The Netherlands does well overall in the OECD Better Life Index and rates above average in terms of work-life balance, education, environmental quality, and life satisfaction. Compared to the OECD average of €28,344, the net-adjusted disposable income per family is around €32,519. Mercer’s cost of living report for 2022 places the Dutch capital in 25th place when it comes to funding a relocation to the Netherlands. The cost of living in Amsterdam is higher than that of Paris and Lagos, but lower than that of Singapore and New York.
Utility
The cost of living in the Netherlands may rise due to the relatively high prices of gas and electricity. An 85m2 apartment’s basic utility costs typically run approximately €217. Residents and homeowners must additionally pay a sewage fee, which in Amsterdam amounts to around €160. Some prices may include the cost of garbage pickup. The annual municipal tax in Amsterdam is €344 for a single-occupancy property and €459 for a multiple-occupancy one.
Healthcare
The Netherlands has a very high-quality healthcare system that is supported by a mandated insurance program. Official residents from the EU and outside the EU are both obliged by law to purchase Dutch health insurance. This comprises Wet Langdurige Zorg, which covers long-term nursing care, and Zorgverzekeringswet, which is basic insurance covering common medical operations. For free or heavily discounted primary care, including the price of prescription drugs, a basic health insurance plan begins at around €135 per month. You may often get a healthcare benefit to offset the majority of this expense.
Childcare
For an hourly rate of around €10 on average, children under the age of four may be left in a daycare or nursery school. This is typically priced per full or half day. You may also leave your kids with a host parent. Typically, a gasholder is a parent of small children. They watch after other kids in their house, which costs around €6 per hour plus additional fees for activities and meals. There are organizations and school sitters that provide after-school care for the convenience of working parents after children start school at age five. Although this is often paid by the term, you may anticipate paying about €7 per hour. You might also employ an au pair as an alternative. Au pairs are required by law to have a place to live. Au pairs must get a monthly stipend of at least €300 on average.
Food
In the Netherlands, basic goods are not unduly costly. A good selection of staple items is kept in stock in general supermarkets like Dirk and Albert Heijn, which are often less costly than specialty shops. You may save between 10% and 15% on your weekly buy by shopping at Aldi, Lidl, or the street markets if you have a limited food budget. The average monthly budget for basic supermarket shopping is around €300 per person.
Transportation
There are networks for trams, buses, the metro, and trains in the Netherlands, which has a well-developed public transportation system. You may get a ticket for a few hours or a whole day in the majority of cities. In Amsterdam, a one-hour ticket costs €3.20, while a day pass costs €9. Tickets are also offered for numerous days. However, purchasing a public transportation card is the easiest option to save costs while traveling. You will thereafter be able to use any kind of public transportation in the Netherlands. For €7.50, you may get a customized card. With the customized card, you may access additional services like savings outside of rush hour and the ability to rent bikes from the government at Dutch stations.
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