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Buro Philip van den Hurk
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What Does It Cost to Live in the Netherlands as an Expat?
Understanding the cost of living is essential for planning your move to the Netherlands. While the country offers a high quality of life with excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and education, living costs can vary significantly depending on where you choose to settle. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you budget effectively.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the largest expense for expats in the Netherlands. Rental and purchase prices vary substantially by region.
Renting in major cities: In Amsterdam, expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,500 euros per month for a one-bedroom apartment. In The Hague and Utrecht, prices range from 1,200 to 2,000 euros. Rotterdam is slightly more affordable at 1,100 to 1,800 euros.
Renting in Eindhoven and Arnhem: These cities offer significantly better value. A one-bedroom apartment in Eindhoven typically costs between 900 and 1,400 euros per month, while Arnhem ranges from 800 to 1,200 euros. Two-bedroom apartments are available from 1,100 to 1,700 euros in Eindhoven and 1,000 to 1,500 euros in Arnhem.
Buying a home: Average house prices in 2026 range from approximately 280,000 euros in Arnhem to 350,000 euros in Eindhoven, compared to over 500,000 euros in Amsterdam. For expats looking to buy, cities like Eindhoven and Arnhem offer excellent value combined with a high quality of life.
Monthly Household Expenses
Utilities (gas, electricity, water): For a standard apartment, expect to pay between 200 and 350 euros per month. Energy costs have stabilized but remain higher than pre-2022 levels. Many newer homes have better insulation and solar panels, which can reduce costs significantly.
Internet and mobile: A fast broadband connection (fiber or cable) costs 35 to 60 euros per month. Mobile phone plans with data typically range from 15 to 35 euros per month.
Health insurance: The mandatory basic health insurance premium is approximately 120 to 145 euros per month per adult. Children under 18 are covered free of charge.
Municipal taxes: Property owners and tenants pay various local taxes including waste collection (afvalstoffenheffing, approximately 300 to 400 euros per year) and water board tax (waterschapsbelasting, approximately 300 to 400 euros per year).
Transportation
The Netherlands has one of the best public transport networks in Europe, and cycling is a way of life.
Public transport: A monthly subscription (Dal Voordeel) costs 4.17 euros per month and gives 40% discount on off-peak travel. Full monthly unlimited travel cards start at around 100 euros. The OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport.
Cycling: A reliable second-hand bicycle costs 100 to 300 euros. New bicycles range from 400 to over 2,000 euros for an e-bike. The Netherlands has over 35,000 km of dedicated cycling paths, making it the safest and most pleasant country in the world for cycling.
Car ownership: Owning a car is expensive due to high road tax (wegenbelasting), insurance, fuel costs, and parking fees. Monthly costs for a mid-range car can easily reach 400 to 600 euros when all expenses are included.
Food and Groceries
Grocery shopping in the Netherlands is affordable compared to many Western European countries. Major supermarket chains include Albert Heijn (premium), Jumbo (mid-range), Lidl, and Aldi (budget-friendly).
A single person can expect to spend 250 to 400 euros per month on groceries. A couple typically spends 400 to 650 euros. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately 15 to 25 euros per person for a main course. A three-course dinner for two at a nice restaurant runs between 70 and 120 euros.
Childcare and Education
Childcare (kinderopvang): Full-time daycare costs approximately 1,800 to 2,200 euros per month per child. However, the government provides a significant childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) that can cover a large portion of these costs, depending on your income.
International schools: If you prefer English-language education for your children, international schools charge between 8,000 and 25,000 euros per year. Some employers include international school fees in the expat package.
Dutch public education: Public schools are free. The quality of Dutch education is generally excellent, and many schools offer programs to help international children integrate.
Monthly Budget Overview
For a single expat living in Eindhoven or Arnhem, a comfortable monthly budget looks approximately like this: rent 1,000 to 1,300 euros, utilities 250 euros, health insurance 130 euros, groceries 350 euros, transport 100 euros, and personal expenses 200 to 400 euros. This brings the total to roughly 2,000 to 2,500 euros per month, excluding savings and leisure activities.
For a couple, expect approximately 3,000 to 4,000 euros per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Families with children should budget for additional childcare and education costs.
Plan Your Finances with Expert Help
Moving to the Netherlands is a significant financial decision. At Buro Philip van den Hurk, we help expats plan their finances from the day they arrive — from setting up the right insurance to buying a home and building a pension. With offices in Eindhoven and Arnhem, we are your local expert. Contact us for a free first consultation.
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