Netherlands relocation budget 2026: Complete cost breakdown
€8k-€15k pre-arrival costs | Monthly living by city | Salary calculator | Verified case studies
Quick summary
Moving to the Netherlands costs more than most expats expect. Real reports from 2025-2026 show families spending €25,000-€40,000 on the entire move (upfront plus first 6 months). Singles typically budget €15,000-€25,000. This guide breaks down every cost from IND fees to furniture and shows you exactly how much you need to save, by city, before arriving.
Bottom line:
- With job: Save €6,000-€10,000 minimum before arrival
- Without job: Budget €12,000-€18,000
- Plan for 6 months of tight budgeting after arrival
Table of contents
Section 1: Pre-arrival costs (one-time, must be paid before arrival)
This is the money you need in your bank account before you arrive in the Netherlands. These are not monthly expenses but one-time, upfront costs.
Immigration and legal costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IND residence permit fee | €254-€423 | HSM €423, family reunion €254 |
| Lawyer consultation (optional) | €0-€500 | Often free first consultation |
| Document translation/certification | €200-€600 | If documents need translation |
| Apostille/legalisation | €50-€200 | For overseas documents |
| Subtotal | €554-€1,723 |
Related: See our work permits guide for detailed visa requirements, partner visa guide for bringing family members, and immigration lawyers guide for legal support options.
Housing costs (before arrival)
This is the biggest upfront cost. In the Netherlands, landlords require deposits and typically want payment upfront before you move in.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing deposit (1-2 months rent) | €1,200-€4,000 | Usually 1.5x to 2x monthly rent |
| First month's rent | €800-€2,500 | Amsterdam higher, Groningen lower |
| Rental agent fee (if applicable) | €0-€1,500 | Often 1 month's rent if using agent |
| Subtotal for housing | €2,000-€8,000 |
Real example (Amsterdam):
- Monthly rent: €1,800
- Deposit: €3,600 (2x monthly)
- First month: €1,800
- Agent fee: €1,800
- Total needed upfront: €7,200
Related: See our housing crisis guide, housing platforms guide, and rental scams guide for finding safe, affordable housing.
Temporary accommodation (while house hunting)
If you arrive before securing permanent housing (common), budget for temporary housing.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb/short-term rental (2-4 weeks) | €1,200-€3,000 | €40-€100/night depending on city |
| Hostel/corporate housing (week 1-2) | €400-€800 | Cheaper option while flat hunting |
| Hotel (emergency backup) | €80-€150/night | Use only if necessary |
| Typical subtotal | €1,500-€2,500 | Plan for 2-4 weeks |
Pro tip: Many companies offer relocation packages that cover 2-4 weeks of temporary housing. Check if yours does before arriving. Saves €1,500+.
Furniture and household setup
This depends on whether you rent furnished or unfurnished. For complete furniture shopping strategies and detailed budget breakdowns, see our Furniture Guide for Expats.
Unfurnished apartment (typical in Netherlands):
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bed frame and mattress | €400-€800 | IKEA budget €400, quality €800+ |
| Sofa | €300-€1,000 | Can start cheap, upgrade later |
| Dining table and chairs | €200-€500 | Basic setup |
| Kitchen appliances | €300-€800 | Microwave, kettle, coffee maker |
| Cookware, dishes, utensils | €150-€400 | Pots, pans, plates, cutlery |
| Lighting | €100-€300 | Important in dark Dutch winters |
| Washing machine | €400-€900 | Many apartments don't have one |
| Miscellaneous (cleaning, bathroom, storage) | €300-€750 | Vacuum, hangers, organizers, etc. |
| Subtotal unfurnished | €2,050-€5,250 |
Furnished apartment (more expensive rent, but cheaper setup):
Still budget €500-€1,000 for bedding, cookware, and personal items
Option: Buy used furniture
- IKEA second-hand (Facebook Marketplace, Marktplaats)
- Can save 40-60% vs new
- Subtotal for used: €800-€1,500
Related: See our Furniture Guide for IKEA delivery costs, Marktplaats negotiation tips, and room-by-room shopping lists.
Transportation setup
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle (essential!) | €100-€300 | Budget €100, quality €200+; theft common |
| Bike lock | €30-€80 | Must be sturdy (AXA or better) |
| OV-chipkaart (public transport) | €0 | Card free, load money onto it |
| First month public transport credit | €50-€100 | Amsterdam €100, smaller cities €50 |
| Subtotal transport | €180-€480 |
Related: See our cycling guide, cycling safety guide, and OV-chipkaart guide for transportation essentials.
Registration and admin (one-time fees)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN registration | €0 | Free at gemeente/municipality |
| Health insurance first month | €140-€180 | Mandatory, paid monthly |
| DigiD setup | €0 | Free, online |
| Bank account opening | €0 | Free at most banks |
| Subtotal admin | €140-€180 |
Related: See our BSN registration guide, health insurance guide, and banking comparison.
Total pre-arrival costs summary
Single person, job lined up:
- Immigration: €554-€1,723
- Housing: €3,500-€6,500
- Temporary housing: €1,500-€2,500
- Furniture (new): €1,500-€3,000
- Transport: €300-€500
- Admin/utilities: €200-€300
- TOTAL: €7,554-€14,523
Single person, no job:
Same as above, plus 2-4 months buffer:
€13,000-€22,000
Family of 2, job lined up:
- Immigration (2 people): €508-€846
- Housing (larger): €4,000-€8,000
- Temporary housing: €2,000-€3,500
- Furniture: €2,500-€5,000
- Transport (2 bikes): €400-€800
- Admin/utilities: €300-€400
- TOTAL: €9,708-€18,546
Family with 2 children:
- Immigration (4 people): €1,016-€1,692
- Housing (3-4 bedroom): €5,000-€10,000
- Childcare setup: €500-€1,500
- Furniture: €3,500-€6,000
- Transport: €500-€1,000
- School fees: €0-€500
- TOTAL: €10,516-€20,692
Section 2: Monthly living expenses by city (2026)
Once you're settled, what does it cost to live? Here's the breakdown by major city.
Amsterdam
Cost of living: €2,450-€2,800/month (single person, medium lifestyle)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | |
| 1-bed apartment, city center | €2,000-€2,500 |
| 1-bed apartment, outer ring | €1,500-€1,800 |
| Food | |
| Groceries (1 person/month) | €250-€350 |
| Restaurant meal (mid-range) | €20-€25 |
| Transportation | |
| GVB tram/bus monthly | €100 |
| Bike maintenance | €10-€20/month |
| Utilities and internet | |
| Gas and electricity | €80-€150 |
| Water | €20-€30 |
| Internet and phone | €40-€60 |
| Healthcare | |
| Health insurance (basic) | €140-€170 |
| Copay/medications (estimate) | €20-€50 |
| Entertainment and miscellaneous | |
| Gym membership | €30-€50 |
| Drinks/dining out | €80-€150 |
| Shopping, personal care | €100-€200 |
| Total monthly | €2,450-€2,800 |
Related: See our Amsterdam expat services guide for city-specific information.
Rotterdam
€1,950-€2,200/month (30% cheaper than Amsterdam)
- 1-bed city center: €1,300-€1,600
- 1-bed good neighborhood: €1,100-€1,400
- Food/transport/utilities: €650-€750
- Other: €400-€550
Utrecht
€2,200-€2,500/month (15% cheaper than Amsterdam)
- 1-bed city center: €1,500-€1,800
- 1-bed outer: €1,200-€1,400
- Everything else: €700-€900
Groningen
€1,800-€2,000/month (most affordable major city)
- 1-bed apartment: €900-€1,200
- Everything else: €900-€1,000
The Hague
€2,100-€2,400/month (government city)
- 1-bed apartment: €1,400-€1,700
- Everything else: €700-€800
Eindhoven
€1,900-€2,100/month (tech city)
- 1-bed apartment: €1,100-€1,300
- Everything else: €800-€900
City comparison tool: See our choosing a Dutch city guide for detailed comparisons of all major cities including childcare costs, integration rankings, and lifestyle trade-offs.
Section 4: Salary sufficiency calculator
This is the question everyone asks: "Is my salary enough to live on?"
The math
Gross salary → Net salary → Living expenses → Money left over
Step 1: Gross to net (without 30% ruling)
Use formula: Gross × 0.75 = approximate net
| Gross | Approx. net | After-tax |
|---|---|---|
| €3,000 | €2,250 | ~25% tax |
| €3,500 | €2,600 | ~26% tax |
| €4,000 | €2,950 | ~26% tax |
| €5,000 | €3,650 | ~27% tax |
| €5,942 (HSM threshold) | €4,300-€4,500 | ~28% tax |
Step 2: Subtract living costs (Amsterdam example)
Monthly: €2,450-€2,800 (housing + food + transport + utilities + insurance + entertainment)
| Gross | Net | Living cost | Leftover |
|---|---|---|---|
| €3,000 | €2,250 | €2,500 | -€250 (DEFICIT) |
| €3,500 | €2,600 | €2,500 | +€100 (TIGHT) |
| €4,000 | €2,950 | €2,500 | +€450 (OK) |
| €5,000 | €3,650 | €2,500 | +€1,150 (GOOD) |
| €5,942 | €4,300 | €2,500 | +€1,800 (COMFORTABLE) |
With 30% ruling (tax-free benefit)
If you qualify for the 30% ruling, 30% of your gross is tax-free.
Example: €5,000 gross with 30% ruling
- 30% of €5,000 = €1,500 (tax-free)
- Remaining €3,500 at normal tax = €2,625 after tax
- Total net: €4,125 (vs. €3,650 without ruling)
- Difference: +€475/month
Related: See our 30% ruling guide and 30% ruling calculator for detailed information.
Is your salary enough? Quick reference
€3,000/month:
- ❌ Amsterdam: INSUFFICIENT (you'll run a deficit)
- ⚠️ Rotterdam: VERY TIGHT (need savings buffer)
- ⚠️ Groningen: TIGHT (possible but stressful)
€3,500/month:
- ⚠️ Amsterdam: TIGHT (barely, need roommate or cheap housing)
- ✅ Rotterdam: OK (possible, modest lifestyle)
- ✅ Groningen: COMFORTABLE
€4,000/month:
- ✅ Amsterdam: OK (modest lifestyle, may need roommate)
- ✅ Rotterdam: GOOD (normal lifestyle)
- ✅ Groningen: VERY COMFORTABLE
€5,000/month:
- ✅ Amsterdam: GOOD (comfortable lifestyle, save money)
- ✅ Rotterdam: VERY GOOD (save €1,450/month)
- ✅ Groningen: EXCELLENT (save €2,000/month)
€5,942/month (HSM threshold):
- ✅ Amsterdam: COMFORTABLE (save €1,800/month)
- ✅ Rotterdam: EXCELLENT (save €2,700/month)
- ✅ Groningen: EXCELLENT (save €3,900/month)
Use our calculator: Cost of living calculator to calculate your exact budget based on your situation.
Section 5: Cost-saving strategies
Real tactics from expats who moved in 2025-2026:
Housing
1. Get a roommate
Save: €400-€800/month. Example: €2,000 2-bed split = €1,000 each instead of €2,000
2. Live in outer neighborhoods
Amsterdam outer ring: €1,500 instead of €2,500 (save €1,000). Still easy access via public transport
3. Move to cheaper city nearby
Live in Rotterdam, work in Amsterdam (1 hour train). Save €500-€1,000/month on rent minus €50-€100 train pass. Net save: €400-€900/month
4. Negotiate rent
Dutch landlords often negotiate if you offer long-term lease, no agent, early payment. Potential save: €50-€200/month
Related: See our rent vs buy guide and Huurcommissie rent challenge guide.
Food
1. Shop at budget supermarkets
Lidl, Aldi: €180-€200/month (vs. Albert Heijn €300+). Save: €100-€120/month
2. Cook at home, limit eating out
Restaurant meal: €20-€25. Home-cooked: €3-€5. Limiting to 1x per week saves: €80-€100/month
3. Buy secondhand kitchen items
Facebook Marketplace, kringloopwinkels. Save: €200-€500 on initial setup
Transportation
1. Use bike instead of public transport
Monthly OV-chipkaart: €100. Bike cost: €100 (one-time), maintenance €10/month. Save: €90/month after first month
2. Don't own a car
Car costs: €300-€600/year insurance, €200-€300/month fuel, €50-€200/month parking. Not owning saves: €300-€400/month
Major savings opportunities
Get 30% ruling (if eligible):
Extra net income: €400-€700/month depending on salary. This is huge and worth it alone to stay in Netherlands.
Get relocation support from employer:
Can cover: temporary housing (€1,500-€3,000), visa fees (€500), shipping (€5,000-€10,000). Total possible subsidy: €7,000-€13,000
Section 6: Real budget examples (case studies)
Case study 1: Single professional, Amsterdam, HSM visa
Salary: €5,500 gross/month (HSM, no 30% ruling)
Pre-arrival costs:
- IND fee: €423
- Housing: €4,500
- Temporary: €1,200
- Furniture: €2,000
- Transport/setup: €500
- Total: €8,623
Monthly budget:
- Rent: €2,000
- Food: €300
- Transport: €50
- Utilities: €100
- Insurance: €150
- Entertainment: €150
- Total: €2,750
- Net: €4,100 | Leftover: €1,350/month
- Assessment: ✅ COMFORTABLE
Case study 2: Couple, Rotterdam, both on HSM
Combined salary: €11,000 gross/month
Pre-arrival costs:
- IND fees: €846
- Housing (2-bed): €5,000
- Temporary: €1,800
- Furniture: €3,500
- Transport: €600
- Total: €11,746
Monthly budget:
- Rent: €2,500
- Food: €500
- Transport: €100
- Utilities: €150
- Insurance: €300
- Entertainment: €300
- Total: €3,850
- Combined net: €8,000 | Leftover: €4,150/month
- Assessment: ✅ VERY COMFORTABLE
Case study 3: Family (2 adults + 2 kids), Utrecht
Salary: €6,000 HSM + €1,500 spouse (part-time)
Pre-arrival costs:
- IND fees (family): €1,300
- Housing (3-bed): €6,000
- Temporary (4 weeks): €2,500
- Furniture: €4,000
- Childcare setup: €500
- Transport (3 bikes): €800
- Total: €15,100
Monthly budget (after spouse works):
- Rent: €2,500
- Food (family): €600
- Childcare: €1,200
- Transport: €150
- Utilities: €200
- Insurance: €400
- Entertainment: €300
- Total: €5,350
- Net: €7,500 | Leftover: €2,150/month
- Assessment: ✅ OK (tight first 6 months)
Related: See our childcare costs guide, family guide, and partner support guide.
FAQ: Budget questions
What is the minimum amount I should save before moving to Netherlands in 2026?
With a job lined up: €8,000-€12,000 to cover pre-arrival costs plus 2 months buffer. Without a job: €15,000-€25,000 for 4-6 months living expenses. Add €3,000+ for families and €5,000+ if shipping belongings internationally.
Is €3,500 gross salary enough to live in Amsterdam in 2026?
€3,500 gross (€2,600 net) is very tight in Amsterdam where living costs are €2,450-€2,800/month. You would need cheap housing (roommate or outer ring), minimal entertainment, and savings buffer. Target €4,000+ for Amsterdam or consider Rotterdam/Utrecht.
How much are housing deposits in Netherlands?
Housing deposits are typically 1.5-2x monthly rent. Amsterdam examples: €1,800 rent = €3,600 deposit. You pay deposit plus first month upfront (€5,400 total). Budget €2,000-€8,000 total for housing setup depending on city.
What are monthly living costs by city in Netherlands 2026?
Amsterdam: €2,450-€2,800/month. Rotterdam: €1,950-€2,200/month (30% cheaper housing). Utrecht: €2,200-€2,500/month. Groningen: €1,800-€2,000/month (most affordable). Includes rent, food, transport, utilities, insurance, and modest entertainment.
Should I bring furniture from my home country to Netherlands?
Usually no. Shipping costs €5,000-€13,000 plus 19% VAT on shipped goods. Buying new/used furniture in Netherlands costs €2,000-€5,000, saving €3,000-€8,000 vs shipping. Exception: high-value heirlooms worth the cost. See our [Furniture Guide](/guides/furniture-guide-netherlands-expats) for detailed budget breakdowns.
How much does unfurnished apartment setup cost in Netherlands?
Unfurnished apartment setup: €2,050-€5,250 for bed, sofa, kitchen appliances, cookware, lighting, and basics. Buying used via Marktplaats/Facebook saves 40-60%, costing €800-€1,500 instead. Furnished apartments cost €500-€1,000 for personal items only. Learn more in our [Furniture Guide](/guides/furniture-guide-netherlands-expats).
What hidden costs should I budget for in first 6 months in Netherlands?
Budget €1,500-€3,500 for: winter heating €40-€80/month, seasonal clothing €200-€500, healthcare deductibles €385, social/networking €100-€200, language courses €300-€600, visa renewals, furniture replacements, and bank transfer fees.
How do I calculate if my salary is sufficient for Netherlands?
Formula: Gross salary × 0.75 = net (without 30% ruling). Subtract monthly living costs by city. Amsterdam needs €4,000+ gross for comfortable living, Rotterdam €3,500+, Groningen €3,000+. With 30% ruling, add €400-€700/month net income. See our salary calculator and 30% ruling guide.
Summary: The real cost of moving to Netherlands
Single person:
- Pre-arrival: €7,500-€14,500
- First 6 months living: €13,500-€16,800
- Total: €21,000-€31,300
- Salary needed: €4,000+ gross/month
Couple:
- Pre-arrival: €9,700-€18,500
- First 6 months living: €22,000-€28,000
- Total: €31,700-€46,500
- Salary needed: €7,000+ gross combined
Family (2 kids):
- Pre-arrival: €10,500-€20,700
- First 6 months living: €30,000-€40,000
- Total: €40,500-€60,700
- Salary needed: €8,000+ gross combined
Bottom line: Underfunded moves cause stress, debt, and failure. Budget conservatively and plan to stay 2+ years to justify the costs.
Related resources
Complete moving guide
Comprehensive checklist and timeline for moving to Netherlands
Cost of living calculator
Calculate your exact budget based on your situation and city
Housing affordability calculator
Check if you can afford housing in your target city
City comparison guide
Compare costs, lifestyle, and integration across Dutch cities
This guide is based on verified 2026 costs from Expatica, NLCompass calculator data, Robin.jobs, Dutch government sources, and real reports from expats who moved in 2025-2026. Information current as of February 9, 2026.