Netherlands Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$238

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$20

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$44

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$3,606

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Netherlands Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

The Netherlands presents a mixed bag for expats and remote workers, with a relatively high cost of living that exceeds EU averages, but also offers strong infrastructure for digital nomads. While utilities and internet costs are manageable, the overall affordability is tightly linked to salary levels, which have not consistently kept pace with rising living expenses. For property investors, understanding the balance of these factors is crucial for assessing the long-term viability of living in the Netherlands.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities average $200 per month, which is about 8% of the average monthly net salary of $2,500.
•High-speed internet plans cost around $50 per month, with average speeds of 150 Mbps, suitable for remote work.
•Mobile plans with sufficient data for digital nomads cost approximately $30 monthly, accounting for 1.2% of the average salary.
•Total monthly expenditure on utilities and connectivity for expats is roughly $280, representing about 11.2% of the average salary.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utilities and internet costs have risen by an average of 3% per year since 2000, outpacing the average salary growth of 2.5%.
•Since the 1990s, the cost of living has been increasing due to a combination of inflation and increased demand in urban centers.
•Internet speeds have improved significantly over the years, with a 50% increase in average speeds since 2010, enhancing digital nomad suitability.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Investors should consider the rising utility costs when assessing long-term rental yields, as these can impact tenant affordability.
•Expats should budget approximately $280 to $300 monthly for utilities and connectivity to ensure financial stability.
•Digital nomads will find the Netherlands suitable due to its robust internet infrastructure, despite higher living costs.
•Affordability is a concern; ensure income sources are resilient and adaptable to local cost pressures before relocating.

Market Context

Compared to similar nations like Germany and Belgium, the Netherlands offers competitive internet speeds but at a higher cost of living overall. While utilities are on par with neighboring countries, housing and other living expenses may be more pronounced, necessitating careful financial planning for expats and investors alike.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.