Cost of living in the Netherlands in 2026

What is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in the Netherlands?

Renting is between 1,600 and 2,200 for a two bedroom apartment

What are the typical fares for public transportation such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?

One single ticket on tram , metro can be around 2,5 euros. Train to airport is 5,5 euros.

Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?

180 euros

How much does health insurance cost? What is the price of a medical consultation in the Netherlands?

150 euros minimum

What are the tuition fees for children?

N/A

What are the average monthly costs for utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans? 225 euros overall

How much do you spend monthly on leisure activities?

125 euros

Hi Cheryl, great idea, this is super helpful for people moving here. I’ve been living in the Netherlands (Amsterdam area) for almost 5 years, so sharing a realistic breakdown based on current prices:

Housing (biggest factor):

Rent (1-bedroom): €1,400 – €2,000 in Amsterdam

Transport:

Public transport: €80 – €150/month depending on usage

Many people bike, which saves quite a bit

Groceries:

€250 – €400/month for one person

Eating out is relatively expensive compared to groceries

Health insurance:

€140 – €180/month mandatory

GP visits are usually covered, but dental and some extras are not

Utilities:

Electricity/gas/water: €150 – €250 (can vary a lot with energy prices)

Internet/phone: €40 – €70

Leisure:

Going out (dinner/drinks): €50–€100 per night easily

Gym: €30 – €60/month

Overall, a single person usually spends around €1,800–€2,800/month, depending mostly on rent and lifestyle.

In my experience, the real difference comes from how salary translates to net income vs rent — that’s what really impacts how comfortable you feel.

If you want to compare that more clearly:

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Hope this helps someone planning the move 👍