Cost of Living in the Netherlands

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 22, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

As of 2024, the Netherlands is the 9th most expensive country in Europe. It is known for its high cost of living and high standard of living and fast becoming one of Europe’s top tech hubs. For a single person living in the Netherlands, the estimated monthly costs are approximately €1,974, including €1,000 for rent outside the city center (Source: Numbeo).

Let’s look at the expected costs of living in the Netherlands, covering food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare, to help you manage your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in the Netherlands?

A family of four can expect to spend around €5,106 per month, with an expected rent of around €1,697 in non-central areas (Source: Numbeo). This amount includes the costs of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other essential expenses. For a single person, the estimated monthly costs amount to approximately €1,974, including €1,000 for rent outside the city center.

The cost of living can vary significantly depending on where you choose to live in the Netherlands. Rent in major cities like Amsterdam (€2,030), Rotterdam (€1,447), and Utrecht (€1,410) tend to be more expensive — way above the country average, so living in smaller towns or suburban areas can reduce costs. And given the size of the Netherlands, commutes from city to city are short, for example, it takes one hour to drive from Amsterdam to The Hague or one and a half hours from Eindhoven.

In the context of Europe, countries like Switzerland (€3,333) and Norway (€2,291), have a much higher cost of living (including rent), while countries like Belgium (€1,762) and Italy (€1,602) are less expensive.

Most expensive city to live in the Netherlands?

The most expensive city to live in the Netherlands is Amsterdam. For a family of four, living in a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €7,146 per month, including rent. For a single person, the monthly costs, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center, are about €3,114.

Cheapest city in the Netherlands

The cheapest city to live in the Netherlands is Heerlen, with a cost of living around €1,284 per month. Other affordable cities include Lelystad (€1,381/month) and Enschede (€1,499/month).

Cost of living in the Netherlands vs the UK

The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally higher than in the UK. A family of four spends around €3,413 per month in the Netherlands, compared to €3,250 in the UK. For individuals, it's €976 in the Netherlands versus €959 in the UK. Rent is a significant factor, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing €1,368 in the Netherlands and €1,263 in the UK, while a three-bedroom apartment is also pricier in the Netherlands at €2,163 compared to €2,084 in the UK (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average and the Netherlands average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in the Netherlands vs the US

The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally lower than in the US, especially when excluding rent. A family of four spends about €3,412 per month in the Netherlands compared to €3,755 in the US, and for a single person, it's €975 versus €1,055. However, rent is significantly higher in the US, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around €1,580 compared to €1,367 in the Netherlands, making the overall cost of living higher in the US. Including rent, a family of four in the US spends around €6,419 per month, while in the Netherlands, it's about €5,106 (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

The average monthly rent in the Netherlands is as follows (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €1,366
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €1,100
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,157
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,697

Prices largely vary based on location, with rural areas offering cheaper living, as well as lower rent in the outskirts of cities. Looking ahead, homes are expected to get pricier, with an average increase of 6.2% in 2024 and another 6.3% in 2025. This means that housing costs will keep being a big factor in the overall cost of living in the Netherlands.

How to find an apartment in the Netherlands

Renting in the Netherlands can be tough because there are more people looking than there are places available. The best way to find a place is to use reliable websites like Funda and Pararius. These platforms have listings from real estate agencies, which helps avoid scams — these are quite common due to the high competition for accommodation. It’s also important to check listings early in the morning, send personalized messages, and even call agencies to boost your chances of getting a viewing.

The rental market is very competitive, especially in big cities, so being flexible with your options is key. You might have better luck if you’re open to furnished places or locations outside the city center. Always be cautious — don’t pay any fees upfront before renting, and make sure you can register at your rental address, and double-check that the agency is legit. Having all your documents ready will make the process smoother and quicker. You’ll need a passport, your employment contract, 3 recent payslips, and bank statements.

If you’re looking for housing in the Netherlands, we’re happy to help! We can provide you with a quote or connect you with our trusted providers who have helped many find both short-term rentals and long-term apartments. With our reliable connections, your search will be much easier.

Utilities

Average monthly costs for utilities in the Netherlands (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €227
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €23
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €41

To reduce your utility costs, it’s best to shop around and see where the best deals are. These platforms help you compare providers: EasySwitch, EnergieVergelijk, and Overstappen. If you are new to the country and also need help with getting set up, services like PartnerPete can assist.

Public transport

Public transport across the country is accessible to everyone (including trains, buses, trams, metros, and ferries), and renting a bike at train stations is a popular option for short distances. You can find all types of bikes to rent in all cities, a good site to look at is cctbikerental.com. The OV-chipkaart system is available to visitors and makes it easy to pay with your cards or electronic devices.

For train ticket fares check this site, and for bus tram and metro fare prices check here. Here’s a general overview of ticket prices for public transport in the Netherlands:

• One-way ticket for local transport: €3.40
• Regular monthly pass: €80
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €3.60
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €30
• Gasoline: €1.93 per litre

Food

Groceries in the Netherlands cost around:

• For a single person: €150-€200
• For a couple: €300-€400
• For a family of four: €500-€600

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €17
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €70
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €11
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €5
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.40
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.80
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €2.30

To save money on groceries in the Netherlands, start by shopping at discount stores like Aldi and Lidl, where you can find good deals on everyday items and get weekly deals from bigger supermarkets like Jumbo and Albert Heijn. You can also opt for store brands, which are often cheaper and just as good as name brands, and visit farmers' markets on the weekends for fresh produce.

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone plan in the Netherlands, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. To sign up, you’ll need a valid ID, your BSN (citizen service number), and a Dutch bank account.

Major providers:

• KPN: known for excellent coverage, including 5G in many areas. From €20 to €40.
• Vodafone: solid coverage with competitive data plans, starting from €15 to €35 per month.
• Odido (formerly T-Mobile): Provides a variety of plans, including unlimited data, prices from €20 to €45 per month.

Cheaper options:

• Lebara: Offers affordable prepaid plans starting from €5 per month, ideal for international calls.
• Lycamobile: Known for its low-cost prepaid plans, starting at €10 per month, with good options for data and international calling.

eSIMs:

• Providers like KPN, Vodafone, and Odido offer eSIMs, which are perfect if you have a compatible phone. You can also purchase an eSim from sites such as SimOptions, Airalo, or Holafly. Activation fees typically start at €10.

Childcare

Childcare in the Netherlands is in high demand, with long waiting lists, particularly for daycare centers. Subsidies or childcare allowances are available based on income, and you have to be either working or studying, use a registered provider, and have a Dutch BSN number. You can check your eligibility here. In cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven, you can also find international daycare options and playgroups. Some employers offer on-site childcare services similar to regular daycare, too.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Expatica):

• Daycare: €8-€10.50 per hour
• Preschool: €8-€10.50 per hour
• After-school clubs: €6-€10 per hour
• Nannies: €10-€20 per hour
• Au pairs: €300-€340 per month

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €1,721
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €7,627

Gym

Basic gyms usually start around €20 to €30 per month and cover all the essentials. If you're looking for more, like classes or personal training, mid-range options go for about €30 to €50 per month. For those who want a bit of luxury — think wellness areas and pools — premium gyms can set you back €50 to €100 or more each month. Memberships are usually flexible, with options for monthly, and annual, and some even offer student discounts.

Major gym brands and monthly prices:

• Basic-Fit: Around €20
• Fit For Free: €20 to €25
• David Lloyd: Premium option, €70 to €100+
• TrainMore: €30 to €40, with discounts if you go often.
• HealthCity: Mid-to-high-end, €40 to €70
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €35.68