How Much Does It Cost to Live in the Netherlands in 2025?

The cost of living in Netherlands is something every student should plan for before moving or planning to study in Netherlands. On average, international students spend about 1,500 (INR 1,00,000– INR1,35,000) per month in Netherlands.  

Here’s the breakdown of money spent in the Netherlands: 

• Housing: €500 (₹45,000) in student housing to €1,800 (₹1.6 lakh) in Amsterdam 
• Food: Groceries are affordable; meals cost €15–€30 (₹1,350–₹2,700) 
• Transport: €105–€150 (₹9,500–₹13,500) for a monthly pass or €150–€300 (₹13,500–₹27,000) for a used bike 

In this blog, we’ll cover housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and additional expenses across Dutch cities, so you know exactly what to expect and how to budget wisely. 

Also Read: Best Universities in Netherlands

What is the average monthly cost of living in the Netherlands? 

Living in the Netherlands can be costly, but expenses vary by lifestyle and city. On average, a single person spends around €1,200–€1,600 (INR 1,08,000–1,44,000) per month, excluding rent.  

Here are the monthly expenses: 

Expense Category	Average Cost (EUR)	Average Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom in city center)	€1,500	INR 1,35,000
Rent (1-bedroom outside the center)	€1,100	INR 99,000
Student housing (shared)	€500	INR 45,000
Food & groceries	€350–€500	INR 31,500–45,000
Eating out (mid-range meal)	€30	INR 2,700
Public transport pass	€105–€150	INR 9,450–13,500
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)	€200	INR 18,000
Entertainment & other	€150–€250	INR 13,500–22,500

These numbers give a fair idea of how much you’ll spend every month. To cut costs, students often share housing and rely on bikes for daily travel, which is both cheap and convenient. 

What is the average monthly cost for a working professional? 

The cost of living for working professionals depends a lot on their city and salary level. Professionals in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam usually spend €2,000–€2,800 (INR 1,80,000–2,52,000) a month, including rent, 

Here’s a breakdown of average net salaries by profession: 

Profession	Average Net Salary (EUR)	Average Net Salary (INR)
Software Engineer	€4,200	INR 3,78,000
Architect	€3,800	INR 3,42,000
Marketing Manager	€4,000	INR 3,60,000
Nurse	€3,000	INR 2,70,000
Teacher	€2,900	INR 2,61,000
Accountant	€3,200	INR 2,88,000
Administrative Assistant	€2,500	INR 2,25,000

With these salaries, most professionals can cover their monthly expenses and still save a good amount, especially if they budget well or live outside high-cost cities like Amsterdam. 

Explore the fully funded scholarships in Netherlands and secure your chance to study abroad with financial support. 

How expensive is accommodation in Dutch cities? 

The cost of rent in the Netherlands depends a lot on where you live. Big cities are more costly, while smaller towns are usually cheaper.  

Here are the average monthly rents: 

Apartment Type	Avg. Rent (EUR)	Average Rent in INR
1-Bedroom in City Center	€1,250	INR 1,12,500
1-Bedroom Outside Center	€950	INR 85,500
3-Bedroom in City Center	€2,000	INR 1,80,000
3-Bedroom Outside Center	€1,550	INR 1,39,500

Rents in Amsterdam or Rotterdam can be 20–30% higher than in smaller cities. 

What are the rental prices in smaller cities like Groningen or Leiden? 

Smaller cities like Groningen, Leiden, and Eindhoven are easier on the pocket. Many students prefer them because housing is more affordable. 

Student Housing 

• Rooms in shared student housing: €400–€600 (₹36,000–54,000). 
• Shared flats: start at €500 (₹45,000) per month. 

1-Bedroom Apartments 

• In Groningen or Leiden: €800–€1,000 (₹72,000–90,000) 
• Cheaper if you live outside the city center 

Smaller cities let you save on rent while still giving a good student life and access to universities. 

Check out the best jobs in Netherlands to explore opportunities for Indian students and kickstart your career abroad. 

How much do groceries and food cost in the Netherlands? 

Food costs depend on where you shop and whether you cook at home or eat out.  

Here’s an idea of average grocery and meal prices: 

Item	Avg. Price (EUR)	Avg. price in INR
1 liter milk	€1.10	INR 100
Bread (500g)	€2.20	INR 200
Eggs (12)	€3.20	INR 290
Chicken (1kg)	€9.00	INR 810
Rice (1kg)	€2.00	INR 180
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	€15	INR 1,350
Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant	€60	INR 5,400

Hence, in the Netherlands, cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out regularly. 

Are supermarket chains like Albert Heijn and Lidl affordable? 

Dutch supermarkets vary a lot in price. Lidl and Aldi are budget-friendly, while Albert Heijn is known to be a bit pricier. 

Albert Heijn 

• Wide product variety but 10–15% costlier 
• Convenient locations in almost every city 

Lidl and Aldi 

• Cheapest options for students 
• Good quality basics, fresh produce, and budget weekly deals 

Jumbo 

• Mid-range supermarket, prices between Lidl and Albert Heijn 
• Popular for both local and international brands 

Students usually mix shopping, basics from Lidl or Aldi, and specialty items from Albert Heijn. 

What are the transportation expenses in the Netherlands? 

Transportation in the Netherlands is reliable and varied. Students and residents usually choose between public transport, bikes, or cars.  

Below is a detailed cost comparison. 

Mode of Transport	Appx.  Cost (€)	Appx. Cost in INR
Monthly Public Transport Pass	€85 – €100	INR 7,650 – INR 9,000
One-way Local Ticket	€3 – €4	INR 270 – INR 360
Train Ticket (Amsterdam–Rotterdam)	€17 – €20	INR 1,530 – INR 1,800
Taxi (per km)	€2.50 – €3	INR 225 – INR 270
Taxi Base Fare	€7 – €8	INR 630 – INR 720
Gasoline (per liter)	€2.00 – €2.15	INR 180 – INR 195
Diesel (per liter)	€1.85 – €1.95	INR 165 – INR 175
Parking Fees (city center)	€3 – €5 per hour	INR 270 – INR 450
Monthly Parking Permit	€150 – €400	INR 13,500 – INR 36,000

Public transport and cycling remain the most cost-effective choices compared to high car ownership and fuel prices. 

What is the average expense of owning and maintaining a bicycle? 

Cycling is the cheapest and most popular mode of transport in Dutch cities. Costs vary depending on whether you buy a new or second-hand bike. 

Bicycle Expense Category	Approximate Cost (€)	Approximate Cost in INR
Second-hand Bicycle	€100 – €350	INR 9,000 – INR 31,500
New Bicycle	€400 – €1,000	INR 36,000 – INR 90,000
E-Bike (Electric)	€1,200 – €2,500	INR 1.08 – INR 2.25 lakh
Yearly Maintenance	€100 – €200	INR 9,000 – INR 18,000
Bike Parking (per hour)	€1 – €2	INR 90 – INR 180
Bike Theft Insurance	€5 – €10/month	INR 450 – INR 900

Even with maintenance and insurance, cycling is still the cheapest long-term transport option. 

How expensive is fuel and car ownership in the Netherlands? 

Owning a car in the Netherlands is costly due to high taxes, insurance, and parking fees. 

Car Expense Category	Appx. Cost in Euros (€)	Appx. Cost in INR
Petrol (per liter)	€2.00 – €2.15	INR 180 – 195
Diesel (per liter)	€1.85 – €1.95	INR 165 – 175
Car Insurance (monthly)	€50 – €120	INR 4,500 – 10,800
Road Tax (monthly)	€30 – €200	INR 2,700 – 18,000
Maintenance & Repairs (yearly)	€500 – €1,000	INR 45,000 – 90,000
Parking Fees (per hour)	€2 – €5	INR 180 – 450
Parking Permit (monthly)	€150 – €400	INR 13,500 – 36,000
Buying a New Car	€20,000 – €30,000	INR 18 – 27 lakhs

With such high recurring costs, cars are rarely the first choice for students and city residents. 

How much do utilities and internet cost per month? 

Monthly expenses for utilities and internet in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city, apartment size, and lifestyle.  

The following are the price ranges students and residents should expect. 

Expense Type	Appx. Monthly Charges (EUR)	Appx. Monthly Charges (INR)
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	€180 – €280	INR 16,500 – INR 25,700
Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	€35 – €55	INR 3,200 – INR 5,000
Mobile Plan (10 GB+ Data, Talk/SMS)	€15 – €30	INR 1,400 – INR 2,750

Hence, students and working professionals in the Netherlands should budget around €230–€365 (INR 21,100–33,500) each month for utilities and internet. 

What is the cost of health insurance in the Netherlands? 

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and residents.  

The following are monthly and yearly costs depending on the type of coverage and eligibility for subsidies: 

Type of Coverage	Monthly Cost (€ / INR)	Yearly Cost (€ / INR)
Basic Health Insurance	€135 (INR 12,300)	€1,620 (INR 1,47,600)
With Additional Coverage	€175 (INR 15,900)	€2,100 (INR 1,90,800)
With Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)	€55 (INR 5,000)	€660 (INR 60,000)

Most students should budget around €135 per month (INR 12,300) for basic health insurance, with optional coverage or subsidies adjusting the cost up or down. 

Are there any subsidies for students in Netherlands? 

International students in the Netherlands may qualify for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) offered by the Dutch government.  

The following are the details of this subsidy, which helps reduce the monthly insurance premium. 

• Eligibility: You must be over 18, legally registered in the Netherlands, and have Dutch health insurance. 
• Income Limit: Annual income should be below approximately. €37,500 (INR 34,50,000). 
• Allowance Range: €80–€110 per month (INR 7,300–10,000). 
• Application: Students can apply through the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst). 

With this allowance, the effective monthly cost for many students drops to around €40–€70 (INR 3,600–6,400) instead of the full €120–€150. 

Can scholarships and financial aid cover living costs? 

International students in the Netherlands can access several scholarships and financial aid programs. These can cover part of tuition and living expenses.  

The following table shows common scholarships and typical support amounts. 

Scholarship / Aid	Coverage (€ / INR)  Per Year
Holland Scholarship	€3,600 – €6,000 / INR 3,27,600 – 5,46,000
Orange Tulip Scholarship	€3,000 – €5,400 / INR 2,73,000 – 4,91,000
Erasmus+ Program Grant	€3,000 – €4,800 / INR 2,73,000 – 4,36,800
University Merit Scholarships (e.g., TU Delft, University of Amsterdam)	€3,600 – €7,200 / INR 3,27,600 – 6,54,000

These scholarships can help reduce living costs significantly, but most students still need extra personal funds to cover full expenses in the Netherlands. 

How much financial support is offered by Dutch universities? 

Dutch universities offer scholarships that can partially or fully cover tuition and sometimes help with living costs. The support varies by program, merit, and financial need. 

• Financial Reward:  €300 – €600 per month / INR 27,300 – 54,500 
• Full tuition coverage: Some merit-based scholarships cover 100% tuition, but living costs are usually separate 
• Merit-based awards: For top-performing students, often valid for 1–2 years 
• Need-based support: Limited, depends on university and student financial situation 
• Application process: Separate forms required; deadlines vary by program 

University scholarships can ease expenses, but students should still plan for remaining living costs to ensure a comfortable stay in the Netherlands. 

Can part-time income cover a student’s living costs in the Netherlands? 

Many international students take part-time jobs to help with living costs in the Netherlands. Based on recent data from Glassdoor, typical salaries vary by job type and location.  

The following table shows estimated monthly earnings. 

Part-Time Job	Hourly Wage (€ / INR)	Monthly Income (20 hrs/week) (€ / INR)
Retail / Supermarket	€10 – €12 / INR 910 – 1,090	€800 – €960 / INR 73,000 – 87,500
Café / Restaurant	€11 – €13 / INR 1,000 – 1,180	€880 – €1,040 / INR 80,000 – 95,000
Tutoring / Teaching Assistant	€12 – €16 / INR 1,090 – 1,450	€960 – €1,280 / INR 87,500 – 1,16,500
Internship / Office Assistant	€15 – €20 / INR 1,360 – 1,820	€1,200 – €1,600 / INR 1,09,000 – 1,45,000

Part-time income can cover some expenses like groceries, transport, and leisure, but students often need additional savings or scholarships to fully cover housing, utilities, and health insurance. 

Learn how part-time jobs for international students can help you earn, save, and gain valuable experience while studying abroad. 

How can international students save money in the Netherlands? 

Living in the Netherlands can be expensive, but international students can save money by making smart choices. From choosing affordable housing and cooking at home to using a bike and tracking expenses, there are many practical ways to reduce monthly costs without affecting your lifestyle.  

Following these tips can help students manage their budget effectively while still enjoying life in Dutch cities. 

• Choose affordable housing: Opt for student housing or smaller cities like Groningen or Maastricht to save €200–€500 per month (INR 18,200–45,500). 
• Cook at home: Buying groceries from Lidl or Albert Heijn and preparing meals can save €50–€100 per month (INR 4,500–9,100). 
• Use a bicycle: Cycling instead of public transport can save €50–€100 per month (INR 4,500–9,100) and is eco-friendly. 
• Compare transport options: Monthly public transport passes vary from €105–€150 (INR 9,600–13,800); check student discounts or multi-pass deals. 
• Reduce utility costs: Being energy-conscious and selecting affordable internet plans can save €20–€50 per month (INR 1,800–4,600). 
• Take advantage of student discounts: Museums, cinemas, restaurants, and transport often offer reduced rates with a student card. 
• Budget and track expenses: Use apps or simple spreadsheets to monitor spending and identify areas to save more. 

Applying these strategies, students can realistically save €300–€700 per month (INR 27,000–64,000) while studying in the Netherlands. 

Conclusion 

Living in the Netherlands can feel expensive, but students can manage costs by planning well. Choosing cheaper housing, cooking at home, and using a bike can save money. Knowing the costs for food, transport, utilities, and insurance helps avoid surprises. 

Scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial aid can help cover some expenses. Using these options together makes it easier to focus on studies while enjoying life in Dutch cities. 

upGrad can guide students on budgeting, finding scholarships, and planning their study abroad journey. Book a 1:1 free counselling session with upGrad Experts to get help and make your stay in the Netherlands smooth and affordable.