Cost of living in Netherlands compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 16% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Netherlands is 16% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €18 ($19) | $21 | - 8% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €11 ($12) | $12 | - 1% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €5.92 ($6) | $5.51 | + 13% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.38 ($1.45) | $1.07 | + 35% | |
12 eggs, large | €4.49 ($4.72) | $4.99 | - 5% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.81 ($2.95) | $4.47 | - 34% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €7 ($7) | $7 | + 4% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.88 ($3.03) | $3.78 | - 20% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.98 ($2.08) | $1.98 | + 5% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €2.09 ($2.20) | $3.92 | - 44% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €10 ($10) | $18 | - 44% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | €3.18 ($3.34) | $2.89 | + 16% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.29 ($1.36) | $2.62 | - 48% | |
Housing | - 21% | |||
Housing in Netherlands is 21% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €2,118 ($2,225) | $2,770 | - 20% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,684 ($1,769) | $2,033 | - 13% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €222 ($233) | $227 | + 3% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,455 ($1,529) | $2,059 | - 26% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €1,154 ($1,212) | $1,452 | - 17% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €175 ($184) | $167 | + 10% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €39 ($41) | $59 | - 31% | |
40” flat screen tv | €382 ($401) | $246 | + 63% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €168 ($176) | $149 | + 18% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €10 ($11) | $15 | - 26% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | €18 ($19) | $34 | - 43% | |
Clothes | + 13% | |||
Clothes in Netherlands is 13% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €102 ($107) | $55 | + 95% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €34 ($35) | $51 | - 31% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €107 ($113) | $105 | + 7% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €152 ($160) | $139 | + 15% | |
Transportation | + 29% | |||
Transportation in Netherlands is 29% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €34,961 ($36,724) | $30,497 | + 20% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €2.03 ($2.13) | $0.93 | + 130% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | €91 ($95) | $78 | + 22% | |
Personal Care | - 43% | |||
Personal Care in Netherlands is 43% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €2.55 ($2.68) | $9 | - 72% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €14 ($14) | $22 | - 34% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €53 ($56) | $156 | - 64% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €5.67 ($5.96) | $9 | - 35% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €4.23 ($4.44) | $5.28 | - 16% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €4.31 ($4.53) | $7 | - 36% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.98 ($2.08) | $5.05 | - 59% | |
Tube of toothpaste | €2.67 ($2.81) | $2.42 | + 16% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €30 ($31) | $30 | + 5% | |
Entertainment | - 8% | |||
Entertainment in Netherlands is 8% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Netherlands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €55 ($58) | $61 | - 5% | |
2 tickets to the movies | €30 ($31) | $29 | + 6% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €243 ($255) | $220 | + 16% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €68 ($71) | $103 | - 31% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €14 ($15) | $15 | - 3% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €4.23 ($4.44) | $6 | - 26% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €6 ($6) | $7 | - 14% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €480 ($504) | $491 | + 3% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.55 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | €47 ($49) | $62 | - 21% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €12 ($13) | $11 | + 22% | |
TOTAL | - 8% |

These prices were last updated on February 16, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.050
USD
/
EUR
Cost of living in Netherlands is 8% cheaper than in United States
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