Cost of Living (2026)
One of the first questions every American asks me is: “Can I actually afford this?” So here’s a straight answer with real 2026 numbers — not the glossy version. Prices move (the Dutch update a lot of these at least once a year), so treat everything below as current ranges to plan around, and always confirm the latest before you sign anything.
Rent — your biggest cost
Rent varies a lot by city. Rough 2026 monthly ranges for a one-bedroom:
· Amsterdam: €1,500–€2,500 (the most expensive by far)
· Utrecht: €1,200–€2,000
· The Hague: €1,200–€1,900
· Rotterdam: €1,100–€1,800
· Eindhoven: ~€1,300–€1,500 (best value among the big cities)
Nationally, a one-bedroom averages around €1,150–€1,450. New contracts in Amsterdam and Utrecht have climbed fastest, so widen your search radius if budget is tight — a 20-minute train ride from a big city can cut your rent dramatically.
Health insurance (Mandatory)
Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is required, and you must arrange it within four months of registering with your gemeente. In 2026 the basic package runs about €150–€165/month. There’s also a yearly “own risk” (eigen risico) of €385 — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers certain care. Compare plans on Zorgwijzer or Independer; basic coverage is legally identical everywhere, so you’re mostly shopping on price and service.
Groceries
A single person cooking at home most days spends about €300–€450/month. Albert Heijn and Jumbo are the mainstream supermarkets; Lidl and Aldi are noticeably cheaper if you’re watching the budget.
Transport
Most people don’t need a car. You tap in and out with OVpay (contactless bank card) or an OV-chipkaart on trains, trams, buses, and metros. Budget roughly €80–€120/month for regular local travel — more if you commute between cities by train. The NS app handles train tickets and planning.
Utilities & internet
Gas, electricity, and water for a typical apartment run about €200–€350/month (winter heating is the swing factor). Fast internet is another €35–€60/month. Some rentals include utilities — check before you sign.
One-time and “hidden” costs — plan for these
· Rental deposit: usually 1–2 months’ rent, upfront
· A possible agency (makelaar) fee when you rent through an agent
· Furniture and setup if your place is unfurnished — many Dutch rentals are “kaal” (bare)
· The DAFT requirement itself: at least €4,500 must sit in your Dutch business account and stay there — that’s not spending money, it’s a buffer the IND wants to see
A sample monthly budget (single person, mid-size city)
· Rent: €1,200
· Utilities: €250
· Health insurance: €155
· Groceries: €375
· Transport: €100
· Phone + internet: €60
· Personal / fun: €300
Total: roughly €2,440/month. Couples share rent and utilities, so two people rarely cost double.
None of this is meant to scare you — plenty of Americans make the DAFT move work on a normal budget. The trick is planning with real numbers instead of guessing. That’s exactly what the budget calculator and €4,500 monitor in the Kit are built to do.