Are you thinking of going abroad for higher studies? The Netherlands can prove to be a good choice for you. People in the Netherlands have a very high standard of living, although there are more reasons for a student to go there for educational purposes. It is one of the best places in terms of quality of life and educational standards. Read the complete article thoroughly for to gain valuable insights into the cost of living in the Netherlands and other detailed information.
Technical, scientific, engineering and research-oriented courses are well-known in the Netherlands. Graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs are the options available to Indian students. According to the current QS Rankings 2023, five institutions in the Netherlands are among the world’s top-ranked universities:
Name of the University
QS WUR Rankings 2023
University of Amsterdam
58
Delft University of Technology
61
Utrecht University
112
Wageningen University & Research
124
Leiden University
131
Eindhoven University of Technology
138
There are multiple universitiesin the Netherlands that provide world-class facilities, a vibrant & diverse student culture, and internationally qualified teachers. Due to its ever-improving structure and value for talent, the Netherlands is chosen by students all over the globe for its impressive and adaptive culture.
Delft, Utrecht, Leiden, and Amsterdam universities are among the sixteen public universities that offer good scholarships to international students. All the Dutch public Universities in the ranking provide more than forty undergraduate and postgraduate English degrees, with some, like the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University, offering well over 100.
Whether you are from a European Union country or from some other nation, your tuition expenses will differ. Indian students can expect to pay annual tuition fees ranging from Rs 650,000 to Rs 1,50,00,000.
Private University tuition fees
In Holland, there are over sixty private universities that offer a variety of graduate and undergraduate degree programs to Indian students. Private schools, of course, charge higher tuition than public schools. Private university tuition fees range from 1500 to 2000 euros per year (ranging from INR 1,27,000 to 1,70,000). Tuition expenses for business colleges range from 5000 to 7000 EUR (ranging from INR 4,20,000 to 5,90,000) per year.
Scholarships
Some of the leading universities in the Netherlands offer scholarships in addition to great infrastructure and world-class teaching faculty. Scholarships are available for students from a variety of backgrounds, taking into consideration their country of origin, financial situation, and academic qualifications. Students from India who want to study in an EU country, such as the Netherlands, can apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
Cost of accommodation/housing in the Netherlands
If you have a part-time job or a scholarship to augment your student income, you will notice that one-third of it will go towards housing rent. Here are some samples of lodging costs based on house type:
Housing in Netherlands
Monthly Expenses
Apartment
€419 (Single)
€572 in Total (On Sharing Basis)
Student Housing Accommodation
€340
Private Owned Apartment
€700-€1000
The living cost in the Netherlands for accommodation becomes affordable when sharing with the other students or living in a student housing apartment.
Student accommodation is home to 30% of all students and most international students. It’s crucial to remember that your rent includes certain additional expenses. For example, you may be required to pay a security deposit, which you will receive back at the conclusion of the leasing period. Typical utility and service expenditures of a three-room apartment are €165 per month.
It might be challenging to find good, inexpensive student housing when studying in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is extremely crowded, particularly in major cities such as Amsterdam, Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, and well-known student cities such as Leiden and Groningen are experiencing shortages. It is not uncommon for Dutch students to have difficulty locating housing close to their university.
The cost of living is measured by the amount of money the students require to support themselves and their costs while studying.
Every country has its own estimate of how much they spend on living expenditures. The cost of living in the Netherlands is believed to be around 800-1000 Euros per month, including food, rent, transportation, books, and other expenses.
Cost of food and drinks in the Netherlands
Food costs roughly €170 per month for a typical student living alone. Your lifestyle determines how much you spend and varies accordingly from person to person. The costs vary by the city since some cities can be more expensive to live in than others due to their standard of living and other facilities. Shopping and food will be substantially more costly in larger cities such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam than the smaller ones such as Eindhoven or Groningen.
The Netherlands has some of the best public transit in the world. Although you will primarily use public transportation throughout your stay, it is useful to be aware of the expenses of all types of transportation:
Bicyclists are so common in the Netherlands that practically every city has designated bike lanes. Because buying a new bike is expensive (about EUR 250-500), most students purchase used bikes for EUR 50-150. They can also be rented for EUR 10 to 40per day.
NS operates trains in the Netherlands, and there are two types of trains: Sprinter and Intercity, which are slow and rapid trains, respectively. Ticket rates vary depending on the destination, but a single ticket should cost at least EUR 4-5 . A 40 percent discount card for rail tickets can be purchased for travel outside of rush hour.
Buses are also a convenient mode of transportation, with a single ticket costing EUR 2.
Trams, like buses, can be used to navigate around the city for EUR 3-13 per ticket.
In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, metro lines are accessible, with fares ranging from EUR 1-3 for a typical trip.
You can always ask for an estimate of the journey’s cost when hailing a cab. Typically, the starting rate is EUR 7.5.
Ferries provide a unique experience, and if you travel by bicycle, you may use them to minimize the cost of living in the Netherlands, as there are free ferry rides for cyclists from port to port. Some ferries require EUR 1-2 tickets.
The Dutch do not usually have a habit of paying for travel expenses with cash. Getting an OV Chipcard is one of the greatest ways to keep track of your transportation costs in the Netherlands. The anonymous OV Chipcard and the personal OV Chipcard are the two varieties. Both are 7.50 euros and have a five-year validity period. However, if you plan on staying in the Netherlands for an extended period, getting a personal card is recommended because it allows you to add passes and receive age discounts, lowering your total cost of living in the Netherlands. These cards can be topped up at a ticket machine or online. To travel by rail, you must have a minimum of EUR 20.
Cost of healthcare in the Netherlands
Whether or not you will need to get Dutch health insurance while studying in the Netherlands is dependent on several things.
How long are you planning on staying in the Netherlands? Will you be studying only, or will you be working as well? Do you have health insurance in your place of origin?
Health insurance in the Netherlands for overseas students
So, when is health insurance in the Netherlands required, and when is it not? As previously noted, it is entirely dependent on your circ*mstances:
International students who are only staying for a short time
When the Dutch government considers you a resident in the Netherlands, you must get health insurance. As a result, international students are often not required to get Dutch health insurance because their stay in the Netherlands is just brief.
EEA/Non-EU
You cannot take out Dutch public health insurance if you are from a non-EU / EEA country and are not working (part-time) or completing an internship during your education. Purchasing private health insurance is your best alternative.
Providers of foreign student health insurance in the Netherlands
If you’re considering getting student health insurance, you’ll be pleased to learn that some insurance firms provide unique packages for overseas students.
Allowance for medical expenses
International students who are required to purchase health insurance in the Netherlands can often apply for a healthcare allowance to assist fund their monthly premiums.
Cost of Living In the Netherlands: City-wise Comparison
It is imperative for the students to span the cities for the associated living costs before considering the Netherlands as a study option. The location, the nearby universities, and the facilities all add to the living costs. Mentioned below are the cities and the living costs so that you can draw a comparison and arrive at a decision for your stay in the Netherlands.
City
Average Cost of living
Tilburg
€ 710-1210
Rotterdam
€ 750-1200
Delft
€ 775-1210
Utrecht
€ 800-1100
The Hague
€ 800-1200
Amsterdam
€ 800-1450
Tips to save costs in the Netherlands
The costliest student housing in the country is in Amsterdam, the country’s capital. If you’re looking for a cheaper place to live, Groningen is the most affordable student city in the Netherlands, and the countryside is also generally inexpensive. There is still a scarcity of housing in both cities and rural areas.
In the Netherlands, a single student should make a budget as it would be helpful for the following living expenses:
Items
Cost
Food and Groceries
€150-170
Utilities
€120-180
Mobile Phone, Internet and Television
€20-50
Your student ID card will save you money in pubs, restaurants, cinemas, museums, and festivals, among other places. Your University ID card, an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), or a Dutch CJP discount card are all acceptable forms of identification. Aside from savings, finding a part-time job or an internship will assist you in managing the cost of living in the Netherlands.
To summarize, here is the list detailing the cost of living in the Netherlands for an international student or Expat.
Items
Cost (Monthly)
Accommodation
€400-1000
Food
€150-170
Transportation
€40 – 80
Internet
€ 30 – 50
Miscellaneous
€150 – 200
Total Expenses
€770-1500
Suppose you are planning on studying in the Netherlands. In that case, you must have substantial knowledge about the costs of studying, living, food, transportation, and other expenses that you are likely to incur in the Netherlands.
The student discount can help you save money; you should also be prepared to pay for any medical bills you may incur. This is critical because medical expenses in the Netherlands are significantly higher than the global average. Non-EU students are not eligible for the Dutch government’s health plan and must have medical insurance from their home country.
Work opportunities in the Netherlands For Students
If you begin working in the Netherlands during your studies, whether it is a part-time job, a paid internship, or volunteer work for which you are compensated, you will almost certainly be covered by the Wlz scheme (the Long-Term Care Act), which means you will be required to purchase Dutch health insurance. Please keep in mind that a zero-hour contract counts as a job.
SVB evaluation
If you are unsure whether the Wlz program covers you, you can seek a free assessment on the Sociale Verzekeringsbank’s website.
Will your home country’s health insurance cover you throughout your stay?
This is dependent on whether you are a member of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland:
Switzerland, the European Union, and the European Economic Area
You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card if you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and plan to study in the Netherlands (EHIC). This card is free of charge, and it entitles you to free or subsidized medical care throughout Europe.
Conclusion
Studying in the Netherlands can be a rewarding experience in terms of opportunities, innovative teaching methods, and exposure to a multicultural environment. One can easily manage the living costs if one plans ahead of their career journey and take into consideration all the factors that add to the cost of living in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it expensive to live in the Netherlands?
A. The cost of living in the Netherlands will depend on where you decide to reside. If you decide to stay in the Capital city, that is, Amsterdam, then it would cost you more as compared to other cities, which are comparatively less costly.
Q2. What is the average cost of living in the Netherlands?
A. For an Indian student, the average cost of living in the Netherlands can lie between € 497.12 to €745.68 per month.
Q3. How much do you need to live in the Netherlands?
A. For a student to live in the Netherlands without a steady income, you would require a lot more money than a student who has a part-time or a full-time job, allowing them to cover their expenses like rent, food, and transportation. You would require around 869.97 Rs 70,000 for a month or two.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is believed to be around 800-1000 Euros per month, including food, rent, transportation, books, and other expenses.
The inflation rate for consumer prices in the Netherlands moved over the past 62 years between -0.7% and 10.2%. For 2022, an inflation rate of 10.0% was calculated. During the observation period from 1960 to 2022, the average inflation rate was 3.5% per year.
As of January 2023 this is set as €1,934.40 gross monthly (€23,213 per year) for people aged 21 or over. There are lower minimum wage levels for those aged 15-21. The median gross expat salary in Amsterdam (2023) as reported by PayScale Inc is €51,000.
Where to live in the Netherlands 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.
Box 2 income is taxed at a flat rate of 26.9%. Please note that the tax rate of box 2 will be adjusted by 2024, by introducing two new brackets: a basic rate of 24.5% for the first EUR 67,000 in income per person and a rate of 31% for the remainder.
The Netherlands' annual inflation rate accelerated to 6.1% in May 2023 from 5.2% in the previous month, a preliminary estimate showed. Main upward pressure came from prices of non-energy industrial goods (8.9% vs 8.3% in April) and services (6.1% vs 6%).
The average cost of living in the Netherlands ($1780) is 20% less expensive than in the United States ($2213). the Netherlands ranked 19th vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.
The Netherlands has a high cost of living, which includes everything from accommodation, groceries, and services. On average, the cost of living in the Netherlands is 10.7% higher than in the UK. Owning a car is particularly expensive, with high road tax and expensive repair costs.
Here are some key points you should take into account: Living costs in Germany: 800 – 1200 EUR/month. Living costs in the Netherlands: 800 - 1200 EUR/month.
Average yearly income Netherlands 2022, by income group
The highest ten percent of earners in the Netherlands earned on average 142.6 thousand euros per year, around 125.1 thousand euros higher than the lowest 50 percent.
Both capital gains and regular income (dividends) are taxed. Tax is levied at a fixed rate of 26.25%. This percentage will rise to 26.9% in 2021. Non-residents are taxable on capital gains and regular income from a substantial interest in a company resident in the Netherlands.
The average home costs €424,681, more than 10 times the modal income. From 2015 to 2021, average household disposable income increased by 25%, but house prices rocketed by 63%, fuelled by low interest and a national shortage of 390,000 homes.
Like in 2021, the most expensive street in the Netherlands was in Wassenaar last year. On Konijnenlaan, homes cost an average of 3.3 million euros. Second place went to Torenlaan in Blaricum (2.6 million euros) and Oranje Nassaulaan in Amsterdam (2.5 million euros.)
The tax-free travel allowance will also be increased, from 19 to 21 cents per kilometre. The Dutch government has, however, agreed to increase the wealth and corporate tax rate in the Netherlands, as well as the mining levy (a tax targeting the profits of energy companies) from January 2023.
Despite the impression some might have, the Dutch healthcare system is not free. Instead, it is financed by a combination of social security contributions, mandatory health insurance, and other fees. “Other fees” points to a deductible (eigen risico) that residents pay when they need primary care.
The 30% tax ruling is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands. An employer can pay up to 30% of the salary of an expat employee with the 30% status free of tax. An enormous tax saving for both employee and employer.
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, you may need a residence permit. In many cases you will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before you travel to the Netherlands. This visa is also called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV).
The Netherlands offers many benefits for American expats. It's especially attractive thanks to the 30% tax ruling commonly known as the “30% facility.” This special tax break is applicable to certain qualified persons relocating to the Netherlands for work.
The Netherlands, like other European countries, is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means that American retirees are allowed visa-free entry into the Dutch country as tourists or for business purposes up to 90 days. If you plan on a longer residency, you will have to apply for a permit.
Persistent labor market discrimination on ethnic grounds, of older people, of pregnant women, and of disabled people continued to be documented in 2021. Antisemitism in the Netherlands has risen in recent years, with one NGO reporting a 35 percent increase in antisemitic incidents between 2020 and 2021.
You do not need a visa, residence permit or work permit. You do, however, need a valid passport or identity document. You may also work in the Netherlands if you have a valid residence permit subject to temporary or non-temporary humanitarian grounds.
Visitors may find that it is possible to live in the Netherlands for a long time without learning Dutch, mostly because 2.5 million citizens in the country are not fluent in Dutch. A substantial number of the inhabitants of Amsterdam have English as their native language, mostly British and North American immigrants.
Taxes. Germany is more advantageous for international students and expats when it comes to taxes. You can earn a tax-free income of up to €9,744. In the Netherlands, students must pay income tax on any money they make - even if it's just a part-time job.
The Dutch people prefer you use “The Netherlands” as Holland is a Western region of the country and consists of two provinces: North Holland and South Holland [it used to be a single Province].
Four out of every 10 people considered rich in the Netherlands have inherited their wealth, according to a survey commissioned by ABN Amro MeesPierson, the Telegraaf reported on Friday. The rich are defined as those with with a minimum of €500,000 of disposable assets.
Is 75K euro a good salary in Amsterdam? If you're talking about 75K yearly income with around 30% foreigner tax it should be enough, but you won't be living like royalty or anything… Just to get an idea: the average yearly salary in the Netherlands is around 36K (with around 20% tax)…
Do U.S. expats pay taxes in the Netherlands? Yes, if you live and work in the Netherlands you may also have to file Dutch taxes, and the Dutch are serious about their taxes. If you're considered a Dutch resident and you are a high earner, you can see tax rates as high as 49.5%.
If you live outside the Netherlands and have no income from or assets in the Netherlands, you normally won't need to file an income tax return in the Netherlands. But you may have to file one in your country of residence.
This statistic displays the results of a survey of the average monthly savings in the Netherlands in 2019. The survey results suggest that as of 2019, a substantial share of people in the Netherlands saved over 76 euros per month.
Also, in the Netherlands, salary negotiations happen on a daily basis, so don't be afraid to push back. The fact that they gave you an offer means that they are willing to invest in you.
A highly skilled migrant (also called a knowledge migrant or kennismigrant) is defined by age and salary. In 2023, the minimum monthly gross salary for a highly skilled migrant age 30 or older is EUR 5,008. For migrants under age 30, the minimum monthly gross salary is EUR 3,672.
The average purchase price of dwellings in the Netherlands from January 1995 to November 2022 (in euros) varied monthly. In November 2022, the average purchase price of a house in the Netherlands was approximately 423,000 euros compared to about 403,000 euros in November 2021.
By the end of 2023, that decline is expected to rise to 14 percent, and even more than 17 percent by the end of 2024. While real house prices are falling sharply, the size of the Dutch economy continues to grow.
The cost of living in the Netherlands is believed to be around 800-1000 Euros per month, including food, rent, transportation, books, and other expenses.
Where to live in the Netherlands 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.
Clean air, good facilities and low crime make Copenhagen and Bern the most liveable cities in Europe. The Hague is ranked third, followed closely by Eindhoven (5th), the design and technology hub. Other Dutch cities in the top 20 are Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Rent may vary from 500 euros for a single room to over 2.500 euros per month for an apartment in the centre of Amsterdam. The rent consists of two parts, the basic rent and the service charges.
In general, the monthly cost of living in the Netherlands for an international student will be around €800-1200. An average room will cost between €300 and €600, but keep in mind that small towns will generally be cheaper than cities and that the type of accommodation will also have an impact on the price.
The tax-free travel allowance will also be increased, from 19 to 21 cents per kilometre. The Dutch government has, however, agreed to increase the wealth and corporate tax rate in the Netherlands, as well as the mining levy (a tax targeting the profits of energy companies) from January 2023.
Prices are currently coming down in some markets, and the national median price was ever-so-slightly lower in February 2023 than it was in 2022, but experts do not expect dramatic drops. In many areas where prices are falling, the declines have not significantly improved affordability.
As of January 1, 2023, the salary criteria for a highly skilled migrant are the following: Highly skilled migrants under the age of 30 must earn at least EUR 3,672.00 gross per month.Highly skilled migrants aged 30 and above must earn at least EUR 5,008.00 gross per month.
The top three countries on this list are Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Singapore, where citizens earn more than Rs. 4 lakh per month on average. Specifically, the average monthly salary in Switzerland is Rs. 4,98,567, in Luxembourg it is Rs.
If a worker works 52 weeks a year, this equates to a national annual salary of $51,168, up 5.1 per cent from the previous year. Any sum beyond that should be regarded as a good salary; however, this is not always the case.
In 2019, the threshold for a single person was 1,090 euros net per month. For a couple without children it was 1,530 euros, and for a couple with two children under 18 years old 2,080 euros. For a single-parent family with two children under 18 years old, the threshold was 1,660 euros.
Does the Netherlands have free healthcare. 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.
Your (and your partners) income may not be too high In order to be entitled to the healthcare allowance. These are the threshold income-amounts in 2023: Up to 38.520 euro (for singles)Up to 48.224 euro combined (for you and your spouse/partner)
There is no mandatory membership of a pension scheme in the Netherlands. Social partners may decide independently whether they wish to offer a pension scheme.
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7% in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) required by law. The increase will begin with benefits that Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2023.
Each year, the Social Security Administration applies a COLA to payments made to those receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security income (SSI). For 2023, the COLA increase is 8.7%, which is significantly larger than the COLAs in recent years.
After peaking at 6.2% in 2022, we expect inflation to fall to 3.5% for 2023. Over 2024 to 2027, we expect inflation to average just 1.8%—below the Fed's 2% target.
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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