What is the cheapest city to live in the Netherlands?

Pekela in the Groningen province is considered the cheapest municipality for housing in the Netherlands, with average home prices under €250,400 as of 2024. Other affordable, non-Randstad areas with lower costs include Oldambt (Groningen), and cities in the Zeeland region like Vlissingen or Middelburg.

What is the most affordable city in the Netherlands?

Which cities are the most affordable on a budget? Amstelveen, Hilversum, and Zaandam are good options for people who want to save on living expenses while remaining close to Amsterdam. Those looking for more affordable housing closer to The Hague or Rotterdam can look into living in smaller cities like Delft or Gouda.

Is it cheaper to live in the UK or Netherlands?

London is definitely more expensive than Amsterdam. The income to housing price ratio for renting is about the same without the 30% ruling. Everyday living is about 20% higher in price according to Numbeo. This doesn't include the fact that my income tax is 10% higher in the NL once my 30% ruling ends.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in the Netherlands?

In total, most individuals will need between €1,300 and €1,800 per month to live comfortably. While this is higher than in countries like Greece, Portugal, or Lithuania, nurses in the Netherlands also earn significantly more, and many costs are better covered or reimbursed.

What is the downside of moving to the Netherlands?

Con - Accommodation Can Be Expensive

Like a lot of places around the world, the Netherlands is currently dealing with a housing shortage. It's hard to find accommodation because all of the available accommodation is quite expensive, especially when you try and live inside the city limits.

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What is the 30% rule in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands' 30% ruling is a tax advantage for highly skilled international employees, allowing employers to pay up to 30% of their gross salary tax-free for up to five years to cover "extraterritorial costs" (moving expenses/extra living costs). Key conditions include recruitment from abroad, specific expertise needed in the Netherlands, and meeting a minimum taxable salary threshold (e.g., €46,660 for most in 2025). The ruling is being phased out, with a scaling-back (30-20-10) applied in recent years and a new flat 27% rate planned from 2027, though 30% still applies for 2025-2026.
 

Is it easy for Brits to move to the Netherlands?

Moving to the Netherlands after Brexit

An employer in the Netherlands can only offer a job to a non-EU candidate if they are able to prove that no EU-based candidates were available or suitable. If you are a 'highly skilled migrant' then the process is a bit easier, as you don't need a work permit.

Is healthcare free in the Netherlands?

Is healthcare free in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has universal healthcare, but the government requires all adults living or working in the Netherlands to have basic insurance. The basic plan will cost € 100-120 out of pocket.

Is it okay to speak English in the Netherlands?

Everyone speaks English

Although the official language is Dutch, almost 95% of the population speaks English. Therefore, not knowing Dutch isn't an issue! Learning Dutch is difficult because the Dutch people are eager to speak English.

How to live cheaply in the Netherlands?

Try to live as close to your work or school as possible. This will save you on transportation costs. Cook at home as much as possible. Eating out can be expensive in the Netherlands.

What country has the lowest cost of living in the world?

The cheapest countries in the world are Pakistan, Egypt, and Bhutan. To live comfortably in one of these states, a person needs under $400 per month. These countries, however, are unconventional choices for expats and digital nomads because of their low levels of safety and quality of life.

What is included in the social security in the Netherlands?

The national insurance scheme provides nationwide government support with benefits such as old-age pension (AOW), child benefit (AKW), survivor benefit (AWW), and the long-term care act (WIz).

Can I live in the Netherlands as an UK citizen?

Yes, you can move to Amsterdam from the UK as long as you're able to meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. However, due to Brexit, UK passport holders are now considered third country nationals.

What is the happiest city in the Netherlands?

​Groningen - The Netherlands Happiest City

​Tucked away in the far northeast corner of the Netherlands is the erstwhile Hanseatic city of Groningen, a charming provincial capital with bubbling arts scene.

What is the safest city in the Netherlands?

Amsterdam was listed as one of the top six safest cities worldwide in the Safe cities list of The Economist. In this index, Amsterdam scored highly for both infrastructure and personal safety. Students also indicate that they view Amsterdam as a safe place to live.

What is the 30% rule for expats in the Netherlands?

Highly educated foreign nationals working in the Netherlands (expats) may be eligible for an annual tax-free allowance from their employer of up to 30% of their salary. This tax benefit is intended to compensate employees for the additional expenses they incur, such as those relating to travel or furnishing a home.

Is it easy to get a job in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers Indian professionals a unique combination of career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a high quality of life. With a growing demand for skilled talent in IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and research, there are ample jobs in the Netherlands for Indians.

Do the Dutch prefer Holland or the Netherlands?

Many Dutch people object to the country being referred to as Holland instead of the Netherlands, on much the same grounds as many Welsh or Scottish people object to the United Kingdom being referred to as England.

What benefits can I claim in the Netherlands?

You can apply for the healthcare benefit, rent benefit and supplementary child benefit for a certain year up to 31 December of the following year. You may, for example, apply for a benefit for 2025 until 31 December 2026, and you can apply for a benefit for 2026 until 31 December 2027.

Which country has the best universal healthcare in the world?

According to the latest 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Taiwan once again ranks as the country with the best healthcare in the world, maintaining its top position with an overall score of 78.72. South Korea (77.7) and Australia (74.11) remain in second and third place, respectively.

Does Holland have an NHS?

The Netherlands has a dual-level system. All primary and curative care (i.e. the family doctor service and hospitals and clinics) is financed from private mandatory insurance.

What is the 5 year rule in the Netherlands?

Foreign citizens can apply for Dutch citizenship if they have lived in the Netherlands legally for at least 5 years.

Can I move to the Netherlands without a job offer?

To be eligible for a work visa in the Netherlands, you must obtain a job offer from a Dutch employer, who must also be a recognized sponsor.

What is the easiest country for British people to move to?

Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are among the most popular visa-free destinations for UK citizens—all except the USA are members of the Commonwealth Nations. But in light of political instability, British citizens seek options in the EU more often.