Nomads Data

Utrecht, Netherlands

Europe · Oceanic

Rank: 300 | Index: 77.0

Utrecht, a charming city in the Netherlands, is gaining popularity among digital nomads. With its fast internet, affordable living, and high quality of life, Utrecht provides an ideal environment for remote workers. The city's compact size and bike-friendly infrastructure make it easy to get around, while its rich cultural heritage and vibrant expat community offer a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Budget FriendlyFast InternetNature EscapeWellness & HealthSafe HavenCultural HubDN Hub
Monthly Cost
$1233
Single · No rent
Internet
340.1Mbps
Fixed broadband
Safety
73
Quality of Life
100

At a Glance — Utrecht

Nomad Index
Rank: 300 | Index: 77.0
Climate
Oceanic · 11°C avg · 161 rainy days/yr
Health
78.03 / 100
Pollution
28.76 / 100
Traffic
79.2 / 100
Rent (1BR)
Centre $1954.38 · Outside $1537.94
Power Grid
100% electricity access
Coworking
0 spaces
DN Visa
Not available
Data from Numbeo, Ookla, Open-Meteo, World Bank & more

City Personality

Utrecht is a laid-back, culturally rich city with a strong sense of community, making it perfect for digital nomads seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Best For

  • remote workers seeking a relaxed lifestyle
  • digital nomads who value community

Less Suitable For

  • those seeking a fast-paced, urban environment
Lifestyle: Cafe culture, cycling, and community events
Pace: Relaxed

Internet Speed in Utrecht

Utrecht boasts fast and reliable internet, with average fixed upload speeds of 215.8 Mbps and mobile upload speeds of 39.1 Mbps. This ensures that remote workers can enjoy seamless video calls, cloud development, and file transfers. With low latency rates of 21.9 ms for mobile and 8.8 ms for fixed connections, Utrecht is well-suited for real-time collaboration and online work.

Fast fixed and mobile internetLow latency for real-time collaboration

Fixed Broadband

Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment

Download
340 Mbps
Upload
216 Mbps
Latency
9 ms
Excellent

Mobile Data

4G/5G cellular network

Download
230 Mbps
Upload
39 Mbps
Latency
22 ms
Good

Remote Work Readiness

Video Calls
HD calls supported
Screen Sharing
Smooth sharing
Cloud Development
Low latency
Ookla Speedtest Intelligence — Q1 2026

Cost of Living in Utrecht

Utrecht has a moderate cost of living, with monthly expenses excluding rent averaging $1,233. Adding rent, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,954, making it essential to factor housing costs into your budget. Everyday items like meals and transportation are reasonably priced, with a mid-range meal for two costing $82.59 and a monthly public transport pass costing $142.40.

Moderate monthly expensesReasonable housing costs compared to other Dutch cities
Total Monthly Cost
$3,187
Restaurants
$31210%
Groceries
$45814%
Transport
$2277%
Utilities
$1144%
Clothing
$381%
Leisure
$853%
Rent
$1,95461%
Living $1,233+Rent $1,954=$3,187
International flights and trip insurance not included.
Numbeo — Cost of Living data

Cost Comparison: Cities in Netherlands

Utrecht vs Haarlem

Utrecht
Utrecht
$1,233
/mo
vs
+$11
pricier
Haarlem
Haarlem
$1,244
/mo
Full Comparison

Utrecht vs Groningen

Utrecht
Utrecht
$1,233
/mo
vs
-$64
cheaper
Groningen
Groningen
$1,169
/mo
Full Comparison

Visa Options for Utrecht, Netherlands

Netherlands does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.

The Netherlands offers various visa options for digital nomads, including a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country for a specified period. However, the specific requirements and benefits of this visa are not detailed in the available data.

Various visa options availableDigital nomad visa for remote workers
Passport Checker — Netherlands

See what visa you need for Utrecht based on your passport

Pick your passport above to see the visa requirement instantly
Digital Nomad Visa Database — visa policy information

Is Utrecht Safe?

Utrecht is considered a safe city, with a safety index of 73 and a low crime rate. Remote workers can feel comfortable walking alone during the day and at night, with a safety daylight score of 86.92 and a safety night score of 69.9. However, as with any city, it's essential to take normal precautions to ensure personal safety.

High safety indexLow crime rate
Safety Index
73/ 100
Crime index: 26.52
Daylight Safety
86.92/100
Very Safe
Night Safety
69.9/100
Safe

What Residents Worry About

Home break-in
28.23
Mugged or robbed
20.81
Car stolen
18.65
Things stolen from car
30.78
Physically attacked
23.93
Harassment / insults
29.21
Discrimination
19.25

Crime Severity

Drugs
35.15
Property crimes
35.71
Violent crimes
22.01
Corruption
11.63
Travel Advisory: Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Risks: health, terrorism, other
View advisory details
Numbeo — Crime and safety data
Travel advisories — Government travel advisory data

Utrecht Climate & Weather

Utrecht experiences a mild oceanic climate, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The best months to visit are May to October, with warm summers and mild winters. However, remote workers should be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures during the winter months.

Mild summers and cool wintersModerate rainfall throughout the year

Utrecht has a Oceanic climate.Mild summers and cool winters with frequent rainfall.

Climate Type
Oceanic
11.2°C avg · 161 rainy days/yr
Dry Days / Year
269
No rain (≥3 mm)
Daylight Range
7.6h – 16.4h
Varies by 8.8h across the year

Average Daily Temperature

Max TempMin Temp
☀️ Peak Season
May – Oct
Comfortable temperatures · Low rainfall
Shoulder Season
Apr
Warm or mild · Moderate rainfall
❄️ Off Season
Nov – Mar
Hot or cold · Heavy rainfall

Daylight Hours

DaylightNight
Open-Meteo Archive API

Real Estate Market in Utrecht

Utrecht's housing market offers a range of options, from affordable apartments to more expensive properties. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is $1,954, while a 3-bedroom apartment costs around $3,116. The city's compact size and walkability make it easy to find a suitable place to live, with many options within walking distance to the city center.

Affordable rent optionsCompact city with walkable neighborhoods
Price-to-Income Ratio
7.5years
Loan affordability: 1.9

Overview

1BR City Centre
$1954
1BR Outside
$1538
Avg Salary/Mo
$4334
Mortgage Rate
3.4%

Buy vs Rent

Price-to-Income
7.5 yrs
Mortgage % Income
51.5%
Loan Affordability
1.9
Price-to-Rent Centre
18.5
Price-to-Rent Outside
17.6

Rental Yields & Returns

Gross Yield Centre
5.4%
Gross Yield Outside
5.7%

Apartment Prices

City Centre

1-Bedroom$1954
3-Bedroom$3116
Price per sqm$7482

Outside Centre

1-Bedroom$1538
3-Bedroom$2337
Price per sqm$5497
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • With a local salary of 4334/month and manageable prices, this city is viable for longer stays.
  • Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Numbeo — Property data

Healthcare Quality in Utrecht

Utrecht offers high-quality healthcare services, with a healthcare index score of 78.03. The city's medical facilities and staff are well-equipped to handle various medical needs, providing remote workers with peace of mind. However, it's essential to note that healthcare costs and insurance requirements may vary.

High-quality healthcare servicesWell-equipped medical facilities and staff
Healthcare Index
78.03/ 100

Quality Scores

Skill & Competency
81.94
Speed of Exams
75
Modern Equipment
90.71
Accuracy of Reports
78.91

Satisfaction Scores

Staff Friendliness
79.29
Responsiveness / Wait Times
68.57
Cost Satisfaction
70
Convenient Location
87.86
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Utrecht has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Numbeo — Healthcare quality data

Power Grid in Netherlands

Utrecht's energy grid is reliable and sustainable, with a high percentage of renewable energy sources. The city's grid access is 100%, ensuring that remote workers have a stable and consistent power supply. However, the grid loss rate is 3.8032%, which is relatively low.

Reliable energy gridHigh percentage of renewable energy sources
Electricity access
100%
of population in 2023
Consumption
6.2k
kWh per person
Reliability
Reliable
grid stability

Energy Mix

· 48% fossil fuels
9%
38%
Coal9%
Natural Gas38%
Nuclear3%
Hydro0%
Oil1%
World Bank — Power grid statistics

Traffic & Commute in Utrecht

Utrecht has a heavy traffic index score of 79.2, making it easy to get around the city. The city's compact size and bike-friendly infrastructure encourage walking, cycling, and using public transportation. Remote workers can use buses, trams, and trains to commute to work or explore the city.

Heavy trafficBike-friendly infrastructure and public transportation
Traffic Index
79.2
Avg commute: 23.67 min / 14.22 km

Overview

Avg Commute
23.67 min
Avg Distance
14.22 km
55.6%
Top Mode
Bicycle
CO₂ Index
1,515

Traffic Indexes

Time Index
23.7
Time Exp. Index
23.7
Inefficiency Index
138.0
CO₂ Emission Index
1514.8

Commute Mode Split

Walking
11.1%
Bicycle
55.6%
Car
16.7%
Bus
5.6%
Train
11.1%
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Bicycle infrastructure is well-used — consider bringing or renting a bike for daily trips.
  • Commute times are relatively predictable — you can plan your schedule with confidence.
Numbeo — Traffic data

Pollution & Environment in Utrecht

Utrecht has good air quality, with a pollution index score of 28.76. The city's green spaces and parks contribute to its low pollution levels, making it an attractive destination for remote workers who value a healthy environment. However, remote workers should note that noise pollution can be a issue in some areas.

Good air qualityLow pollution levels
Pollution Index
28.76/ 100
Cleanliness: 71/100

Overview

Air Quality
69/100
Good quality
Drinking Water
92/100
Excellent quality
Green Spaces
77/100
Excellent quality
Noise Level
63/100
Generally quiet

Pollution Levels — Lower is better

Air pollution
30.85
Drinking water pollution
7.74
Noise & light pollution
37.21
Water pollution
19.89
Dirty / untidy
24.43

Quality Metrics — Higher is better

Air quality
69.15
Drinking water quality
92.26
Garbage disposal
73.21
Clean & tidy
75.57
Water quality
80.11

Livability

Green & parks quality
77.38
Comfortable to walk
82.61
Quiet at night
62.79
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • The city is pedestrian-friendly and pleasant for walking — comfortable for daily life without a car.
  • Utrecht has very low pollution levels — a great environment for remote work and healthy living.
Numbeo — Pollution data

Frequently Asked Questions About Utrecht

What is the cost of living in Utrecht?
The cost of living in Utrecht is moderate, with monthly expenses excluding rent averaging $1,233. Adding rent, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,954.
Is Utrecht a safe city?
Yes, Utrecht is considered a safe city, with a safety index of 73 and a low crime rate.
What are the visa options for digital nomads in Utrecht?
The Netherlands offers various visa options for digital nomads, including a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country for a specified period.
What is the internet like in Utrecht?
Utrecht has fast and reliable internet, with average fixed upload speeds of 215.8 Mbps and mobile upload speeds of 39.1 Mbps.
Can I find coworking spaces in Utrecht?
While Utrecht has a limited number of coworking spaces, remote workers can adapt and find suitable alternatives in cafes, business centers, or home offices.
What is the climate like in Utrecht?
Utrecht experiences a mild oceanic climate, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The best months to visit are May to October.
Is Utrecht a good base for exploring the Netherlands?
Yes, Utrecht is a great base for exploring nearby destinations, including Amsterdam, Leiden, and Rotterdam.
What kind of healthcare services are available in Utrecht?
Utrecht offers high-quality healthcare services, with a healthcare index score of 78.03 and well-equipped medical facilities and staff.
What are the transportation options in Utrecht?
Utrecht has a light traffic index score, making it easy to get around the city. Remote workers can use buses, trams, and trains to commute to work or explore the city.

Key Takeaways

Quick insights for each category

Fast and Reliable Internet for Seamless Remote Work

Utrecht's internet infrastructure supports demanding remote work activities.

A Limited but Growing Coworking Scene

Utrecht's coworking scene is limited, but remote workers can adapt.

Affordable Living with a Moderate Cost

Utrecht offers a balanced cost of living, with affordable everyday expenses.

Visa Options for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads can explore visa options for living and working in Utrecht.

A Safe and Secure Environment

Utrecht provides a safe environment for remote workers.

Mild Climate with Seasonal Variations

Utrecht's climate is suitable for remote work, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall.

Housing Market with Affordable Options

Utrecht's housing market provides affordable options for remote workers.

High-Quality Healthcare Services

Utrecht provides excellent healthcare services for remote workers.

Reliable and Sustainable Energy Grid

Utrecht's energy grid supports remote work with reliability and sustainability.

Light Traffic and Convenient Transportation

Utrecht's traffic is manageable, with convenient transportation options.

Good Air Quality and Low Pollution

Utrecht offers good air quality and low pollution levels.

Nearby Destinations for Exploration

Utrecht is a great base for exploring nearby destinations.