Data updated Nov 13, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 64)
Best is a small town in the southern Netherlands, about 21 kilometers from Eindhoven Airport (EIN). It sits at 15 meters above sea level and experiences mild summers and cool, damp winters typical of the southern Netherlands, with frequent rainfall year-round and occasional snow in winter months. The expat community here is very few, but those who settle tend to choose neighborhoods like Centrum and Best-Oost.
Living costs in Best are moderate. A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $1,180/mo, while a family of four spends $3,950/mo excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $1,512/mo, dropping to $1,101/mo outside the center. A three-bedroom in the center runs $1,973/mo, and outside the center it is $1,373/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $4,075/mo, which covers the comfortable tier total of $2,528/mo (single adult, rent included) with room to spare.
Safety is a strong point: the safety index is 85/100, and the crime index is 15/100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as excellent. The air quality index is 45 (lower is better), and utilities run $186/mo. Internet costs $38/mo for speeds averaging 125 Mbps, and a mobile phone plan is $15/mo.
For visas, the Netherlands offers the Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar), which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,713/mo. Best suits those who prioritize safety, excellent healthcare, and a quiet, affordable lifestyle over a large expat scene or high English proficiency. The overall expat score is 64/100, with a FIRE score of 66/100, a retiree score of 62/100, and a digital nomad score of 62/100.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Best, Netherlands. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Best at the budget tier comes to about $1,701 a month for one adult, with $1,101 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $158 on groceries, $90.00 on dining out, $42.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $238 on utilities and connectivity and $72.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,101/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$158/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$90.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$42.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$238/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$72.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Best at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,964 a month for one adult, with $1,101 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $211 on groceries, $224 on dining out, $118 on entertainment and lifestyle, $238 on utilities and connectivity and $72.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,101/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$211/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$224/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$118/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$238/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$72.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Best at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,686 a month for one adult, with $1,512 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $295 on groceries, $395 on dining out, $174 on entertainment and lifestyle, $238 on utilities and connectivity and $72.00 on transport.
Rent
$1,512/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$295/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$395/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$174/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$238/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$72.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1511.64/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Best's cost of living compares with Oostrewolde
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Best is genuinely one of the safest small towns in the Netherlands. With a Numbeo Safety Index of 85, you can walk freely day and night without significant concern. The town has a quiet, residential character with good street lighting and active community presence. Expats consistently report feeling secure here, and the low population density means fewer anonymous urban risks.
Petty theft is rare but not impossible—standard precautions apply (secure bikes, don't leave valuables visible). Violent crime is extremely uncommon. The main risks are typical Dutch cycling accidents and occasional package theft. Best has no notorious problem areas; the entire town is relatively uniform in safety. Solo female travelers and residents face minimal gender-specific threats compared to larger European cities.
The Netherlands has stable governance, reliable police, and no significant political instability affecting daily life. Best benefits from strong Dutch rule of law and social cohesion. For an American considering relocation, this is an exceptionally safe choice—arguably safer than most U.S. suburbs. The trade-off is limited nightlife and cultural amenities typical of small towns, but security is not a concern here.
See how Best's healthcare compares with Oostrewolde
Best experiences mild summers and cool, damp winters typical of the southern Netherlands, with frequent rainfall year-round and occasional snow in winter months.
Indices last read Nov 13, 2026.
Best is a peaceful town with charming Dutch streets, ideal for focused work.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Seats2meet Utrecht CS | While technically in Utrecht, it's right by the central station, making it easily accessible from Best via train. It offers a vibrant community and a unique 'pay-with-value' system alongside standard pricing, appealing to collaborative remote workers. |
| Tribes Utrecht Papendorp | Located in the Papendorp business park in Utrecht, this location is easily accessible by car or public transport from Best. Tribes offers a more premium coworking experience with design-focused spaces and a focus on business networking. |
| Regus Utrecht Central Station | Another Utrecht option, but very convenient due to its central station location. Regus provides reliable, professional workspaces with various membership options, suitable for those who need a consistent and well-equipped office environment. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Best long-term? Netherlands Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar) lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Best? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Best's digital nomad life compares with Oostrewolde
Best is a small industrial municipality near Eindhoven. Some ASML and Philips supply-chain workers settle here but the expat scene is minimal.
Areas of Best that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Historic heart, lively, central
The city center offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Expect higher prices and more tourists, especially during peak season. Walkable, but can be noisy; good public transit connections.
Modern, family-friendly, canalside living
A newer residential area with modern architecture and canals. Popular with families and those seeking a quieter environment. Good for cycling and has decent bus connections to the city center.
Historic fortress town, charming, quiet
Technically a separate town but easily accessible from Bussum, Naarden-Vesting is a beautifully preserved star-shaped fortress town. It offers a unique living experience with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Quieter than Bussum Centrum, but with fewer amenities directly available.
Residential, green, family-oriented
A residential area south of the city center, known for its green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere. It's quieter and more affordable than Centrum, but requires more reliance on cycling or public transport to reach amenities. Less English spoken here.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1512/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Not sure which Netherlands visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Best and the rest of Netherlands. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.