The Netherlands, a country known for its high standard of living, is attracting more and more people looking for better working and living conditions. However, higher wages also bring with them a higher cost of living, which may come as a surprise to those used to other realities. In this article we will analyse what the monthly cost of living will be in the Netherlands in 2024, highlighting key aspects such as housing, food, transport, services, taxes and savings opportunities.
What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?
Housing is one of the biggest expenses for people living in the Netherlands. Renting an apartment in Amsterdam, where demand is particularly high, is between €2,000 and €2,500 per month. In smaller cities such as The Hague or Utrecht, prices are lower, ranging between €1,200 and €1,800. By comparison, in Poland, renting an apartment in larger cities costs around PLN 3,000-4,000, a significant difference to the detriment of the Netherlands.
Other costs associated with renting are security deposits (usually equivalent to one to three months' rent) and utility bills, which can range from EUR 150 to EUR 300 per month depending on consumption. In total, the monthly cost of living in an apartment can range from EUR 1 350 to EUR 2 800.
Monthly living costs in the Netherlands - how much do we spend on food?
Food purchases are an important part of any household budget and in the Netherlands, their cost can put a considerable strain on the wallet. The average food expenditure for a single person is between €250 and €400 per month, which converts to PLN (depending on the exchange rate) to about PLN 1,150-1,840. This is significantly higher than in Poland, where the corresponding expenditure is in the range of 500-800 PLN. This means that food costs in the Netherlands can be up to twice as high, which is an important factor to consider when planning your budget.
Prices for basic foodstuffs are usually 20-30% higher in the Netherlands compared to prices in Poland. For example, a loaf of bread costs on average EUR 1.50-2.00, which would be equivalent to around PLN 7-9 in Poland. Meat is also more expensive, especially beef and pork - you will pay around EUR 12-15 (PLN 55-70) for a kilogram of beef, while in Poland the price is around PLN 40-50. Vegetables and fruit, although available in a wide range, are also more expensive, e.g. tomatoes can cost around EUR 2.50-3.50 per kilogram, or 11-16 PLN, which would be equivalent to around 6-8 PLN in Poland.
Higher prices are not only for fresh produce. Canned food, dairy products or products with a longer shelf life, such as pasta, rice or preserves, are also more expensive. Cheese, a popular product in the Netherlands, can cost between EUR 7 and EUR 15 per kilogram, while in Poland prices are around PLN 30-60.
It is also worth noting the differences in product quality. In the Netherlands, organic products, which are becoming increasingly popular, are much more expensive than their standard counterparts. Food prices can also vary from region to region - in large cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam, prices are usually higher than in smaller towns.
Living in the Netherlands - transport costs
Public transport in the Netherlands is considered to be one of the best developed systems in Europe. A network of trains, trams, buses and metros covers both large cities and smaller towns, making travelling around the country very convenient. Nevertheless, the use of public transport comes at a considerable cost. The price of a single ticket ranges from €3 to €4 depending on the route and means of transport. If you use public transport regularly, it is more cost-effective to buy a monthly pass. In larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, a monthly pass costs between €100 and €150 depending on the zone you are travelling in. For those commuting from the suburbs to city centres, these costs can be higher, especially if the route involves several different modes of transport.
An alternative to expensive public transport is the bicycle, which is one of the most popular means of transport in the Netherlands. The country is adapted to cyclists and has an extensive network of cycle paths that make the daily commute to work, school or shopping comfortable and safe. Buying a bicycle, even a new one, pays for itself quite quickly as it eliminates the need to spend money on public transport tickets. Moreover, a second-hand bike can be bought for just a few hundred euros and the additional costs of maintaining it (for example, repairs or security) are minimal compared to the regular cost of public transport tickets. Cycling is also good for health and the environment, which is an added bonus for many Dutch people.
Cost of living in the Netherlands - what are the utility and service charges?
The cost of utilities and services is another important part of the household budget in the Netherlands. Average monthly internet and TV costs are around €40-60, depending on the service package and provider you choose. Choosing cheaper offers can save a few euros a month, but usually at the expense of internet speed or the number of TV channels available. It's worth keeping an eye out for special offers, especially for new customers, which may include discounts or additional services at a lower price for a limited time.
Another fixed cost is waste collection charges, which range from EUR 10 to EUR 20 per month depending onlocation and waste sorting method. In some cities, the fees may be lower for households that sort waste efficiently, as part of the sustainable development policy being implemented throughout the country.
One of the most important and compulsory costs of living in the Netherlands is health insurance. Every resident must have basic health insurance, which in 2024 costs between €120 and €150 per month. This amount can vary depending on the insurance company chosen and other options such as extended dental care or chronic disease insurance. It's worth noting that health insurance in the Netherlands covers most standard healthcare costs, but there are some services that require extra charges or the purchase of an additional package.
Cost of living in the Netherlands - how much are taxes and what concessions are available?
Income taxes in the Netherlands are progressive, which means that the higher your income, the higher the tax rate you have to pay. In 2024, there are two main tax rates: 36.93% for income up to approximately €73,031 per year and 49.5% for income above this amount. This means that higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income to the state, which is in line with the principle of social justice on which the Dutch tax system is based. It is also worth noting that there is no so-called tax-free amount in the Netherlands, which means that all income is taxed, even if various deductions and allowances are available.
The Netherlands offers a number of tax breaks that can significantly reduce the tax burden. One of the most popular is the child benefit (kindgebonden budget), which is available to lower-income parents and is designed to provide financial support to families with children. Another important relief is the deduction of work-related expenses, such as commuting costs (kilometres) or expenses related to vocational training. In addition, teleworkers may be entitled to deduct certain costs associated with running a home office. Another important relief is the possibility to deduct part of the costs related to health care, especially in cases where the expenses incurred exceed a certain percentage of income. Through these mechanisms, taxpayers in the Netherlands have the opportunity to reduce their burden, which can significantly improve their financial situation.
The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024 is generally high , but higher wages and living standards can offset these differences. High prices for rental housing, food and transport can be a problem, but with proper budgeting and savings it is possible to live comfortably in this country.
