distance of anything useful. Someone suggested Almere. He was sceptical. He had driven through it once and found it unprepossessing. He went to look anyway.
He has not regretted it. The family has a four-bedroom house with a garden, two minutes’ walk from the primary school, for less than he would have paid for a cramped two-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam-Noord. His commute to Zuidas is 40 minutes door-to-door. His children play outside without supervision. He has, he says, completely changed his idea of what living in the Netherlands means.
I tell this story not to oversell Almere — because it has real limitations and I am going to be honest about them — but to explain why it belongs on the shortlist for expats whose priorities are space, value, and a manageable commute to Amsterdam.
New to the Netherlands? Start with our complete guide to finding housing as an expat and use the housing budget checker before you begin your search.
What Is Almere? The Netherlands’ Youngest City
Almere is, in a very literal sense, not supposed to exist. The city stands on land that was underwater until 1968 — part of the massive polder reclamation project that created the province of Flevoland from the IJmeer and IJsselmeer. The Flevopolder was drained over decades using pumping stations, reeds, and an enormous amount of Dutch engineering determination. Where there was once open water, there are now roundabouts, shopping centres, and cycle lanes.
The city itself was officially founded in 1976. It received municipal status in 1984. It is the newest major city in the Netherlands and probably one of the newest cities in Europe. This is important context because it explains a great deal about Almere: there is no medieval centre, no centuries of accumulated urban texture, no ancient buildings. Everything was designed from scratch, mostly in the 1970s and 1980s.
The result is a city that can feel bewildering at first. The architecture ranges from dull to genuinely odd — Almere experimented heavily with postmodern and experimental housing in its early decades, which means you will find streets of brightly coloured cartoon-like houses alongside standard Dutch suburban development. The city has grown very fast: population was 12,000 in 1980 and is now approaching 230,000, making Almere the sixth-largest municipality in the Netherlands.
| Fact | Almere |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 (municipal status 1984) |
| Population | ~225,000 (2025) |
| Province | Flevoland |
| Distance to Amsterdam | ~25 min by train |
| Train stations | Almere Centrum, Almere Buiten, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Poort |
| Average house price | ~EUR 395,000 |
| Rent (1-bed) | EUR 950-1,300/month |
| Rent (3-bed family) | EUR 1,400-1,900/month |
| International share | ~28% non-western background |
Why Almere Attracts Expats: The Honest Case
1. The Price Gap Is Real
The rent difference between Almere and Amsterdam is not a minor discount. It is the difference between a cramped one-bedroom and a spacious two-bedroom. Between no garden and a proper garden. Between a parking space that costs EUR 200/month extra and one that comes with the house.
The average two-bedroom apartment in Almere costs EUR 1,100-1,500/month to rent. In Amsterdam, the equivalent is EUR 1,700-2,500. For a family wanting three bedrooms, the difference is even more dramatic: EUR 1,500-1,900 in Almere against EUR 2,500-3,500+ in Amsterdam. If you have children and need space, this is a significant number.
2. New Housing at Scale
Almere is one of very few Dutch cities where new-build housing is being built at a meaningful scale. The Almere Poort and Almere Pampus development areas have added thousands of new homes in recent years, with more planned. New construction means modern insulation, energy labels, open-plan layouts, and often a patch of garden — things that are genuinely scarce in Amsterdam’s existing housing stock.
3. Family Infrastructure
The city has invested heavily in schools, parks, and family amenities. Almere Buiten in particular is designed around families — large primary and secondary schools, sports facilities, parks, playgrounds. For expat families with children aged 5-15, the practical quality of life is high.
4. Genuinely Multicultural
Almere has one of the most diverse populations of any Dutch city, with a very high share of residents with non-Dutch backgrounds. This diversity is visible in the shops, restaurants, markets, and everyday street life in a way that can make newly arrived expats feel less conspicuous than in smaller, whiter Dutch towns.
5. Good Transport Connections
The train to Amsterdam Centraal takes 25 minutes and runs frequently. Utrecht is reachable in about 40 minutes. Amsterdam Bijlmer-Arena (handy for south Amsterdam and Zuidas employers) is reachable in 20 minutes. For expats who commute rather than work locally, the train links are a genuine asset.
The Honest Limitations
I am not going to pretend Almere is a hidden gem that people have overlooked out of ignorance. It is not. Here is what people legitimately do not like about it:
No historic character. There are no canal streets, no centuries-old churches, no charming brown cafés. If you moved to the Netherlands partly for the picturesque Dutch cityscape, Almere will disappoint. The architecture in large parts of the city is utilitarian suburban.
Limited nightlife. Almere has bars and restaurants, but it does not have a meaningful night-time economy. If you want a city with late-night options, live music venues, club culture, or a real restaurant scene, Almere is not the answer. Amsterdam is 25 minutes away, but that is not the same as having it on your doorstep.
Car dependence in outer districts. While the centre is walkable and well-connected, some outer areas of Almere are designed primarily around cars. Cycling is possible everywhere, but in Almere Buiten and parts of Almere Poort, you may find yourself driving more than you expected.
Few cultural institutions. There is no major museum, significant theatre scene, or established arts district. Almere Stad has a theatre and a cinema, but the cultural offering is modest compared to Dutch cities of comparable size.
The “polder” feeling. Some expats describe Almere as feeling exposed and a little flat. The entire city is reclaimed polder — the landscape is genuinely flat, treeless in many outer areas, and wide-open in a way that can feel either freeing or bleak depending on your disposition.
Almere’s Three Main Districts
Almere Stad — The Centre
Almere Stad is the main urban core: the central train station, the largest shopping area (Almere Centrum mall, WTC Almere), most of the restaurants and bars, and the highest population density. This is where you go if you want to walk to things, have good public transport connections, and live a more urban lifestyle within Almere’s constraints.
- Rent (2-bed): EUR 1,100-1,500/month
- Best for: Singles, young couples, professionals who commute
- Pros: Most amenities, good cycling infrastructure, direct train, theatre and cinema
- Cons: Less green space than outer districts, older housing stock in some areas, the Kruidenwijk area has more social housing and higher turnover
Almere Haven — The Old Quarter
Almere Haven is the first part of the city to be developed and has the most established feel. There is a small harbour, a historic village centre (historic by Almere’s standards — meaning the 1980s), and a quieter residential character. Haven attracts people who want more calm and slightly more character without paying Amsterdam prices.
- Rent (2-bed): EUR 1,000-1,400/month
- Best for: Families, those wanting a quieter pace
- Pros: More established neighbourhood feel, proximity to water, good primary schools, some green space
- Cons: Smaller, fewer amenities than Stad, older building stock, less new housing
Almere Buiten — Suburban and Spacious
Almere Buiten is the most suburban of the three main districts — larger plots, more garden houses, newer builds, and the highest share of family housing. The De Vaart area and Filmwijk neighbourhood in Buiten have newer housing with good energy ratings. This is where families with children typically end up.
- Rent (3-bed house): EUR 1,400-1,900/month
- Best for: Families with children, those who need space
- Pros: Best schools cluster, most green space, newest housing stock, quieter
- Cons: More car-dependent, fewer amenities, no real centre culture
Housing in Almere: What to Expect
Rental Market
Almere’s rental market is significantly less competitive than Amsterdam’s. This does not mean easy — Dutch housing is tight everywhere — but you are not looking at 200 people applying for one apartment.
Useful platforms for Almere housing searches:
- Funda — the main Dutch property portal, includes both rentals and sales
- Pararius — strong for rental listings, English-language option available
- Kamernet — good for rooms, studios, and shorter-term furnished options in Almere Stad
- HousingAnywhere — useful for fully furnished short-term lets, good for expats arriving without a Dutch bank account
- Flevowonen — the main social housing corporation in Almere; social housing waiting lists are long, but worth knowing about
For international transfers when paying deposits or first month’s rent, Wise is the most cost-effective way to move money from a foreign account. It uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees — important when you may be transferring several thousand euros for a deposit plus first month.
Open a free Wise account before your move →
Buying Property in Almere
Almere is one of the more realistic Dutch cities for first-time buyers. The average property price in Almere is around EUR 395,000 (early 2026), compared to EUR 540,000+ in Amsterdam and EUR 490,000 nationally. New-build developments in Almere Poort and the Pampus area offer modern homes at prices that, combined with current mortgage rates, are manageable for two-income expat households.
For expats considering buying, the key steps are:
- Obtain a mortgage pre-approval (hypotheekaanvraag) from a Dutch bank or mortgage advisor
- Find a buying agent (aankoopmakelaar) — particularly important for new-build projects
- Factor in kosten koper (buyer’s costs): typically 2-3% of purchase price in notary, transfer tax, and agency fees
Our Dutch mortgage guide covers the full process.
Cost of Living in Almere
| Category | Monthly Cost (Single) | Monthly Cost (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed / 3-bed) | EUR 950-1,300 | EUR 1,400-1,900 |
| Utilities (gas, electric, water) | EUR 130-200 | EUR 200-320 |
| Groceries | EUR 250-350 | EUR 600-900 |
| Transport (NS card + OV-chipkaart) | EUR 80-150 | EUR 150-280 |
| Health insurance | EUR 130-160 | EUR 280-420 |
| Childcare (if applicable) | — | EUR 600-1,200 |
| Total estimate | EUR 1,540-2,160 | EUR 2,830-4,020 |
These costs are 30-40% lower than equivalent Amsterdam budgets for most categories. The monthly train commute to Amsterdam costs roughly EUR 70-90 for a full NS subscription, which you need to factor in if you work there.
Schooling for Expat Children
Almere has good primary and secondary education provision. For expat families, the key question is usually language.
International/bilingual schools in and near Almere:
- Almere International School — offers international primary education with an English-language track; check current availability as capacity is limited
- International School Flevoland — serves the wider Flevoland area
- ISA (International School Amsterdam) — located in Amsterdam-Buitenveldert, accessible by train; the most established international school option for Almere expats willing to commute their children
The majority of expat children in Almere attend Dutch-language public schools. This works well for younger children (under 8) who acquire Dutch relatively quickly. Secondary school-age children joining the Dutch system mid-education is harder, and an international school option should be seriously considered.
Getting Around Almere and to Amsterdam
Train
The NS train is the backbone of Almere’s connection to the rest of the Netherlands. Almere Centrum station sits on the Intercity connection to Amsterdam Centraal (25 min) and Utrecht (40 min). Trains run every 15 minutes or better during the day.
For daily commuters, the NS weekabonnement (week subscription) or Altijd Vrij (all-in subscription) typically makes more sense than paying per trip. Use the OV-chipkaart to pay.
Cycling
Within Almere’s districts, cycling is excellent — the city was designed with wide, flat cycle lanes and good infrastructure. For local errands, school runs, and getting to the station, a bicycle is genuinely the best option.
Car
Many Almere residents own cars, particularly families in outer districts. The A6 motorway connects Almere to Amsterdam (and can be very congested during peak hours), and the A27 connects to Utrecht. Parking in Almere is far easier and cheaper than Amsterdam — most residential areas have free street parking or low-cost permits.
Practical Arrival Checklist for Almere
- Register at the gemeente Almere — required within 5 days of establishing your principal residence; you will receive your BSN
- Open a Dutch bank account — ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, or bunq all work; bunq is the fastest for expats without a prior credit history in the Netherlands
- Apply for DigiD — your digital identity for all Dutch government services; apply at digid.nl once you have your BSN
- Register with a huisarts (GP) — register immediately on arrival, before you need one
- Arrange health insurance — mandatory in the Netherlands; see our Dutch health insurance guide
- Transfer funds from abroad using Wise — avoid bank wire fees and poor exchange rates when moving money for your deposit and first month’s rent
Our first 30 days in the Netherlands checklist covers these steps in detail.
Almere vs Amsterdam: Who Should Choose Which?
| Priority | Choose Amsterdam | Choose Almere |
|---|---|---|
| Space for a family | Expensive | Realistic |
| Urban culture and nightlife | ✅ | Limited |
| Historic city character | ✅ | Does not exist |
| New-build housing | Very limited | Abundant |
| Affordability | Difficult | Good |
| Daily commute to Zuidas | Direct | 25-40 min |
| International school options | Many | Limited |
| English in daily life | Excellent | Good |
| Multicultural community | Very | Yes |
| Garden / outdoor space | Premium cost | Standard |
What Expats Actually Say About Almere
The most consistent feedback I hear from expats who chose Almere:
What they are happy about: Space, affordability, the children having outdoor freedom, the commute being manageable, the diversity of the community, the quality of new housing.
What they miss or found harder than expected: The lack of walkable urban culture, the distance from Amsterdam’s social scene, the flat open landscape, finding community as adults (not just through children’s school networks), the limited restaurant options compared to their previous city.
The clearest predictor of whether someone will be happy in Almere is whether they have honestly accepted what they are choosing. Expats who moved to Almere while secretly wishing they could afford Amsterdam are often quietly dissatisfied. Expats who moved knowing what they were getting — and prioritising family space over urban atmosphere — tend to adapt and settle well.
Finding Housing: Recommended Steps
- Start your search 8-12 weeks before your intended move date — Almere has less competition than Amsterdam, but good properties still go quickly
- Use Funda, Pararius, and Kamernet as your main platforms
- Consider a temporary furnished rental (through HousingAnywhere or direct agencies) for the first 1-3 months while you settle and find your preferred neighbourhood
- Visit all three main districts before committing — the difference in feel between Almere Stad, Haven, and Buiten is significant
- Budget for your deposit — typically 1-2 months’ rent; use Wise to transfer funds from a foreign account at the best rate
Useful Links for Almere Expats
- Finding housing as an expat in the Netherlands
- Dutch health insurance guide
- OV-chipkaart guide for expats
- First 30 days in the Netherlands checklist
- Dutch mortgage explained
- 30% ruling guide
- DigiD guide for expats
- Gemeente Almere official website
Almere will not win awards for charm. It will not appear on anyone’s list of the most beautiful cities in Europe. But for an expat family who needs space, can handle a 25-minute train commute, and wants to live in a genuinely multicultural community at a price that does not consume their entire salary — it deserves a serious look. The people who are happiest there tend to be the ones who made a clear-eyed decision, not a reluctant compromise.
Set up your Wise account before your Almere move — it will save you money on your deposit transfer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Almere a good place for expats?
Almere works very well for specific kinds of expats: families with children, those priced out of Amsterdam, people working remotely, and anyone whose workplace is in the Randstad but whose budget does not stretch to Amsterdam or Utrecht rents. The city is well-connected by train, genuinely multicultural, has good schools and green space, and offers new-build housing at prices that feel surprising given its location. What it does not offer is a historic city centre, a lively nightlife scene, or the dense urban culture of Amsterdam. If those things matter to you, be honest with yourself about that.
How far is Almere from Amsterdam?
Almere Centrum station is approximately 25 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal by Intercity direct train. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours. Almere Buiten is a few minutes further. The journey is fast enough that some expats commute daily, though the combination of train fare and housing savings needs to be calculated based on your specific situation. By car, Almere is about 30-45 minutes from Amsterdam depending on traffic — the A6 motorway connects the two cities.
How much does it cost to live in Almere?
Almere is significantly cheaper than Amsterdam. A one-bedroom apartment rents for roughly EUR 950-1,300/month; a family-sized three-bedroom house costs EUR 1,400-1,900/month. By comparison, equivalent properties in Amsterdam would cost EUR 1,600-2,200 and EUR 2,400-3,500 respectively. A single expat’s total monthly budget typically runs EUR 1,400-2,000; a family of four should budget EUR 2,800-3,800. Buying is also realistic — Almere average house prices are around EUR 380,000-450,000, well below the Dutch average of EUR 490,000.
What are the best neighbourhoods in Almere for expats?
Almere Stad is the main centre with the most amenities, restaurants, and the central train station. Almere Haven is the older, quieter part of the city with a small harbour and more established feel — popular with families who want a less urban atmosphere. Almere Buiten is the greenest and most suburban district, with the most new-build development and the highest share of family housing. For expats who want convenience and walkability, Almere Stad. For families wanting space and new housing, Almere Buiten. For those who want more character and calm, Almere Haven.
Is Almere safe?
Yes. Almere consistently ranks as one of the safer larger cities in the Netherlands. It does not have the concentrated crime issues associated with parts of larger cities. The newer residential districts are quiet and well-maintained. As with any city, some areas have more social issues than others — the Kruidenwijk and Muziekwijk neighbourhoods in Almere Stad have historically had higher crime rates than the newer parts of the city, though these remain modest by European standards.
Can I get by in English in Almere?
Yes, though Almere is less English-friendly than Amsterdam or The Hague. Most younger people and professionals speak good English, and the city has a very diverse population where communication in English is common. Government services, schools, and healthcare providers typically have Dutch as the primary language, though most staff speak English. Learning some Dutch basics will make daily life easier and is particularly useful for dealing with local services, schools, and neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Almere a good place for expats?
Almere works very well for specific kinds of expats: families with children, those priced out of Amsterdam, people working remotely, and anyone whose workplace is in the Randstad but whose budget does not stretch to Amsterdam or Utrecht rents. The city is well-connected by train, genuinely multicultural, has good schools and green space, and offers new-build housing at prices that feel surprising given its location. What it does not offer is a historic city centre, a lively nightlife scene, or the dense urban culture of Amsterdam. If those things matter to you, be honest with yourself about that.
How far is Almere from Amsterdam?
Almere Centrum station is approximately 25 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal by Intercity direct train. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours. Almere Buiten is a few minutes further. The journey is fast enough that some expats commute daily, though the combination of train fare and housing savings needs to be calculated based on your specific situation. By car, Almere is about 30-45 minutes from Amsterdam depending on traffic — the A6 motorway connects the two cities.
How much does it cost to live in Almere?
Almere is significantly cheaper than Amsterdam. A one-bedroom apartment rents for roughly EUR 950-1,300/month; a family-sized three-bedroom house costs EUR 1,400-1,900/month. By comparison, equivalent properties in Amsterdam would cost EUR 1,600-2,200 and EUR 2,400-3,500 respectively. A single expat's total monthly budget typically runs EUR 1,400-2,000; a family of four should budget EUR 2,800-3,800. Buying is also realistic — Almere average house prices are around EUR 380,000-450,000, well below the Dutch average of EUR 490,000.
What are the best neighbourhoods in Almere for expats?
Almere Stad is the main centre with the most amenities, restaurants, and the central train station. Almere Haven is the older, quieter part of the city with a small harbour and more established feel — popular with families who want a less urban atmosphere. Almere Buiten is the greenest and most suburban district, with the most new-build development and the highest share of family housing. For expats who want convenience and walkability, Almere Stad. For families wanting space and new housing, Almere Buiten. For those who want more character and calm, Almere Haven.
Is Almere safe?
Yes. Almere consistently ranks as one of the safer larger cities in the Netherlands. It does not have the concentrated crime issues associated with parts of larger cities. The newer residential districts are quiet and well-maintained. As with any city, some areas have more social issues than others — the Kruidenwijk and Muziekwijk neighbourhoods in Almere Stad have historically had higher crime rates than the newer parts of the city, though these remain modest by European standards.
Can I get by in English in Almere?
Yes, though Almere is less English-friendly than Amsterdam or The Hague. Most younger people and professionals speak good English, and the city has a very diverse population where communication in English is common. Government services, schools, and healthcare providers typically have Dutch as the primary language, though most staff speak English. Learning some Dutch basics will make daily life easier and is particularly useful for dealing with local services, schools, and neighbours.
