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Cost of Living in Netherlands

442 cities covered · Currency: EUR (€) · Capital: Amsterdam

Single person, monthly€1,122 ($1,220)
Couple, monthly€2,053 ($2,231)
Family of four, monthly€2,713 ($2,949)
Average net salary€3,316 ($3,604)

Average Prices in Netherlands

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€9.95 ($10.81)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€39.79 ($43.25)per meal
Cappuccino€2.98 ($3.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€225 ($245)per month
Monthly public transport pass€36.47 ($39.64)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€96.15 ($105)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€27.85 ($30.27)per month
Fitness club membership€27.85 ($30.27)per month
Cinema ticket€7.29 ($7.93)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€660 ($717)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€459 ($499)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€1,377 ($1,497)per month

Major Cities in Netherlands

Amsterdam

Noord-Holland · pop. 1,477,213

Rotterdam

Zuid-Holland · pop. 1,026,250

The Hague

Zuid-Holland · pop. 548,320

Utrecht

Utrecht · pop. 359,370

Maastricht

Limburg · pop. 277,721

Harssens

Groningen · pop. 244,807

Eindhoven

Noord-Brabant · pop. 243,730

Groningen

Groningen · pop. 233,273

Tilburg

Noord-Brabant · pop. 229,833

Almere

Flevoland · pop. 214,715

Breda

Noord-Brabant · pop. 184,126

Nijmegen

Gelderland · pop. 177,659

Arnhem

Gelderland · pop. 164,096

Haarlem

Noord-Holland · pop. 162,543

Enschede

Overijssel · pop. 159,732

’s-Hertogenbosch

Noord-Brabant · pop. 157,486

Amersfoort

Utrecht · pop. 157,462

Zaanstad

Noord-Holland · pop. 156,901

Apeldoorn

Gelderland · pop. 138,945

Zwolle

Overijssel · pop. 129,840

Zoetermeer

Zuid-Holland · pop. 125,267

Leeuwarden

Fryslân · pop. 124,481

Leiden

Zuid-Holland · pop. 124,093

Dordrecht

Zuid-Holland · pop. 122,070

Cheapest Cities in Netherlands

HarderwijkMiddelburgWaalwijkBarendrechtIJmuidenZutphenSoestRidderkerkSchagenVeldhovenFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Netherlands

Amsterdam vs Rotterdam

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Netherlands

Amsterdam vs The Hague

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Netherlands

Rotterdam vs Utrecht

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Netherlands

The Hague vs Utrecht

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Netherlands

Cost of Living by City Size in Netherlands

Living costs in Netherlands vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of €1,122 ($1,220) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Netherlands?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Netherlands is €1,122 ($1,220), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly €2,713 ($2,949) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Netherlands?
Harderwijk ranks among the most affordable cities in Netherlands with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Netherlands?
The estimated average net salary in Netherlands is €3,316 ($3,604) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Netherlands derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.