TL;DR — What does it cost to live in the Netherlands in 2026?
A single expat should budget €2,500-4,500/month depending on the city, with housing being the biggest variable. Amsterdam is 30-50% more expensive for rent than other major cities. Health insurance is mandatory at €140-160/month. Groceries run €250-400/month. The 30% ruling can add €700-900/month to your take-home pay. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to get a personalized estimate.
Monthly cost breakdown by category
Here is a realistic monthly budget for a single expat living in the Netherlands in 2026. These figures represent average spending across Dutch cities — Amsterdam will be higher for rent, while smaller cities may be lower.
| Category | Monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed apartment) | €1,000 - €2,200 | Biggest variable — depends on city and location |
| Health insurance | €140 - €160 | Basic (mandatory) + supplementary dental |
| Groceries | €250 - €400 | Lidl/Aldi on the low end, AH/Jumbo on the high end |
| Transport | €0 - €200 | €0 if cycling only, €100-200 for OV-chipkaart |
| Utilities | €150 - €250 | Gas, electricity, water — varies by apartment size |
| Internet + phone | €50 - €80 | Fiber internet €35-50, mobile plan €15-30 |
| Dining out | €100 - €300 | €15-25 per meal, 2-3 times per week |
| Leisure + subscriptions | €50 - €150 | Gym €30-50, streaming, hobbies |
| Total (single person) | €1,740 - €3,740 | Excluding savings and one-off costs |
These ranges are wide because housing costs vary enormously between cities and neighborhoods. The next section breaks this down by city.
Cost comparison by city
Housing is the category where Dutch cities differ most. Groceries, utilities, and dining out are fairly consistent nationwide. Here is what you can expect for a one-bedroom apartment in each major city.
Amsterdam
Most expensiveCity center (1-bed)
€1,600 - €2,200/mo
Outside center (1-bed)
€1,200 - €1,600/mo
Estimated total monthly
€3,000 - €4,500
Best for
Tech, finance, startups
The most international city with the highest concentration of English-speaking jobs, but also the tightest rental market. Expect to pay 2-3 months deposit plus one month agent fee.
Rotterdam
Best valueCity center (1-bed)
€1,200 - €1,700/mo
Outside center (1-bed)
€900 - €1,300/mo
Estimated total monthly
€2,400 - €3,600
Best for
Port, logistics, architecture
Increasingly popular with expats for its modern architecture, diverse food scene, and significantly lower rents than Amsterdam. Growing tech scene and excellent connections to other cities.
The Hague
International hubCity center (1-bed)
€1,300 - €1,800/mo
Outside center (1-bed)
€1,000 - €1,400/mo
Estimated total monthly
€2,600 - €3,800
Best for
Legal, diplomacy, government
Home to international courts, embassies, and many international organizations. Large expat community with excellent English infrastructure. Beach access in Scheveningen is a bonus.
Utrecht
Central locationCity center (1-bed)
€1,300 - €1,800/mo
Outside center (1-bed)
€1,000 - €1,400/mo
Estimated total monthly
€2,600 - €3,800
Best for
University, research, tech
Centrally located with the best rail connections in the country. Charming canal-lined city center, vibrant student atmosphere, and a growing tech sector. Slightly cheaper than Amsterdam with a similar quality of life.
Eindhoven
Most affordableCity center (1-bed)
€1,000 - €1,500/mo
Outside center (1-bed)
€800 - €1,200/mo
Estimated total monthly
€2,200 - €3,300
Best for
Engineering, hardware, design
The tech capital of the Netherlands, home to ASML, Philips, and the High Tech Campus. Lowest rents among the major cities with a strong international community. Excellent value for money.
Housing: the biggest expense
Rent typically consumes 35-50% of an expat's monthly budget in the Netherlands. Understanding the rental market is crucial for managing your cost of living.
- Unfurnished is standard: Most Dutch rentals are unfurnished — sometimes even without flooring or light fixtures. Budget €2,000-5,000 for initial furnishing from IKEA, Marktplaats, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Agent fees: Rental agents typically charge one month's rent (excl. VAT) as a fee. This is paid by the tenant in most cases, though regulations have been tightening.
- Deposit: Expect to pay 1-2 months rent as a security deposit, sometimes 3 months in Amsterdam for expats without Dutch credit history.
- Rent protection: Apartments below the social housing limit (approximately €880/month in 2026) are rent-controlled. Above this, landlords can set market rates, but the new Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur) caps mid-segment rents based on a points system up to approximately €1,160/month.
- Where to search: Funda.nl, Pararius.com, and Kamernet.nl are the main platforms. Facebook groups and direct contact with housing corporations can also yield results.
Groceries and food
Grocery costs in the Netherlands are moderate by Western European standards. A single person spending mindfully can manage on €250/month, while those who prefer organic products and specialty items may spend €400 or more.
- Budget supermarkets: Lidl and Aldi offer the lowest prices. A weekly shop for one person costs €40-55.
- Mid-range supermarkets: Albert Heijn (AH) and Jumbo are the two largest chains. AH Bonus deals and Jumbo loyalty cards offer significant weekly savings.
- Markets: Weekly outdoor markets (markten) sell fresh produce, cheese, fish, and flowers at lower prices than supermarkets. Albert Cuyp in Amsterdam and Markthal in Rotterdam are well known.
- International food: Toko (Asian) and Turkish supermarkets offer affordable spices, ingredients, and produce. Amazing Oriental and various neighborhood shops fill gaps that Dutch supermarkets miss.
- Dining out: A meal at an average restaurant costs €15-25 per person. A three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs €35-55. Coffee is €3-4.50, and a beer at a bar is €4-6.
Transport
The Netherlands is famously bike-friendly, and cycling is the cheapest and often fastest way to get around within cities. Public transport is excellent for longer distances.
- Cycling: A reliable secondhand bike costs €150-400. New bikes start at €350-600. Budget €50-100/year for maintenance. Bike theft is common — invest in a quality lock (€30-80) and consider insurance.
- Public transport: An OV-chipkaart is required. Monthly costs vary: €100-200 for daily commuters. NS (trains) offer off-peak discounts of 40%. A Dal Voordeel subscription (€5.70/month) gives 40% off all off-peak train travel.
- Car: Owning a car is expensive due to high road tax (BPM), insurance (€50-150/month), parking (€150-350/month in city centers), and fuel (€2.00-2.20/liter). Most expats in major cities find a car unnecessary.
- Employer transport: Many Dutch employers offer an NS Business Card or mileage reimbursement (€0.23/km tax-free). Ask about this during salary negotiations — it can save €100-200/month.
Utilities and connectivity
Utility costs have stabilized after the energy price spikes of 2022-2023, but remain higher than pre-crisis levels.
| Utility | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Gas + electricity | €120 - €200 |
| Water | €25 - €40 |
| Internet (fiber) | €35 - €50 |
| Mobile phone plan | €15 - €30 |
| Total | €195 - €320 |
Energy-saving tip
Many energy providers offer variable-rate contracts that are currently cheaper than fixed-rate ones. Compare providers on Independer.nl or Gaslicht.com. If your apartment has solar panels or a heat pump, your energy bill could be 30-50% lower.
How the 30% ruling changes everything
The 30% ruling is a tax benefit for qualifying expats that makes 30% of your gross salary tax-free (capped at €262,000 in 2026). This significantly reduces your effective tax burden and increases your take-home pay.
| Gross salary | Net/month without ruling | Net/month with ruling | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| €50,000 | ~€2,850 | ~€3,450 | +€600 |
| €70,000 | ~€3,700 | ~€4,550 | +€850 |
| €90,000 | ~€4,450 | ~€5,500 | +€1,050 |
These are approximate figures. Use our Salary Calculator to calculate your exact net salary with or without the 30% ruling.
2027 reduction ahead
The 30% ruling is being reduced to 27% from 2027. If you are starting a new job in the Netherlands, factor this reduction into your long-term financial planning. Read our complete 30% ruling guide for details on eligibility, the phase-down timeline, and how to maximize the benefit.
12 tips for reducing your cost of living
- Get a bike: Cycling saves €100-200/month on transport and keeps you fit. Buy secondhand on Marktplaats or at a local bike shop.
- Shop at Lidl and Aldi: Budget supermarkets are 20-30% cheaper than Albert Heijn for comparable quality. Use their weekly specials.
- Apply for zorgtoeslag: If your income is below ~€38,520 (single) or ~€48,224 (with partner), you can receive up to €130/month in healthcare allowance. 30% ruling holders often qualify.
- Apply for huurtoeslag: If your rent is below €880/month and your income qualifies, you can receive €200-400/month in rent subsidy.
- Cook at home: Eating out 3 times a week versus cooking adds €300-500/month to your expenses. Dutch supermarkets have excellent ready-to-cook meal options for €3-5.
- Use the Too Good To Go app: Get surprise bags of food from restaurants and supermarkets at 70% off. Great for reducing food waste and saving money.
- Choose off-peak transport: A Dal Voordeel subscription (€5.70/month) gives 40% off all off-peak train travel. If your employer allows flexible hours, traveling before 6:30 or after 9:00 saves significantly.
- Live outside the center: Neighborhoods 15-20 minutes by bike from city centers can be €200-500/month cheaper for equivalent apartments.
- Switch energy providers annually: Energy prices vary significantly between providers. Compare contracts every year — switching can save €200-500/year.
- Use Marktplaats: The Dutch version of Craigslist/eBay. Buy furniture, electronics, and bikes secondhand at 50-70% off retail prices.
- Increase your eigen risico: If you rarely visit the doctor, increasing your health insurance deductible from €385 to €885 can save €20-30/month on premiums.
- Negotiate your salary package: Many Dutch employers offer benefits that reduce costs: pension contributions, NS Business Card, lease bike schemes (fietsregeling), and work-from-home allowances.
One-time setup costs for new expats
When you first move to the Netherlands, expect these one-time expenses in addition to your monthly costs:
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Rental deposit (1-3 months) | €1,000 - €6,000 |
| Rental agent fee | €1,000 - €2,500 |
| Furniture (unfurnished apartment) | €2,000 - €5,000 |
| Bicycle + lock | €200 - €500 |
| Dutch SIM card + phone setup | €10 - €30 |
| Total one-time costs | €4,210 - €14,030 |
Relocation support from employers
Many employers offer relocation packages that cover some or all of these costs. Typical packages include temporary housing for the first month, a relocation allowance of €2,000-5,000, and assistance with finding permanent housing. Always negotiate this before accepting a job offer.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to live comfortably in the Netherlands?
A single expat needs roughly €2,500-3,500 per month after tax to live comfortably outside Amsterdam, or €3,200-4,500 in Amsterdam. This covers rent, health insurance, groceries, transport, and some dining out. Couples sharing a one-bedroom can manage on €3,500-5,000 combined depending on the city.
Is Amsterdam really that much more expensive than other Dutch cities?
Yes — Amsterdam housing costs are 30-50% higher than Rotterdam or Eindhoven. A one-bedroom apartment in central Amsterdam averages €1,800-2,200/month versus €1,200-1,700 in Rotterdam. However, groceries, transport, and other daily costs are similar across all major Dutch cities.
How does the 30% ruling affect my cost of living?
The 30% ruling effectively gives you a 30% tax-free allowance on your salary (capped at €262,000 gross in 2026, reducing to 27% in 2027). This significantly increases your net income — a €70,000 gross salary yields roughly €700-900 more per month net with the ruling. This extra take-home pay makes the Netherlands much more affordable for qualifying expats.
Are utilities expensive in the Netherlands?
Utilities (gas, electricity, water) cost €150-250/month for a one-bedroom apartment in 2026. The Netherlands has relatively high energy costs due to energy taxes and the transition away from natural gas. Many newer apartments use heat pumps which are cheaper to run. Internet (€35-50/month) and mobile plans (€15-30/month) are reasonably priced.
Is it cheaper to cycle than use public transport?
Significantly cheaper. A quality secondhand bike costs €150-400 one time, while an OV-chipkaart monthly subscription is €100-200/month. Most Dutch cities are very bike-friendly with dedicated lanes. Over a year, cycling saves €1,200-2,400 compared to public transport. Many expats combine both — cycling daily and using trains for longer trips.
How much should I budget for groceries in the Netherlands?
A single person typically spends €250-400/month on groceries. Budget supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are cheapest (€200-280/month), while Albert Heijn and Jumbo are mid-range (€280-380/month). Shopping at outdoor markets for produce and buying store brands can cut costs by 20-30%. Cooking at home versus eating out saves roughly €400-600/month.
Next steps
Now that you have a clear picture of living costs, use our tools to plan your finances: