Costs in The Netherlands

When you're considering starting a new professional life and looking for jobs in the Netherlands, it's essential to consider more than just the salary offer. You need to evaluate in detail how that compensation will meet your financial needs and contribute to maintaining a comfortable living standard. This means analyzing not only the absolute amount received as a salary but also comparing it to the local living costs, which can vary significantly even between cities in the same country.

You also need to consider other aspects of day-to-day life, such as costs for rent or purchasing a home, utility bills, food, transportation, and entertainment. Evaluating this overview will give you a clearer perspective on how your income will stand up to cover all these expenses and allow you to maintain or even improve your standard of living.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of the benefits offered by employers, such as paid leave, health insurance, flexible working options, or housing and local transportation benefits. This knowledge is fundamental in evaluating the level of support and resources available to the employee.

Thus, from this article, you will learn about the costs of living in the Netherlands (with current data in January 2024), as well as useful information about what to pay attention to when looking for jobs in the Netherlands. You will find out how important it is to work with an agency like DB Work, which offers its employees additional benefits included in any employment contract for the Netherlands.

Rental Insurance Costs When Looking for Jobs in the Netherlands

Finding accommodation is becoming increasingly difficult in the Netherlands, so it's crucial to ensure you have secured a place to stay before going to work in the Netherlands, alone or with friends or colleagues. To ensure you have a place to stay when you arrive in this country, you need to look for accommodation at least a few months before departure. Additionally, you must also consider the fact that the Netherlands is not characterized by low rental prices, and these costs can increase from year to year.

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center = 1000 - 1200 €

• Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the suburbs = 1500 - 1600  €

Utility Expenses

The costs of utilities (electricity, drinking water, gas, Wi-Fi internet) and local taxes can quickly become overwhelming in a country like the Netherlands.

• Monthly costs for gas, electricity, drinking water: up to 200 - 300 €. 

• Monthly internet subscription costs: approx. 45 €.

Also, depending on the type of apartment you live in, you may need to pay an annual local tax (habitat tax), which can reach 400 euros.

Transportation Expenses

Here are the transportation costs in the Netherlands, according to information available in February 2024:

• Single trip ticket = starting at 1 € - the price varies depending on distance

• Monthly pass for public transportation = 98.26€

• 1 liter of gasoline: 1.97€

• 1 liter of diesel: 1.82€

Food Expenses

Although eating at restaurants can be expensive, knowing the local supermarkets and markets can significantly save the budget for food. Supermarket chains like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, LIDL, and ALDI offer a wide range of products at affordable prices for the Netherlands:

• Average food budget: up to 500 - 600 € per month

• 1 loaf of bread: between 1.50 € and 3 €

• 1 kg of potatoes: between 1.20 - 1.40 €

• 1 kg of tomatoes: between 1.40 1.60 €

Tangible benefits of collaborating with DB Work

Collaborating with DB Work brings significant benefits for international employees in the Netherlands, offering not just a competitive package of benefits, but also valuable information on obtaining important documents in the Netherlands (BSN, DIGI D number) and on quick integration into the Dutch professional environment. By eliminating or reducing major expenses, DB Work creates a framework in which the professionals it collaborates with can save money, live comfortably, and focus on their professional development.

Assured accommodation. DB Work ensures accommodation for its employees, eliminating one of the biggest expenses that expatriates would have to manage. This facility allows employees to start working as soon as they arrive in the Netherlands, without losing time and financial resources looking for safe and affordable housing. Reducing stress and administrative responsibilities allows employees to focus on adapting to their new life and work.

Utilities included. We have already emphasized that DB Work specialists no longer waste time and significant resources looking for accommodation, where utilities are included, so they don't have to worry about signing contracts with providers. In addition, individual costs will be lower, as expenses will be shared monthly with apartment mates.

Local transportation provided. Providing transportation with a service car from DB Work to and from the job, as well as the possibility of using the vehicle for personal needs within a limit of 20 km per week, represents another major advantage, which we guarantee through any employment contract concluded through DB Work. This benefit not only saves money that employees would spend on transportation but also adds welcome flexibility to daily life, making travel easier and more accessible.

Medical insurance included. By collaborating with DB Work to work in the Netherlands, employees benefit, among other advantages, from basic medical insurance throughout the collaboration period. This insurance covers general health needs, which is welcome in a new country where DB Work employees may arrive for the first time: consultations, hospital care, medications, medical transport, obstetrics, and care during pregnancy.

Evaluate the benefits when looking for jobs in The Netherlands

In conclusion, while exploring job options in the Netherlands, it's essential to be aware of all costs and benefits involved. Collaborating with DB Work can be a wise choice for those looking for a job in the Netherlands, as it offers a series of tangible benefits.

You will see that this collaboration model for those looking for jobs in the Netherlands is an efficient solution, meant to reduce these monthly expenses and, ultimately, to improve the standard of living of anyone who chooses to work in this country where the cost of living is among the highest in Europe.

Do you have experience in the naval, industrial, logistics, or construction field? You can apply right now for a job from our list of vacancies or by sending a CV to job@dbwork.com.