The cost of living in the Netherlands

With a thriving economy and one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, the Netherlands is a great place to bring home the literal and figurative cheese. But how does the country’s living expenses stack up?

From everyday costs like groceries and utilities to housing and healthcare, here’s a clear picture of the cost of living in the Netherlands and help you prepare for your new adventure.

Continue reading for the following information:

What is the state of the economy in the Netherlands?

While a tiny country, the Netherlands packs a powerful punch. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of €1.067 billion (2023), it is the fifth-largest economy in the European Union (EU), trailing behind Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

The GDP works out to €57,800 per capita, which the European Commission (EC) forecasts will grow by 0.8% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025. This growth is only marginally below the EU average of 1.0% and 1.6%, respectively.

Unfortunately for the Dutch, the GDP per capita doesn’t mean all residents have just under 58K to spend. The equivalised disposable income (i.e., the total net income of all household members divided by the weighted number of household members) is €30,824 per person. This is well above the EU average of €20,350 per person (2023).

Around 11.7% of the Dutch population is at risk of poverty, and only 2.8% of people can’t afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent every second day (2023). This again makes the Netherlands the fifth best-performing country in Europe.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (centraal bureau van statistiek – cbs) paints a somewhat rosier picture. It reports that a mere 4.4% of Dutch people are at risk of poverty, and 17% may experience social exclusion.

The low poverty line is likely explained due to the Netherlands’ high minimum wage standards and social security system. You can read more about the average income in our article on minimum wage in the Netherlands.

In terms of purchasing power, the Netherlands’ average headline inflation for 2024 and 2025 is projected to be 2.5% and 2.0%, respectively. This is, again, mere percentages below the EU average of 2.7% and 2.2%.

The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024

The most recent data for Dutch household expenses is from 2020 (cbs). That year, the cost of living in the Netherlands accumulated to an average of €35,440 per year, or €2,953 per month.

According to Statista and the EC, the inflation rate was 2.8% in 2021, 11.6% in 2022, 4.1% in 2023, and 2.5% in 2024. Considering the past four years, it’s recommended that your monthly budget have at least €3,615 per household.

Breaking down the costs:

Beer, wine, liquor	€127	Transportation	€405
Food and drink	€459	Leisure and culture	€254
Housing and utilities	€1,189	Restaurants and hotels	€139
Healthcare	€58	Education	€43
Internet and telecom	€127	Other	€669
Clothing and footwear	€145
Total			€3,615

Keep reading for an overview of the cost of living expenses you might come across in your daily life.

The price of groceries

Beer, wine, and liquor

If there is a Dutch word everyone around the world knows, it’s Heineken. And apartheid. Also gratis. But the point is that the Netherlands is a big name in alcoholic beverages. In 2023, the country was the fourth-largest beer producer in the EU, after Germany, Spain, and Poland. Dutch drinkers consume around 7.7 liters of pure alcohol per year (2020), with most people preferring beer.

In 2020, households spent an average of €103 per month on alcohol and tobacco products. This would mean an average of €127 per month in 2024. However, this does not include the increased excise tax on alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco.

A pilsner (25cl) in a local bar or restaurant will set you back €2.80–3.50, while a craft beer (33cl) costs between €5–8. A glass of wine, on the other hand, costs between €4.50–7.00.

Alcohol is a lot cheaper in supermarkets. You can get a beer from €0.40–2.60, depending on the make and size. A decent bottle of wine usually costs around €5–9. The price of most liquor (e.g., gin, vodka, or jenever) starts from €10–11, depending on your drink of choice.

Food and drink

Groceries are the second-largest expense after housing costs. In 2020, households in the Netherlands spent an average of €375 per month on food and non-alcoholic drinks. With the inflation rates, this would mean €459 per month in 2024.

The average price ranges* of basic supermarket items include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
Apples (1 kilo)	€1.89–3.00	Potatoes (1 kilo)	€1.85–2.50
Bread (1 loaf)	€1.89–3.19	Regular milk (1 liter)	€0.95–2.19
Cheese (1 kilo)	€8.87–21.98	Rice (1 kilo)	€1.59–3.99
Coffee (1 kilo)	€8.58–30.76	Tea (per bag)	€0.02–0.27
Eggs (12)	€2.50–5.50	Tomatoes (1 kilo)	€2.40–4.99
Orange juice (1 liter)	€1.89–3.75	Water (1 liter)	€0.33–1.75

Hygienic and household products

Hygienic and household products include everything from toothpaste and shampoo to dish soap (or washing-up liquid) and toilet bleach.

The average price ranges* of these necessities include:

Product	Price range	Product	Price range
All-purpose cleaner (1 liter)	€0.99–3.79	Shampoo (1 liter)	€2.00–22.03
Deodorant (150 ml)	€2.74–7.99	Soap (1 liter)	€2.64–25.91
Dish soap (1 liter)	€1.55–10.00	Tampons (per tampon)	€0.05–0.32
Garbage bags (per bag)	€0.08–0.18	Toilet paper (per roll)	€0.35–0.98
Laundry detergent (per wash)	€0.12–0.65	Toothpaste (75 ml)	€1.59–10.80

Housing costs

Like elsewhere, Dutch households spend most of their income (32.9%) on housing. In 2020, the average housing costs were roughly €972 per month. This included rent and mortgage payments, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Considering the inflation rates, the average housing costs in 2024 would be around €1,189. However, rent and property prices have soared in recent years, and finding affordable housing is a colossal challenge. Housing costs in the Netherlands are 38.3% higher than the EU average.

Rent and property prices

Of course, housing costs vary significantly throughout the Netherlands. Studios and residential apartments in the Randstad (i.e., the country’s megalopolis) are comparatively more expensive than houses in rural and less popular areas. In fact, the Netherlands’ four largest cities – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), and Utrecht – consistently rank among the top 10 most highly-priced places in Europe.

As of Q2 2024, the average monthly rent for a home in the Netherlands is €18.79 per square meter (i.e., around €1,409 for a home of 75 m2). Potential homeowners will pay an average of €3,722 per square meter. According to the cbs, the average property price of existing builts is more than €466,000 (September 2024).

Depending on the location, you can expect the following average prices:

	Average monthly rent*	Average rent per square meter*	Average property price**	Average property price per square meter**
Amsterdam	€2,275	€27.57	€626,759	€8,507
Groningen	€1,156	€18.00	€339,274	€3,326
Rotterdam	€1,617	€20.13	€450,721	€4,379
The Hague	€1,719	€20.07	€450,705	€4,304
Utrecht	€1,651	€21.52	€467,335	€5,682

The most expensive municipalities are Amsterdam, Laren, Bloemendaal, and Heemstede. However, if you’re looking to live in the Netherlands on a budget, the cheapest places to move to are:

To rent	Average rent per square meter*	To buy:	Average property price**	Average property price per square meter**
Apeldoorn	€14.72	Brunssum	€244,000	€2,160
Helmond	€13.10	Eemsdelta	€249,500	€2,119
Leeuwarden	€13.21	Het Hogeland	€225,000	€2,151
Enschede	€13.66	Kerkrade	€249,000	€2,040
Heerlen	€12.34	Pekela	€237,000	€1,995

You can read more about the real estate market and property prices in our articles on renting and buying property in the Netherlands. Our country article on where to live highlights popular cities for expats.

Utility bills: water, gas, electricity

Utility prices in the Netherlands are both higher and lower than those of other EU countries. For example, gas costs slightly less than the EU average, while water and electricity cost more.

Dutch households pay, on average, €2.39/cubic meter for water. During the second half of 2023, gas cost €0.0802 kilowatt/hour (EU average: €0.0891). The average price for electricity was €0.2659 kilowatt/hour (EU average: €0.2226).

In total, you can expect to pay around €126–176 on utility costs, depending on your consumption and property size. Our article on utilities in the Netherlands explains the topic in more detail.

Healthcare

Everyone living and working in the Netherlands must have health insurance. The country’s public healthcare system has (almost) universal coverage, though some copayments are required for prescription meds and certain medical procedures.

Many locals and expats top up their mandatory insurance policy with additional coverage. This allows for shorter waiting times, a wider choice of doctors and specialists, and access to other healthcare services, such as dentistry or vision care.

Basic insurance packages start from €131.95 a month (2024). The more comprehensive the plan, the higher the cost will be. Parents and older adults may face higher premiums depending on their needs.

In 2020, Dutch households spent an average of €47 per month on their health (excluding insurance premiums). Considering the inflation rates, this would translate to €58 in 2024.

Internet and telecom

While relatively expensive, the cost of internet and other telecommunication services in the Netherlands differs greatly depending on the provider and the type of connection or service.

For example, standard telecom packages that include internet, TV, and home phone cost more than internet-only plans. Likewise, some companies offer a free SIM card or mobile phone plan if you purchase the more expensive telecom package.

You can install fiber broadband starting from €27.50 a month, though your internet connection might not be great. Of course, the price rises when you want to increase the speed or add (more) TV channels. Before you sign up for a deal, make sure you compare telecom plans on an online platform such as Independer.

In 2020, the average communication costs in the Netherlands amounted to €103 per month. This would mean around €127 in 2024 prices.

Clothing and footwear

Clothing and footwear in the Netherlands are fairly similarly priced to those in surrounding countries. In 2020, households spent an average of €118 per month on their wardrobe (i.e., around €145 in 2024).

The exact price varies greatly, of course, depending on the type and brand. For example, underwear costs around €3.00–9.95. Dresses and jeans, on the other hand, cost between €40–120. Business shoes for men and women range from €60–225.

Naturally, designer clothes and accessories are much more expensive.

Transportation

In 2020, people spend an average of €331 per month on transportation (i.e., €405 in 2024 prices). This makes it the third largest cost of living expense in the Netherlands, after housing and groceries.

Public transport

The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation network of buses and trains, and sometimes metros and trams. There are a couple of different providers, but fares are relatively consistent throughout the country. According to Numbeo’s cost of living in the Netherlands, a single bus fare costs €2.20–4.80, depending on the duration of the trip.

If you are planning to commute to work, it’s recommended you get a yearly plan to travel at a discounted cost. For example, the NS (i.e., the national train service) has multiple subscription plans for free or reduced travel costs outside rush hour.

Driving and vehicle costs

Driving your own vehicle is a costly business in the Netherlands. According to the 2022 Car Cost Index, it is the third most expensive country in Europe to own a car, after Switzerland and Norway. Dutch drivers pay an average of €1,166 a year.

Beyond the costs of lessons, a driving license, and the actual purchase of the vehicle, you’ll need to budget for:

• Car insurance – the mandatory Third Party Liability insurance starts from €35 a month
• Quarterly Road Tax – the amount is largely based on your vehicle and fuel type
• Fuel costs – as of September 2024, gasoline costs €1.89 per liter, and diesel costs €1.62 per liter
• Maintenance – cars must routinely pass inspection, which usually costs around €25–70 depending on the fuel type

Learn more about the costs, mandatory insurance, and driving regulations by reading our article on driving in the Netherlands.

Leisure activities

In 2020, Dutch households spent roughly €254 per month on leisure and culture. An additional €139 was spent per month on restaurants and hotels. Of course, these were the pandemic years, so current spending might be very different.

Movie theaters and cinemas

The average cinema ticket in the Netherlands costs around €13–15, depending on the location. Some movies, like 3D, are subject to a surcharge. Likewise, some movie theaters offer discounted tickets for young persons, students, and seniors over 65.

Restaurants

The Netherlands boasts 125 Michelin stars, and a date night there can set you back quite a bit. However, depending on your tastes and location, dining out can be quite affordable.

A meal at a modest restaurant costs roughly €18–30, excluding drinks. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, on the other hand, can set you back €100–140 per person.

Tips are usually included in the sales tax. However, if you are feeling generous, you can leave a 5–10% tip.

Sports

A gym membership will set you back €25–50 per month, depending on your location and sporting needs. Before you sign up for a plan, it’s worth trying out multiple gyms. Some also offer day passes that allow you to save on a monthly membership.

Education and childcare

Households in the Netherlands spent roughly €35 per month on education in 2020. Naturally, this amount does not include the cost of childcare. Considering the interest rates of the past four years, this expense would be around €43 in 2024.

Childcare

Working parents with (young) children may need to arrange for childcare from time to time. In the Netherlands, finding an affordable solution can be challenging. Options include crèches, daycares (kinderopvang), and independent childminders.

The Dutch government has set a maximum hourly rate for public childcare facilities. In 2024, these are €9.12–10.25 per hour, depending on their services. However, childcare providers may charge higher fees; parents are expected to pay these themselves.

You can also send your child to private or international childcare, where average rates go up to €13,20 an hour. While uncommon, some expat families choose to hire a nanny or au pair. Nannies have an average hourly rate of €15, whereas au pairs require room and board, as well as a minimum salary of €300–340 a month.

Visit our article on childcare in the Netherlands to learn more about available options, as well as childcare benefits.

Children’s education

Public schools in the Netherlands are funded by the government and don’t charge tuition fees. Parents may be asked for a “voluntary” contribution (eigen bijdrage – no, it’s not voluntary unless you want your child to miss out) to pay for outings. Classes are taught in Dutch, and extra lessons will be made available if your child isn’t proficient.

Expat families often prefer to send their kids to a private or international school. These come with hefty school fees, which depend on your child’s age, the school’s location, and the curriculum. For example, the cost of international primary and secondary schools ranges from €5,000–€22,000 per year.

Discover more about the costs and curriculums by reading our article on international schools in the Netherlands.

University tuition fees

While not completely unreasonably priced, universities in the Netherlands are much more expensive than in neighboring countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden.

Regular bachelor and master courses at a public university in the Netherlands typically cost €2,530 per year for EU students (2024), though charge higher fees for non-EU students. Private universities (e.g., MBA programs) average between €7,000 and €70,000 a year.

Our article on studying in the Netherlands covers this topic in more detail.

How does the Netherlands compare to the rest of the world?

The Netherlands performs particularly well in the OECD Better Life Index, which measures standards of living. The country shines in the fields of civic engagement, education, employment, environmental quality, life satisfaction, safety, social networks, and work-life balance.

Likewise, the Human Development Index ranks the Netherlands as the 10^th best in the world.

The Hague is the city with the highest rank on the 2023 Mercer’s Quality of Living Index (11^th). It stands below places like Vienna (1^st), Copenhagen (4^th), and Munich (7^th), but above Berlin (18^th) and Oslo (24^th). Meanwhile, Amsterdam ranks (14^th), outperforming other capital cities like Paris (32^nd), Brussels (36^th), London (45^th), and Rome (60^th).

The cost of living in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, home to roughly 913,700 residents. Every year, it draws 10,000s of hopefuls who want to make the city their stomping ground. This, of course, also explains the exorbitantly high housing prices.

Compared to other capital cities, Amsterdam’s cost of living is (as of September 2024):

• 36.6% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 17.4% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 24.2% more expensive than Berlin (Germany)
• 70.6% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 159.3% more expensive than Ankara (Türkiye)
• 296.8% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Rotterdam

As the second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is an urban hotspot that attracts increasingly more expats. After sustaining catastrophic damage during World War II (WW2), the city literally rose from the ashes and rebuilt itself as one of the country’s most architecturally innovative and experimental places.

As of September 2024, the cost of living in Rotterdam is:

• 50.3% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 35.3% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 21.7% cheaper than Amsterdam
• 2.7% cheaper than Berlin (Germany)
• 33.6% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 103.1% more expensive than Ankara (Türkiye)
• 210.8% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in The Hague

As the country’s political center and home to the International Court of Justice, The Hague offers a good quality of life and great access to international schools. The city is also close to the Netherlands’ most popular beach, Scheveningen.

The cost of living in The Hague is typically cheaper than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, as well as:

• 51.2% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 36.4% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 4.4% cheaper than Berlin (Germany)
• 31.3% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 99.5% more expensive than Ankara (Türkiye)
• 205.3% more expensive than Delhi (India)

The cost of living in Utrecht

Utrecht’s central location and proximity to Amsterdam, excellent transport links, and large student population have made this the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands. Known for its historic city center, Utrecht has a diverse cultural scene with interesting museums and lively festivals.

As of September 2024, the cost of living in Utrecht is:

• 49.4% cheaper than New York (the US)
• 34.0% cheaper than London (the UK)
• 20.2% cheaper than Amsterdam
• 0.9% cheaper than Berlin (Germany)
• 36.1% more expensive than Warsaw (Poland)
• 106.9% more expensive than Ankara (Türkiye)
• 216.7% more expensive than Delhi (India)

Financial aid for the cost of living in the Netherlands

The high cost of living in the Netherlands is a major point of concern, especially among voters. In September 2024, the new government declared it would increase social security benefits, lower income taxes, and reduce the aid sent to underdeveloped economies.

However, housing costs keep rising, and health insurance providers have already announced an increase of almost €25 for 2025. As such, it’s unsure what the future will bring in terms of savings and purchasing power.

If you need help covering the cost of living in the Netherlands and you are eligible, you can apply for social security benefits. For example, low-income households can apply for a social benefit (bijstandsuitkering), which ensures their income is at least €1,308.45 for single persons and €1,869.21 for spouses or civil partners.

Other benefits that can help you with the cost of living in the Netherlands:

• Child benefits – to help with the cost of raising a child or childcare
• Invalidity benefits – for employees who are partially or fully incapacitated to work
• Long-term care benefits – for dependent, disabled, or elderly persons who require specific equipment or long-term care
• Sickness pay – available to workers who are unable to work due to an illness or an accident
• Survivor’s pension – for dependents who lose their parents or (ex)partner
• Unemployment benefits – to help people who are in between jobs

If you are unable to pay for food and groceries, you can contact the local food bank (voedselbank) for support.

Useful resources

• Consumers Union (Consumentenbond) – official website of the Netherlands’ independent watchdog for consumers
• Food Banks Netherlands (Voedselbanken Nederland) – website with information on food banks in the Netherlands