Cost of Living & Helpful Facts about Life in the Netherlands

Jump right in:

• Pros and cons of living in the Netherlands
• Practical information
• Culture and social etiquette
• Driving in the Netherlands
• Public transport in the Netherlands

Pros and cons of living in the Netherlands

If you’re considering whether to move to the Netherlands, then this is a crucial section to read. Nowhere is perfect, so as well as pros, you can learn about the cons of living in the Netherlands.

Pros

• High living standards

Though life here is expensive, you get good quality goods and services for your money ,supported by strong public services and high salaries. Housing can be costly but is generally of high standard. The dining scene is diverse and innovative, with a growing focus on sustainability. The Netherlands now counts 122 Michelin-starred restaurants, plus 23 Green Stars and 83 Bib Gourmand listings.

• Super social

Extroverts will love Dutch culture. From time spent in coffee shops, to summer festivals, and events at the country’s many museums, there is always something going on here. Your social calendar will fill up fast with expats and local friends alike. Look out for Uitmarkt, a free three-day festival in Amsterdam at the end of August that kicks off the cultural season with music, theater, dance, and more. Other major events include King’s Day in April, the Amsterdam Dance Event, Carnival in the south, and the Holland Festival.

• A great base to explore Europe

Bordering Belgium and Germany, and with a great transport system that includes the Eurostar across Europe and ferries to the UK, the Netherlands is a great base for exploring. You get at least 20 vacation days a year, and while public holidays depend on your contract, most people enjoy around 11 or 12 extra days off. Plenty of time to plan weekend getaways or longer trips across Europe!

Cons

• The challenge of learning Dutch

Learning the local language can be tough. This is not only because of the complicated grammar rules, like remembering if a word is “de” or “het.” The pronunciations are particularly tough for native English speakers, and, with up to 93% of Dutch citizens speaking English, it’ll be difficult to become immersed in the local language. This can be a plus, though, since you’ll be able to speak to almost everyone — just not in their native tongue.

• Housing shortage

One of the reasons rent is so expensive here is a huge housing shortage. The gap is estimated at around 400,000 homes, and while the government’s goal is to build 100,000 new ones each year, the country still struggles to keep up with demand. This makes it hard for starters to get a foot on the property ladder. Retirees also feel the pressure, as finding affordable and suitable homes to downsize or move into is becoming increasingly difficult.

• Rush hour traffic

Commuters in the Netherlands should beware. The country is densely populated, making rush hour a real problem for workers. If you want to skip the commute and cycle, you need to make sure you keep your bike locked up safely and pack a waterproof jacket in case it rains. Public transport is generally a reliable and comfortable way to get to work, especially in larger cities. Learn more about how much this costs later in the guide.

Practical information

The Kingdom of the Netherlands, more commonly referred to just as the Netherlands, is a constitutional monarchy in Western Europe, bordering Germany and Belgium. The kingdom also has territories in the Caribbean, islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Saba.

Sometimes, you can hear people referring to the Netherlands as Holland. Technically, that is the wrong term, and the country’s government does not want you to use this name any longer. “Holland” only refers to two provinces of the Netherlands.

In the 1800s, this part of the country was the most prosperous, and the name “Holland” became synonymous with the whole kingdom. These days you’re better off calling it the Netherlands to avoid confusion or offense.

Emergency numbers

• Police, ambulance, and firefighters — 112
• Police (non-emergency) — 0900 8844
• Power problems and gas leaks — 0800 9009
• Animal emergencies — 144
• Sexual assault hotline — 0800 0188
• Child line — 0800 0432
• SOS helpline (mental support) — 113 or 0800 0113

Public holidays

• 1 January — New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag)
• March or April — Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag)
• March or April (following Easter Sunday) — Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag)
• 27 April — King’s Day (Koningsdag)
• 5 May (celebrated every five years) — Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
• 40 days after Easter — Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
• 7 weeks after Easter — Pentecost (Pinksteren)
• 25 December — Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag)
• 26 December — Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag)

Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) is not a public holiday. However, some schools, shops, and offices might be closed. Saint Nicholas’ Eve (evening of 5 December) is widely celebrated in the Netherlands, yet it’s not a day off.

Main embassies

Interestingly enough, the main city for embassies is not the capital. Most of the embassies in the Netherlands are located in The Hague.

• Embassy of Canada
• Embassy of the Republic of India
• Embassy of the UK
• Embassy of the US

Main airports

For a country so small, the Netherlands has quite a few international airports. The main one is Schiphol Airport located near Amsterdam. It’s one of the busiest airports in Europe, on par with London’s Heathrow and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle.

Some of the smaller airports are in:

• Eindhoven
• Rotterdam
• The Hague
• Maastricht (mainly used for cargo).

As the Netherlands has territories in the Caribbean, some islands have airports as well.

Those are:

•  Flamingo International Airport (Bonaire)
• Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (Saba)
• F.D. Roosevelt Airport (Sint Eustatius)
• Queen Beatrix International Airport (Aruba)
• Princess Juliana International Airport (Sint Maarten).

Culture and social etiquette

Dutch culture often comes as a surprise to newcomers. One of the first things you’ll notice is how direct people are when communicating. For expats who come from countries where speech is more indirect, such as the UK, this can take some time to get used to. However, you’ll quickly find that being open and straightforward is simply part of daily life in the Netherlands.

Of course, Dutch culture is about more than just directness. Cycling is an essential part of everyday routines, and cheese is a source of national pride. You might also come across unique traditions such as korfball, a sport invented in the Netherlands, or learn about the country’s diverse religious background. Beyond borrels (informal gatherings over drinks), conversations about the rainy weather, and the Dutch love for speaking their minds, there’s a rich culture waiting for you to discover.

• How to greet people

When greeting your Dutch friends, don’t be surprised if they lean in for a quick peck on the cheek. In fact, they might give you three little kisses. Although this tradition is gradually changing with younger generations, it’s still a common way of saying hi and bidding farewell to people you know here.

If you do get into a situation where a three-kisses-greeting is necessary, start with the right cheek, then left, then back to right. Also, keep in mind that these are air kisses and you’re not supposed to actually put your lips on your friend’s cheek.

Please note that this situation does not happen with acquaintances or when you just meet the person. Also, this kissing tradition is only common between women, and between women and men. Two men would greet each other with a handshake.

• Dutch directness

Dutch people are often very direct when it comes to communicating. It could be a comment about your looks, actions, or what you say — they won’t hold their opinions back. The people here are blunt no matter the situation, whether they’re spending time with family or out on a first date.

They also freely express their feelings about certain topics that might seem taboo in other countries. And while this bluntness might be a little off-putting at first, many learn to appreciate the straightforward honesty. In fact, this often seeps into the lives of local expats. The major advantage of this sort of communication is that relationships are clear, and misunderstandings are dealt with immediately.

• The importance of agenda

In general, the Dutch prefer to plan rather than rely on spontaneity. Every meeting or get-together is scheduled in advance — sometimes even by a few weeks. Some people even schedule their down time at home, which they will compromise for nothing. So, don’t be surprised if your friend is only available for a quick lunchtime catch-up in three weeks or so — that’s absolutely normal. Remember, if they’re avoiding you, they’ll be direct about it.

• Every penny counts

Maybe it’s related to their practical approach to money, but the Dutch are generally very frugal. They’re known for always staying on their budget and avoiding unnecessary splurging. There’s even a common term, “going Dutch”, which means splitting the bill. So, don’t be surprised if your Dutch date doesn’t offer to pay for your dinner — that doesn’t mean they didn’t enjoy your company.

• Don’t show off

We’ve already seen that the Dutch are careful with money. They also prefer modesty when it comes to splashing cash, as showing wealth is generally not valued in Dutch culture. Locals won’t be impressed if you show off your wealth. This covers everything from clothing to the car you drive. Standing out with flashy cars and accessories might be popular in your home country, but here it won’t win you any friends.

• Why orange?

The Dutch flag is red, white, and blue, but the country’s national color is orange. This tradition goes back to the royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Since the time of William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch Revolt and considered the “Father of the Fatherland”, orange has been closely linked to patriotism and national pride.

Today, orange is everywhere during national celebrations. On King’s Day (Koningsdag) each 27 April, entire cities turn orange as people dress up, decorate their homes, and join the festivities for the King’s birthday. Sports events are no different: the national football team is called Oranje and their fans are known as the Orange Legion.

Orange has become more than just the color of the monarchy. It represents Dutch unity, pride, and identity. And as a fun fact, the Dutch also helped popularize orange carrots in the 17th century — although the idea that this was done as a tribute to William of Orange is more legend than fact.

• On your bike!

It’s well known that the Netherlands is associated with cycling. The Dutch own more bicycles per capita than anywhere else in the world, with about 23 million bikes for 18 million people. In fact, almost a quarter of people living in the Netherlands cycle every day, with many children cycling to school as well as adults commuting.

What’s less well known is that, if there’s a road traffic collision, the person driving the car will likely have to pay for all of the damages. This is because it’s assumed the driver has liability, and they must prove that the cyclist was in the wrong to avoid having to pay.

Over the past 10 years, there’s been a sharp increase in cyclist deaths on the roads in the Netherlands. It’s recommended that if you’re cycling in the country, you use lights and reflectors at night, stay within cycle lanes where possible, and consider wearing a helmet even though it’s not mandatory. This is particularly important when the weather is bad.

• Sports, sports, sports!

There’s more to the Netherlands than cycling. One of the founding members of FIFA, the country is soccer mad. You’ll want to know the name of the premier league, or Eredivisie. A total of 18 teams compete here, and usually include Ajax (Amsterdam), PSV (Eindhoven), and Feyenoord (Rotterdam).

Other popular sports in the country include field hockey and korfball. The latter is a Dutch game that’s gained global popularity. It consists of two teams, each with 8 players (4 male and 4 female). A hand ball game similar to basketball or netball, players attempt to get goals by shooting the ball through a hoop.

Driving in the Netherlands

Driving in the Netherlands can be a little frustrating. The country is quite small with many inhabitants. And while many people who live in big cities avoid using cars, people who live in suburbia have fewer alternative options. This causes regular traffic jams during peak hours, especially in the mornings and late afternoons on working days.

Driving rules in the Netherlands

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• The driving age in the Netherlands is 18 for cars and 16 for mopeds, although under the 2toDrive program you can start driving at 17 if accompanied by a coach until you turn 18.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Cell phones are only allowed to be used with hands-free equipment. Holding a cell phone while driving is an offense.
• You must stop for pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.
• The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (30 mph), 80 km/h (50 mph) in rural areas, and on motorways 100 km/h from 06:00 to 19:00, increasing to 120 or 130 km/h at night depending on the section.
• When driving have your license and your ID on you, as well car insurance and registration papers.

How to get a driver’s license in the Netherlands

Driving in the Netherlands with a European license should not cause you trouble. If you own an EU/EEA driver’s license, you can use it in the Netherlands without taking any special action, unless it was issued after you were already registered as a resident in the Netherlands, in which case it must be exchanged. The validity period depends on the license category. For AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE it can be up to 15 years, while for C1, C, D1, D and other heavy vehicle categories it is up to 5 years.

If you’re a third-country national, your original license is valid for 185 days after you register at your local municipality. After that, youlll need to obtain a Dutch license.

Requirements for getting a Dutch driving license

Exchanging your license to a Dutch one is fairly easy, if you meet the following requirements:

• You’re a registered resident of the Netherlands and you have a valid residence permit.
• You’re a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
• You’re eligible for the 30% ruling.
• You own a non-EU/EEA license that is valid at the time of application.
• You own an expired EU/EEA license with a statement from your country that indicates there is no objection against you receiving a Dutch license.
• You obtained a driver’s license from a country where you stayed for at least 185 days.

For non-EU citizens, there are some countries that have reciprocity agreements with the Netherlands that allow individuals to exchange their license without having their driving ability tested (categories indicated in parentheses):

• Andorra (all)
• Aruba (all)
• Jersey (all)
• Canada, Alberta (Class 5) and Québec (Class 5)
• Israel (B)
• Isle of Man (all)
• Japan (Categories A and B, including 1B)
• Monaco (all) -Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten (all categories)
• Taiwan (B)
• Singapore (class 2 and class 3)
• South Korea (second class ordinary license)

When exchanging your license, you’ll need:

• valid ID
• your foreign license
• Citizen Service Number
• passport-style photo

If you don’t meet any of the above-mentioned requirements, you’re not eligible for the exchange. In that case, you’ll need to take both written and practical exams to get a Dutch driver’s license.

Renting a car in the Netherlands

There are some restrictions for driving a rental car in the Netherlands. You must have had your driver’s license for at least one year to be able to rent a car here. As the legal driving age is 18, most car companies set the minimum rental age at 21, though some allow rentals from 18 or 19 depending on the category. Drivers under 23 or 25 often face a young driver surcharge and restrictions on certain vehicle types.

Public transport in the Netherlands

In general, public transport in the Netherlands is great. The country has one of the busiest railway systems in the world that connects all major cities, as well as neighboring countries. The rail system is considered to be so efficient that buses in the country are not common. However, they do cover connections where there is no train service.

Public transport in cities is frequent and reliable. Metros and trams operate in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, while The Hague relies on trams and RandstadRail. Light rail is available in and around Utrecht, while buses are common in most other cities. Some areas, such as Amsterdam, also have ferries.

Most public transport lines run from around 06:00 until past midnight in larger cities, with later starts on weekends. Smaller cities also generally operate services from around 06:00 until close to midnight, though less frequently than in big cities. Special services operate after midnight mainly in the Randstad region, with night buses and hourly trains, but they’re not available in all smaller cities. Local timetables should be checked according to the city you’re moving to.

Bicycles

Many people bike in the Netherlands. The bike lanes here are very well-structured and taken care of and cyclists often have priority at many intersections, though it depends on traffic rules and signage. However, because obtaining a bike is rather cheap and many locals own their own, most bike rental places are aimed at tourists.

Taxis

Flagging taxis down on the street is not common as not all streets allow for cars to stop on the curb. That’s why, if you want to get a taxi, you’re better off calling a taxi service in your city. Taxis are also available in locations such as airports, bus and train stations, and popular hotels. Still, keep in mind that taxi services are quite expensive. A 5 km drive, for instance, is priced at around 15–20 EUR (approx. 20–24 USD).

Cost of public transport in the Netherlands

When using most forms of public transport (train, bus, metro, tram, or light rail), you’ll need an OV-chipkaart.  This can be a disposable single-use card, an anonymous reusable card, or a personalized card. You can get it for about 7.50 EUR (approx. 9 USD), top it up with up to 150 EUR (approx. 175 USD), and use it for your travels. A minimum boarding balance is required: 4 EUR for bus, tram, or metro, and 20 EUR for trains. It works across all cities and supports yearly passes. You should validate your chipkaart upon entering public transport and when leaving it.

How do you use a chipkaart?

To use the chipkaart for buses, metros, or trams, you need to have at least 4 EUR (approx. 5 USD) on your card. For some intercity buses a higher minimum balance of 6, 10, or 15 EUR may be required. That’s because upon entering a public transport vehicle, your card is automatically charged a boarding deposit (4 EUR for local buses, trams, or metros, 20 EUR for trains, and 6–15 EUR for certain intercity buses).

However, that is not the price for your journey. The fare is calculated based on distance traveled, with a boarding amount deducted at check-in and adjusted when you check out. When you leave public transport, you need to validate your card again, so that the correct price for your journey is calculated and paid.

If you forget to do that, a standard penalty is charged (4 EUR (approx. 5 USD) for buses, trams, or metros, and 20 EUR (approx. 24 USD) for trains). Note that the same rule applies for train journeys, but the required boarding deposit is 20 EUR.