Cost of Living in the Netherlands

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If you're a prospective expat considering a move to the Land of Windmills and Tulips, you must be aware of the relatively high cost of living in the Netherlands, particularly in the capital.

In the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Amsterdam was ranked as the world's 30th most expensive city for expats out of the 226 cities surveyed, in the same bracket as Vienna, Austria and Paris, France. While other major Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and The Hague are by no means cheap, they do have a lower cost of living than Amsterdam.

Cost of accommodation in the Netherlands

Finding suitable accommodation in a new country is often a difficult process, and the Netherlands is no exception. This is especially the case in large cities, which tend to be on the pricey side. It's much cheaper to live in smaller rural towns. If you choose city living but have a limited budget, it's best to search for accommodation in the outlying suburbs rather than city centres.

Buying a house in the Netherlands is complicated and is probably best done with an intermediary who can communicate in the expat's home language as well as Dutch. Once you have bought a home, you will be required to get house insurance and will also be responsible for sewerage, refuse and annual housing taxes. Renting a house exempts tenants from these costs as these will be the owner's responsibility, but utilities are still frequently an additional expense on top of rent.

Cost of transport in the Netherlands

Public transport in the Netherlands is relatively cheap by European standards. Most of the country's public transport systems work with a chip card that can be used on trains, trams, metros, and buses. Taxis are expensive, but there is a shared service called the deeltaxi, that is cheaper than a regular taxi.

Although this option is much more cost-effective, it usually involves several stops along the journey, which can be inconvenient. Numerous ride-hailing services operate in the Netherlands. These services can be ordered through user-friendly apps and are also slightly cheaper than regular taxis.

Cost of groceries in the Netherlands

The price of groceries in the Netherlands is quite reasonable compared to other Western European countries. Supermarkets stock a range of products from budget to high-end, offering opportunities to manage your grocery expenses according to your budget.

Local markets also sell fresh produce, often sourced directly from Dutch farmers, which can be more affordable. Furthermore, buying seasonal and local goods regularly proves to be cheaper. Imported items and speciality foodstuffs can be pretty pricey.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in the Netherlands

Like most European countries, the cost of entertainment and dining out in the Netherlands varies greatly depending on the location and the establishment. Dining in high-end restaurants, particularly in major cities like Amsterdam, can be costly. That said, many mid-range and budget-friendly eateries offer various cuisines and can cater to those with a tighter budget.

The cost of cinema tickets, theatre performances, and other forms of entertainment is in line with that of other Western European nations, with discounts often available for students and seniors. In terms of nightlife, prices can be high, especially in Amsterdam, with drinks and club entrance fees reflecting this.

Cost of education in the Netherlands

Tuition at local schools is free apart from a voluntary contribution. Teaching is usually in Dutch, but a few government-subsidised public schools offer international curricula, with teaching being either bilingual or in English. Some public schools also have the option of a bridging year to allow non-Dutch-speaking children time to pick up the language and adapt before moving into mainstream Dutch schooling.

Private international schools are typically the preferred option for families who won't be staying in the Netherlands for the long term. Still, fees can be high and frequently don't include extras such as school uniforms, textbooks, bus service and canteen lunches. Although fees for these schools can be steep, teaching standards and facilities often make the cost well worth it.

Cost of healthcare in the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands is high-quality, but it is not free. All residents are legally required to have basic health insurance, which covers common medical care such as visits to the doctor or hospital. Furthermore, there is an obligatory annual excess, or eigen risico. This means individuals pay the first eigen risico of their healthcare costs out of pocket each year, with insurance covering the rest.

Certain services, such as GP consultations and maternity care, are exempt from the excess. Additionally, dental care for adults is not covered under basic health insurance and requires an additional package. Prescription drugs are typically covered, but can sometimes involve a small personal contribution.