Blog | 20 May 2026
The average cost of living in the Netherlands varies significantly per household, but reliable sources show a consistent picture. Nibud and CBS distinguish different expense categories in their sample budgets: fixed costs, household expenses (such as groceries), transport and mobility costs, and social participation. Together, these categories form the minimum expenses required to live in the Netherlands.
International cost-of-living platforms show a similar pattern: a single person needs on average around €830 per month excluding rent, while a family of four spends approximately €2,095 per month excluding rent.
Fixed costs include rent, energy, internet, insurance, and municipal taxes. According to CBS/Nibud, these are among the most significant expenses for Dutch households.
Housing in the Randstad
Since expats almost always rent in the private sector and often live in cities such as The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Amsterdam, it is important to specifically address the Randstad. Sources with current market prices show that rental prices vary significantly by city and property size. In Amsterdam, rental prices are very high, well above the national average. In Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, prices are still high, but slightly lower than in Amsterdam. For properties of 60–100 m² in these cities, rents typically range between €1,100 and €2,100+ per month.
In addition, energy and internet costs are almost always added. In most Dutch homes, gas, water, and electricity are billed separately. The monthly advance depends on usage and insulation.
View the current Hello Housing listings in The Hague and Rotterdam to get an indication of current rental prices in the private sector. The rental prices shown here are all-in rental prices. This means they include energy and internet costs as well as municipal taxes.
Average grocery expenses
Both national cost platforms and international data sources provide insight into current grocery prices. A liter of milk costs on average €1.10–€1.36, a loaf of bread around €2–€4, and commonly used items such as vegetables and eggs between €1 and €3 per unit. Households typically spend €300–€450 per month on groceries, depending on family composition and shopping habits.
Transport and mobility
The Randstad has excellent public transport, but it is not inexpensive. A monthly public transport subscription costs on average around €110, and individual trips cost approximately €4 per ride.
Many expats ultimately choose the bicycle as their primary mode of transport. This significantly reduces monthly expenses.
Leisure activities
Dining out in an affordable restaurant costs on average €16–€18 per person, while a dinner for two quickly amounts to €70+.
In addition to regular fixed costs, expats often face expenses that are directly related to their international situation.
Expats often incur additional costs that Dutch households do not experience, or to a lesser extent. The three main categories are extraterritorial costs, higher rental costs, and mandatory health insurance.
1. Extraterritorial costs
According to the Dutch government, extraterritorial costs include five categories:
These costs can add up significantly, especially for families.
2. Furnished and semi-furnished properties
Expats more often rent furnished properties, which generally have higher rents than unfurnished properties. This is on top of the already high private-sector prices in the Randstad. Hello Housing mainly offers furnished properties.
3. Mandatory Dutch health insurance
Everyone working in the Netherlands is required to take out basic health insurance. The monthly premium is around €120–€150 per person in 2025–2026.
The 30% ruling provides financial compensation for many of these additional costs.
The 30% ruling, officially the expat ruling, is designed to compensate highly skilled employees from abroad for their additional costs. Employers may pay up to 30% of the salary tax-free, provided the conditions are met.
To qualify for the 30% ruling, four conditions apply:
The maximum tax-free compensation in 2026 is €78,600.
This means that 30% of the salary can be paid tax-free, significantly increasing net disposable income. For many expats, this makes the Netherlands financially more attractive, despite the relatively high cost of living. The 30% ruling provides expats with more financial flexibility during their first years in the Netherlands.
The impact of the 30% ruling is also clearly visible in Hello Housing’s daily practice.
Hello Housing supports expats and employers daily in the Randstad and observes clear trends. Expats often underestimate rental prices in the Randstad. Many base their expectations on international averages, but the Randstad is a distinct market with high private-sector rental prices. In addition, extra costs often only become apparent after arrival. From public transport costs to mandatory insurance, expats indicate that the total of small expenses is higher than expected beforehand.
Hello Housing provides four practical tips for expats:
Employers who want to support their international employees with housing can make use of our corporate services.
Hello Housing helps landlords, employers, and internationals navigate the Dutch rental market smoothly. Together, we ensure a comfortable and worry-free start in the Netherlands.
View our current listings or contact us to discuss your situation.
