Cost of living · Europe · Eurostat HICP 2023
🇳🇱 Cost of living in Netherlands
Netherlands runs pricier than most of the EU-27 across rent, groceries and transport - see where the gap is widest and how far local income actually stretches.
- Cost index (EU-27=100)
- 113
- Rent index
- 112
- Median net income
- €28,500
- Cost-adjusted income
- €25,221
Netherlands sits at 113 on the 0-200 scale shown above.
Key takeaways
- Overall cost of living is 13% above the EU-27 average (index 113, EU-27 = 100).
- Most expensive category: utilities at index 122.
- Cheapest category: healthcare at index 107.
- A typical income of €28,500 is worth about €25,221 in EU-average purchasing power.
Cost by category in Netherlands
Netherlands - price level by category (EU-27 = 100)
In Netherlands, utilities is the most expensive category and healthcare the least.
What the Netherlands cost-of-living data shows
Netherlands's overall consumer price level is 13% above the EU-27 average. (How this index is built →)
Utilities lead the cost table in Netherlands at index 122, ahead of healthcare at index 107 - heating, power and water outpace every other category here.
That price gap trims real purchasing power here: because prices run above the EU average, the headline income of €28,500 is worth closer to €25,221 once translated into EU-27-average terms.
Cities in Netherlands
National averages hide the big-city premium. See real monthly rent, groceries and transit costs for Netherlands's cities.
Countries with a similar cost of living
Frequently asked questions
Is Netherlands expensive to live in?▼
Netherlands's overall cost of living is 13% above the EU-27 average (index 113). Utilities is the priciest category and healthcare the cheapest.
What does it cost to rent in Netherlands?▼
Netherlands's rent and housing price index is 112, above the EU norm.
How does income compare to costs in Netherlands?▼
That price gap trims real purchasing power here: because prices run above the EU average, the headline income of €28,500 is worth closer to €25,221 once translated into EU-27-average terms.
Source: Eurostat, Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and comparative price levels Eurostat, Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and comparative price levels Price-level indices, EU-27 = 100, 2023. Income: Eurostat/OECD median equivalised net income.
Important: these figures are official Eurostat averages for general information and comparison, they are not personal financial advice. Your own cost of living depends on your city, housing and lifestyle, so treat this as a starting point and check current local prices before making any relocation or budget decision.
Read our methodology - how these indices are sourced and computed.