Netherlands Living Costs: Surprising Prices You Didn’t Know!
If you are considering a move to the Netherlands, it is essential to know how expensive it is to live there. The cost of living in the Netherlands can be high, but it depends on your lifestyle and where you live. In general, more prominent cities will be more expensive than smaller towns. Amsterdam, for example, is one of the most expensive cities in the Netherlands. Utrecht and Rotterdam are also quite costly, while The Hague is slightly less. Outside of these major metropolitan areas, costs start to go down significantly.
The cost of rent
Renting in the Netherlands is expensive. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Netherlands is €965, which is about $1,060. It doesn’t include utilities, which can add €100-€150 to your monthly expenses.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you might consider renting a room in someone’s home. This can be a great way to save money on rent and utilities and get to know the local community. However, it’s essential to be mindful of your possessions and keep your belongings safe, as you’ll be sharing living space with other people.
The cost of food and groceries
Food and groceries are relatively expensive in the Netherlands. A study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that Dutch households spent an average of €1,049 per month on food and drink in 2019, which was higher than the OECD average of €939.
While food prices have risen steadily recently, wages have not kept pace. This has caused many Dutch families to struggle to afford healthy food. One in five households in the Netherlands are considered “food insecure,” meaning they cannot always afford to eat nutritious meals.
The high cost of food is often cited as a significant reason why people live outside of Amsterdam. If you’re planning on moving to the Netherlands, be sure to factor in the cost of groceries when budgeting for your new life.
The cost of utilities
The average monthly cost of utilities in the Netherlands is €161. It includes electricity, gas, water, sewage, and trash collection. It is slightly higher than the European Union average of €151.
Some apartment buildings include the cost of utilities in the monthly rent, while others do not. If utilities are not included in rent, expect to pay an additional €50-€100 per month for electricity, water, gas, and sewage. Internet and TV services are not usually included in rent and will cost an additional €30-€50 per month.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively high compared to other countries. The high cost of utilities is just one factor contributing to this expense.
The cost of transportation
You have a few options if you want to get around the Netherlands. You can take the bus, tram, or train or drive a car. All of these options come with a cost.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus. A single ride will cost you €2.60. If you want to buy a day pass, it will cost you €7.50. The downside of taking the bus is that it can be slow, and few routes are available.
The next cheapest option is the tram. A single ride will cost you €2.90. If you want to buy a day pass, it will cost you €8.00. The upside of taking the tram is that it is faster than the bus, and more routes are available.
The most expensive option is driving a car.
The cost of entertainment and leisure
The Netherlands’ entertainment and leisure costs can be relatively high, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re into nightlife and going out clubbing, for example, you can expect to spend quite a bit of money on cover charges, drinks, and taxis. On the other hand, if you enjoy more low-key activities like going to the movies or exploring museums, you’ll find that prices are much more reasonable. Overall, it depends on your preferences regarding how much you’ll spend on entertainment and leisure in the Netherlands.
Conclusion: Overall cost of living in the Netherlands
If you’re considering a move to the Netherlands, you may be wondering about the cost of living in the country. The good news is that the overall cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively affordable, especially compared to other Western European countries.
Of course, how much you’ll spend each month will depend on your lifestyle and budget. But in general, you can expect to spend around EUR 2,000 per month on basic costs like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. This doesn’t include optional costs like entertainment and travel.
The Netherlands is a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable Western European country with a high quality of life.
Contact Cosmo, we will direct you throughout your immigration process to the Netherlands.