Can you afford life in the Netherlands?
Tell us how you want to live. We estimate every monthly cost, including the Dutch ones newcomers often miss, and compare it with your take-home pay. Change any amount to match your own situation. Everything is calculated in your browser; we don't store your answers.
Your budget, line by line
These are our estimates for your situation. If you know a real amount, such as the rent of a home you're looking at, type it in.
From gross salary to take-home pay
Costs newcomers don't see coming
Your moving-in budget
Money you'll need in the first weeks, on top of your monthly costs.
What your budget would be elsewhere
The same household, home and lifestyle in each city. Amounts you typed in yourself are kept, except rent and other city-specific costs.
Allowances and benefits
Allowances depend on your income, savings and residence status. Check before you apply: Belastingdienst test calculation (in Dutch).
Not sure about the numbers?
Book a free 30-minute call with someone who has made the same move. We can introduce you to trusted English-speaking experts.
Book a free callCost of living in Dutch cities, 2026
Housing is the biggest difference between Dutch cities. Most other costs, such as health insurance, groceries and energy, are similar across the country. Choose a city for a detailed page.
| City | Rent per m² | Typical 60 m² home | Local taxes, renting alone | Average home price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €28.69 | €1,721 /month | €754 /year | €630,621 |
| Amstelveen | €25.10 | €1,506 /month | €711 /year | €681,691 |
| Haarlem | €24.05 | €1,443 /month | €721 /year | €576,569 |
| Hoofddorp | €23.87 | €1,432 /month | €796 /year | €591,975 |
| Rotterdam | €22.79 | €1,367 /month | €911 /year | €414,579 |
| Leiden | €22.69 | €1,361 /month | €637 /year | €492,047 |
| The Hague | €22.42 | €1,345 /month | €818 /year | €465,418 |
| Utrecht | €21.61 | €1,297 /month | €804 /year | €549,113 |
| Eindhoven | €20.25 | €1,215 /month | €641 /year | €469,870 |
Rent: Pararius, new tenancies in the unregulated sector (Q2 2026; Q1 2026 for Haarlem and Leiden). Local taxes: COELO 2026. Home prices: CBS, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you need to live in the Netherlands?
It depends mostly on where you live and how big your home is. In 2026, a single person renting a one-bedroom home typically spends most of their budget on rent, which ranges from about €1,215 to €1,721 a month for around 60 m² in the cities in this calculator. Add about €157 a month for compulsory health insurance, local taxes, energy, groceries and transport.
Which Dutch city is the cheapest for expats?
Of the cities in this calculator, Eindhoven has the lowest average rent per m² for new tenants, and Amsterdam has the highest. Use the city comparison in the calculator to see the difference for your own household.
Is health insurance included?
Yes. Basic health insurance is compulsory for every adult who lives or works in the Netherlands. The calculator uses the 2026 average premium of €157 a month per adult, plus the €385 yearly deductible (eigen risico). Children under 18 are covered free on a parent's policy.
How does the calculator work out my take-home pay?
We apply the 2026 Dutch income tax rates, the general tax credit and the employment tax credit to your salary, after any pension contribution. If you tick the 30% ruling, up to 30% of your salary is tax-free, but only if the rest is still above the salary threshold. Payroll uses monthly tables, so your payslips can differ slightly.
Does my salary include holiday pay?
Dutch employers pay at least 8% holiday allowance, usually in May. Job offers often state a monthly salary without it. Choose the right option next to your salary: we add the 8% where needed and spread it over 12 months, so your regular monthly payslip will be a little lower than the net amount we show.
Can I get allowances from the government?
Possibly. Healthcare allowance, rent allowance and childcare allowance depend on your income, savings and household. The calculator estimates childcare allowance and tells you when you may qualify for the others. Always confirm with the Belastingdienst's own test calculation before you apply.
Cost of living by city
Read next
- Cost of living in the Netherlands: a practical guide
- Salaries in the Netherlands: what you can expect to earn
- Gross to net salary calculator
- The Dutch 30% ruling: a complete guide
- Resident or non-resident taxpayer?
- Apartment or house: renting and buying explained
- Planning a move? Try the free Arrival and Settle-In Planner
- More expat tools
Sources and method
Figures were checked on 4 October 2026. Rent is the average asking price per m² for new tenancies in the unregulated sector, multiplied by a typical home size; smaller homes often cost more per m², so check real listings. Energy, groceries, phone, transport and the “eating out, clothes, leisure and travel” line are estimates based on national averages. Take-home pay assumes you are an employee below state pension age who is a Dutch resident taxpayer.
- Belastingdienst: 2026 income tax rates and tax credits
- Belastingdienst: the 30% facility (Expat Scheme)
- Pararius Rental Market Report (Huurmonitor) Q1 and Q2 2026
- Kamernet Rent Report Q2 2026 (rooms)
- COELO: municipal taxes per municipality 2026
- CBS: average sale price of existing homes per municipality, 2025
- CBS: the average energy bill, January 2026
- Vewin: drinking water tariffs 2026
- Zorginstituut Nederland: compulsory deductible (eigen risico)
- Rijksoverheid: childcare allowance amounts 2026
- Nibud: car costs and food budgets
- GVB: 2026 fares
This calculator gives estimates, not financial, tax or legal advice. Prices, taxes and allowances change, and your own costs depend on your circumstances. Confirm important numbers with your employer, landlord, lender or a qualified adviser.
