Cost of Living in The Hague

Is The Hague expensive?

The Hague, although not the most expensive city in the Netherlands, has pretty high rental prices. According to the NL Times, The Hague ranks third in the Netherlands for rent prices. For a family of four, monthly expenses are around €5,360, including €2,211 for rent. For a single person, the total is about €2,208, with rent at €1,310.

Compared to other cities, London is much pricier, with a single person spending €3,875 per month — €1,666 more than in The Hague. On the other hand, Berlin is cheaper, with a total monthly cost of €2,276, making The Hague just around €68 cheaper (Source: Numbeo).

Even though rent in The Hague went up by 2.7% last year — which is moderate compared to other cities in the Netherlands — it is still a relatively stable place to rent, as reported by CBS.

Rent per month

Here’s a look at the average monthly rent in The Hague depending on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €1,310
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center:€1,063
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center:€2,212
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center:€1,719

The best areas to live in The Hague:

• Centrum: Busy city center with lots of shops, restaurants, and cultural spots.
• Bezuidenhout: Quiet and family-friendly, close to the center with parks and schools.
• Benoordenhout: Green and upscale, popular with expats and families.
• Archipelbuurt: Stylish area, close to both the city center and the beach.
• Zeeheldenkwartier: Trendy, creative vibe with lots of cafes and shops.
• Regentessekwartier: Residential and affordable, with good green spaces.
• Statenkwartier: Expensive, international area near the coast.

Less ideal, but more affordable neighborhoods:

• Schilderswijk: Lively but has a reputation for being less safe.
• Laakkwartier: Affordable but industrial, mainly for students and young professionals.

How to find an apartment in The Hague

Finding an apartment in The Hague can be a bit of a challenge, especially with high demand and limited supply. Most internationals start by renting in the private sector since social housing has long waiting lists and strict income limits. As of 2021, social sector rentals are capped at €752 per month, but most newcomers end up in the private sector, where prices typically exceed this amount.

When searching for a rental, it’s important to begin early and consider using local platforms like Funda andPararius. These sites are popular for finding available apartments and houses. You might also want to look into getting an ‘affordable rent permit’ (huisvestingsvergunning) if you’re aiming for a lower-cost rental, but remember that eligibility depends on your income — generally below €60,000 for singles or €70,000 for couples. You can read more about the permit here.

Be cautious about potential scams — never pay a deposit before seeing the property in person. It’s also common for rentals to come unfurnished, so you might need to budget for things like flooring or appliances, which previous tenants may offer to sell. The deposit (borg) usually amounts to one or two months’ rent. If you’re bringing pets, check your contract, as rules can vary. To make the process smoother, you can explore short-stay accommodations first, giving yourself a base while you search for something more permanent. Short-stay options often come fully furnished and can be rented by the week or month, and are generally quite flexible. For more tips and resources, check out The Hague International Centre and stay informed about your rights with the Fair Rent Team.

Property prices

The Hague's real estate market is in high demand, which keeps prices competitive. The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in The Hague is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €4,635/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €3,385/sqm

If you're thinking about buying, it's smart to start by talking to a mortgage advisor to figure out your budget. Dutch mortgages offer some tax benefits, which can make owning a home more affordable. When you’re ready to look at properties, check out Funda for listings, and consider working with an NVM-certified real estate agent who can help with negotiations and the paperwork.

Don’t forget to budget for extra costs like property transfer tax, notary fees, and possibly surveyor fees. Also, be sure to check if the property is freehold or leasehold — leasehold properties come with additional yearly payments, which can affect your overall expenses. To find out how much this will be, it’s best to contact the ground lease authorities.

Utilities

A significant part of The Hague's cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: €200
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €20
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €37

These expenses can add up significantly over the year, but you can cut costs by following these tips:

• To save on electricity, try using your appliances during off-peak times like at night, on weekends, and public holidays when rates are lower.
• Instead of a flat rate, consider installing a meter so you only pay for the water you actually use.
• Take the time to explore different mobile plans — there are many budget-friendly options available.
• For internet services, look for all-in-one packages with discounts and keep an eye out for temporary offers.

Public transport

Getting around The Hague is simple, the city has an efficient public transport system and bike-friendly infrastructure. HTM and HTMbuzz operate over 30 bus and tram lines; you can check updates on the HTM website or their app. The city also has park-and-ride facilities for drivers. With six train stations, including Den Haag Centraal, The Hague connects easily to the rest of the Netherlands. You can pay for public transport via OVPay or an OV-chipkaart. The city is also great for cycling, and this option is very popular both with locals and visitors. For trip planning, use the 9292 planner, and if you need a taxi, RegioTaxi Haaglanden offers affordable, accessible service.

Travel ticket prices (Source: HTM):

• HTM 1-day E-ticket: €10.00
• 2-hour transport ticket: €4.50
• The Hague Day Ticket: €8.00
• The Hague 3-Day Ticket: €20.00
• Tourist Day Ticket – Rotterdam – The Hague: €15.50

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €3.20
• Taxi 1 km: €2.40
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €30
• From the airport to the city center: €55-€75

Food

Grocery shopping in the Netherlands can be pricey, especially if you're sticking to well-known supermarkets like Albert Heijn. However, there are more budget-friendly options available. Dirk and Jumbo are popular alternatives that offer lower prices on a wide range of products, with Dirk being especially known for its affordability and frequent promotions. Nettorama and Aldi are also great choices for those looking to save, offering discounted prices on brand-name items and essentials. Lidl, while slightly more expensive than Aldi, provides a broader selection and higher quality. For even cheaper options, consider shopping at local family-run stores or visiting farmers’ markets like Haagse Markt in The Hague, where you can find fresh produce at unbeatable prices.

This is how much you should expect to spend on groceries per month (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €100-€150
• For a couple: €200-€300
• For a family of four: €400-€500

Here are some typical grocery items to give you an idea of the local prices (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €1.60
• Rice (1kg): €2.30
• Eggs (12): €4.30
• Chicken filets (1kg): €14
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4

Childcare

Childcare in the Netherlands can be pricey, but there’s help available. You might qualify for a government allowance, called "kinderopvangtoeslag," and some employers pitch in too. It’s a good idea to look into your options early to avoid waiting lists, which can often go up to 18 months. You can find official day-care facilities in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang en Peuterspeelzalen (in Dutch).

Here’s a quick overview of the choices and their typical costs (Source: The Hague International Centre):

• Day-care centers: For kids aged 6 weeks to 4 years, with many English-speaking or bilingual options.

  ◦ Cost: Around €8 to €10 per hour.

• Preschools (Peuterspeelzaal): For children aged 2.5 to 4 years, helping them get ready for school.

  ◦ Cost: About €5 to €8 per hour, with possible subsidies.

• Nannies: Live-in caregivers who provide regular childcare at home.

  ◦ Cost: Typically €1,500 to €2,500 per month.

• Au pairs: Young people from abroad who live with your family, helping with childcare and light housework.

  ◦ Cost: Usually €300 to €500 per month, plus room and board.

• Babysitters: Part-time caregivers for regular or occasional care.

  ◦ Cost: Generally €8 to €15 per hour.

Some recommended providers in The Hague include Villa Bloom Childcare, Zein International Childcare, and Big Ben Kids. Make sure to always check references and do interviews to make sure your child is in good hands.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• The International School of The Hague: €8,000-€10,000
• HSV International Primary School: €6,550
• International Waldorf School The Hague: €6,850
• American School of The Hague: €17,000-€26,000
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €8,181

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