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.

Amsterdam Cost of Living
Rotterdam Cost of Living
The Hague Cost of Living

Cost of accommodation in the Netherlands

Finding suitable accommodation in the Netherlands can be a challenging process, especially in major cities. The cost of accommodation varies greatly depending on whether you choose urban centres, suburban areas, or rural towns. If you have a limited budget, you might find living in the outlying suburbs more economical than city centres, where prices are significantly higher.

Housing options in the Netherlands include detached houses (vrijstaande huizen), semi-detached houses (twee onder een kap), terraced houses (rijtjeshuizen), apartments, and even houseboats. The most common type is the rijtjeshuis, which is typically two or three stories high with front and back gardens. Rural regions tend to offer the most affordable housing, with prices decreasing as you move away from urban areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.

If you rent, you won’t be responsible for costs such as sewerage, refuse, and annual housing taxes, but keep in mind that utilities are usually an additional expense on top of rent.

Accommodation in the Netherlands

Cost of transport in the Netherlands

Public transport in the Netherlands is known for its efficiency and coverage, although it’s not necessarily cheap. Most of the country’s public transport systems operate with a chip card, known as the OV-chipkaart, which can be used across trains, trams, metros, and buses. Taxis are quite expensive, but the deeltaxi, a shared taxi service, offers a more cost-effective alternative for those willing to make a few extra stops along the way.

Ride-hailing services and shared mobility platforms are also popular, providing options like ride-sharing, e-bikes, and e-scooters, which are perfect for short-distance travel. While the deeltaxi is a cheaper alternative, it does involve multiple stops, which might make the journey longer and less private. Still, it’s a good way to reach areas less well-served by public transit.

Public Transport and Driving in the Netherlands

Cost of groceries in the Netherlands

The cost of groceries in the Netherlands is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Prices for staple items like bread and grains are generally below the European average, making day-to-day grocery shopping manageable. Grocery prices have been rising though, reflecting broader inflation trends across Europe.

Supermarkets offer a variety of options, ranging from budget to high-end products, allowing you to manage your grocery expenses based on your preferences. Local markets are also a great way to find fresh produce at competitive prices, often directly from Dutch farmers. Seasonal goods, especially those sourced locally, can also be a cost-effective option, although imported items and speciality foodstuffs tend to be more expensive.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in the Netherlands

The cost of entertainment and eating out in the Netherlands varies significantly between major cities and smaller towns. In urban centres like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you can expect to pay more for activities such as dining out or visiting cultural venues.

If you prefer budget-friendly entertainment, consider getting a Museumkaart, which grants you free or discounted entry to over 400 museums across the country. Public parks and nature reserves are also freely accessible, perfect for a day out without spending a penny. Many smaller towns host free festivals and markets, especially in summer, showcasing local culture and offering a fun, affordable day out.

Mid-range and budget-friendly eateries are plentiful, offering various cuisines and making dining out more accessible for those watching their spending. Amsterdam nightlife can be costly, with drink prices and club entry fees reflecting this, but there are still plenty of bars that provide a great atmosphere without a hefty price tag.

Lifestyle in Amsterdam
Lifestyle in Rotterdam
Lifestyle in The Hague

Cost of education in the Netherlands

Tuition at local schools is generally free apart from a voluntary contribution. Most public schools teach in Dutch, although a few government-subsidised schools offer international curricula, often with bilingual or English instruction. Some public schools also provide a bridging year for non-Dutch-speaking children to help them adapt and learn the language before moving into the regular curriculum.

Private international schools are a popular choice for expat families who may not be staying long-term in the Netherlands, but the fees can be high. Typically, these costs don’t include extras like school uniforms, textbooks, transport, and meals, which can add up. Some public schools have started offering international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), providing a more affordable alternative to private international schools while still offering an internationally recognised education.

Schools and Education System in the Netherlands

Cost of healthcare in the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands is of a very high standard, but it comes with a cost. All residents are required to have basic health insurance, which covers general medical care like visits to the GP or hospital.

In addition, there is an obligatory annual excess known as the eigen risico. This means that you’ll need to pay for the first portion of your healthcare costs out of pocket each year before your insurance kicks in. Some services, such as GP consultations and maternity care, are exempt from the excess, which helps keep certain essential healthcare costs manageable.

Dental care for adults is not covered under basic health insurance and requires an additional package. Prescription drugs are typically covered, although there may be a small personal contribution depending on the medication.

There are changes in the works to expand the basic insurance package to include additional treatments, offering enhanced coverage for residents.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in the Netherlands