For years, the Netherlands has been one of the most popular destinations for Polish people seeking work abroad. Attractive hourly wages, a high standard of living, a stable labour market and the relatively short distance from Poland make thousands of people decide to move to the Land of Tulips. However, in the face of global inflation and the housing crisis, one question becomes crucial: how much does everyday life in this country really cost? Do high wages still allow people to save significant amounts of money? To plan your move properly, you need to carefully consider real expenses.
Accommodation costs – the biggest budget challenge
Housing is currently the most serious problem faced by people coming to the Netherlands. The country has been struggling for years with a major shortage of residential properties, driven by high demand. Renting a modest room in a smaller city costs around EUR 400–600 per month. If you dream of living alone, in a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, you need to be ready to spend around EUR 1,000–1,800 per month, excluding utility bills.
On top of that, landlords often impose additional requirements that make it harder for new workers to get started:
Deposit – usually equal to one or two months’ rent, paid upfront.
Income requirement – many private landlords expect tenants to present an employment contract and prove income equal to three or even four times the monthly rent.
Furnishing – some apartments on the secondary market are offered unfurnished, which generates additional initial costs.
The most expensive cities in the Netherlands – where will you pay the most for living and rent?
The location you choose as your new place to live has a key impact on your budget. The Randstad region, which includes the country’s largest cities, clearly generates the highest costs. When analysing the most expensive cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam comes first. The capital attracts tourists and students from all over the world, which has pushed rental prices to very high levels, often above EUR 2,000 for a medium-sized apartment.
Right behind Amsterdam are other major urban centres:
Utrecht – a university city where demand for rooms and small apartments drastically exceeds supply.
Rotterdam – a modern metropolis where the prices of services and accommodation are constantly rising due to the rapid development of the technology and industrial sectors.
The Hague – the seat of the government and many international institutions, which means the cost of living there is close to the levels known from the capital.
When choosing these locations, you should keep in mind that everyday expenses and entertainment may be up to 20–30% higher than in the provinces or in the eastern part of the country, for example in Groningen, Drenthe or Friesland.
Daily shopping and food – how much does a basket of basic products cost?
Grocery shopping is another regular item in any cost-of-living analysis. Food prices in the Netherlands are moderate in relation to local average wages, but for people converting euros into Polish złoty, they may seem quite high. Sample prices of food products in Dutch supermarkets are as follows:
Bread (loaf): EUR 1.20–2.50
Milk (1 litre): EUR 1.10–1.50
Eggs (10 pieces): EUR 2.50–3.50
Chicken breast fillet (1 kg): EUR 10.00–13.00
Potatoes (1 kg): EUR 1.50
Ground coffee (500 g): EUR 5.00–8.00
The choice of shop is very important here. By shopping at discount stores such as Lidl or Aldi, you can save up to 30% compared with shopping at the popular but more expensive Albert Heijn chain.
How to save money in the Netherlands? Proven ways to reduce everyday expenses
A high standard of living does not have to mean an empty bank account at the end of the month. If you are wondering how to save money in the Netherlands, it is worth adopting a few habits that the Dutch themselves practise every day:
Switch to a bicycle: This is an absolute must. The Netherlands has excellent cycling infrastructure. Giving up a car and public transport in favour of a bike can save you more than EUR 100 per month on commuting alone.
Shop smart: Take advantage of frequent “1+1 free” promotions and buy private-label products. It is also worth visiting local markets near the end of the trading day, when prices drop significantly.
Apply for allowances (toeslagen): If your income does not exceed a certain threshold, you may be entitled to apply for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) or rent allowance (huurtoeslag). This is real financial support from the state, which can increase your monthly budget by more than EUR 100.
Work with employer-provided accommodation on europa.jobs as the key to saving money
The most effective way to reduce the biggest expense, which is undoubtedly rent, is to find a job that offers employer-provided accommodation. europa.jobs is a trusted platform where hundreds of job offers in the Netherlands with accommodation for workers appear every day.
By choosing a safe job offer on europa.jobs, you benefit in three ways:
No deposit: You do not need to have thousands of euros in savings at the start to pay a deposit to a private landlord.
Logistical convenience: Agency accommodation is usually located close to the workplace, which eliminates high daily commuting costs.
Low costs: The room fee is most often deducted directly from your salary on preferential terms, allowing you to save a larger part of your earnings without stress.
Is emigrating to the Netherlands still worth it?
Although the overall cost of living in the Netherlands has increased in recent years and the most expensive cities in the Netherlands may discourage people with their rental prices, moving to this country still remains one of the most financially worthwhile decisions for many people. The key to success, however, is proper planning and knowing how to save money in the Netherlands. By choosing a job with accommodation organised by the employer – which you can easily find on europa.jobs – you eliminate the biggest financial barrier at the very beginning. This allows you to fully enjoy high wages and achieve your financial goals.
Related articles:
- Earnings & Life in the Netherlands: 2026 Guide by europa.jobs
- Public Transport in Germany and the Netherlands – A Guide for New Residents
FAQ
Is life in the Netherlands more expensive than in Poland?
Yes, especially when it comes to renting, transport and services. At the same time, wages are significantly higher, which is why many people are still able to save considerable amounts of money.
Is it difficult to find accommodation in the Netherlands?
Yes. The housing crisis makes finding a room or apartment in large cities difficult and very expensive.
Can you live in the Netherlands without a car?
Yes. Most residents use bicycles and public transport, both of which are very well developed.
Is emigrating to the Netherlands still worth it?
For many people, yes — especially with stable employment and reasonable control over expenses. The biggest challenge at the moment remains the cost of accommodation.
