Personal Finance: Personal Finance from Zero: Budget, Save, Borrow & Invest Explore on Udemy Ad

Cost of Living: Netherlands vs France

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Netherlands and France.

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Netherlands is 63.3% more expensive than France. The biggest difference is in Rent Per Month, where costs are 65.7% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $163 in Netherlands for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Rent Per Month 65.7%

Netherlands is 65.7% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 39.4%

Netherlands is 39.4% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 21.9%

Netherlands is 21.9% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 63.3%

Netherlands is 63.3% more expensive than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Rent Per Month +65.7%
  • Salaries And Financing +39.4%
  • Mobile and Internet +21.9%

Is Netherlands cheaper than France?

No, France is cheaper than Netherlands

Overall, living costs in France are 63.3% lower than in Netherlands.

Where France is cheaper:

  • Rent Per Month 65.7% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 39.4% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 21.9% cheaper

Where France is more expensive:

  • Childcare 9.1% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 2.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Netherlands: 22.77 $ France: 17.07 $
33.4% more expensive in Netherlands

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Netherlands: 1,569.92 $ France: 875.36 $
79.3% more expensive in Netherlands

Monthly public transport pass

Netherlands: 91.07 $ France: 70.58 $
29.0% more expensive in Netherlands

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, France is indeed cheaper than Netherlands. You would spend approximately 63.3% on living expenses by choosing France over Netherlands. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

63.3%

Netherlands is 63.3% more expensive than France

Restaurants

20.6%

Netherlands is 20.6% more expensive than France in this category

Markets

11.8%

Netherlands is 11.8% more expensive than France in this category

Other Expenses

0.0%

Netherlands is 0.0% more expensive than France in this category

Transportation

0.5%

Netherlands is 0.5% more expensive than France in this category

Household Utilities

21.8%

Netherlands is 21.8% more expensive than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

21.9%

Netherlands is 21.9% more expensive than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

17.1%

Netherlands is 17.1% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

9.1%

Netherlands is 9.1% cheaper than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

2.8%

Netherlands is 2.8% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

65.7%

Netherlands is 65.7% more expensive than France in this category

Property Prices

5.3%

Netherlands is 5.3% more expensive than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

39.4%

Netherlands is 39.4% more expensive than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Netherlands France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 22.77 $ 17.07 $ 33.4%
Netherlands is 33.4% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 91.07 $ 68.30 $ 33.3%
Netherlands is 33.3% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 13.66 $ 12.52 $ 9.1%
Netherlands is 9.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.04 $ 3.63 $ 11.3%
Netherlands is 11.3% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.40 $ 3.19 $ 6.6%
Netherlands is 6.6% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.84 $ 2.21 $ 28.5%
Netherlands is 28.5% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.86 $ 0.78 $ 10.3%
Netherlands is 10.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.22 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.56 $ 3.33 $ 23.1%
Netherlands is 23.1% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 6.48 $ 11.38 $ 43.1%
Netherlands is 43.1% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.05 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 1.28 $ 1.31 $ 2.3%
Netherlands is 2.3% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.21 $ 2.04 $ 8.3%
Netherlands is 8.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.09 $ 2.59 $ 19.3%
Netherlands is 19.3% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.79 $ 4.29 $ 11.7%
Netherlands is 11.7% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.53 $ 20.08 $ 32.6%
Netherlands is 32.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 15.60 $ 13.86 $ 12.6%
Netherlands is 12.6% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 25.44 $ 21.30 $ 19.4%
Netherlands is 19.4% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 2.33 $ 3.12 $ 25.3%
Netherlands is 25.3% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.48 $ 2.33 $ 6.4%
Netherlands is 6.4% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 1.91 $ 3.10 $ 38.4%
Netherlands is 38.4% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.83 $ 3.63 $ 5.5%
Netherlands is 5.5% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.04 $ 2.35 $ 13.2%
Netherlands is 13.2% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.96 $ 2.45 $ 20.0%
Netherlands is 20.0% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.23 $ 1.57 $ 21.7%
Netherlands is 21.7% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 91.07 $ 70.58 $ 29.0%
Netherlands is 29.0% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 13.66 $ 13.66 $ 0.0%
Netherlands is 0.0% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.64 $ 2.16 $ 68.5%
Netherlands is 68.5% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.44 $ 5.46 $ 18.7%
Netherlands is 18.7% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.81 $ 2.28 $ 23.2%
Netherlands is 23.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 34.15 $ 37.22 $ 8.2%
Netherlands is 8.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 2.21 $ 2.04 $ 8.3%
Netherlands is 8.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 38,213.60 $ 36,876.07 $ 3.6%
Netherlands is 3.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 35,217.92 $ 36,162.84 $ 2.6%
Netherlands is 2.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 256.85 $ 210.87 $ 21.8%
Netherlands is 21.8% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 25.03 $ 25.59 $ 2.2%
Netherlands is 2.2% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 47.88 $ 34.21 $ 40.0%
Netherlands is 40.0% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.40 $ 37.20 $ 11.3%
Netherlands is 11.3% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 23.80 $ 18.42 $ 29.2%
Netherlands is 29.2% more expensive
Movie Ticket 15.94 $ 13.66 $ 16.7%
Netherlands is 16.7% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 2,130.07 $ 800.37 $ 166.1%
Netherlands is 166.1% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 9,139.00 $ 11,595.44 $ 21.2%
Netherlands is 21.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 95.43 $ 102.59 $ 7.0%
Netherlands is 7.0% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 43.80 $ 43.82 $ 0.0%
Netherlands is 0.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 105.22 $ 104.20 $ 1.0%
Netherlands is 1.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 133.39 $ 138.28 $ 3.5%
Netherlands is 3.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,569.92 $ 875.36 $ 79.3%
Netherlands is 79.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,269.59 $ 692.40 $ 83.4%
Netherlands is 83.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,552.41 $ 1,634.03 $ 56.2%
Netherlands is 56.2% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 2,047.16 $ 1,289.02 $ 58.8%
Netherlands is 58.8% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,492.10 $ 6,484.72 $ 0.1%
Netherlands is 0.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,994.62 $ 4,425.62 $ 12.9%
Netherlands is 12.9% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,747.46 $ 2,687.45 $ 39.4%
Netherlands is 39.4% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.26 3.66 16.4%
Netherlands is 16.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in Netherlands to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Netherlands and France goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Netherlands vs France

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Netherlands

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

France

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Netherlands Cost of living in France

Related comparisons

Courses to grow your money

Hand-picked, self-paced courses that pair well with our free tools.

Sponsored
Udemy Personal Finance 101: Budget, Save & Invest Do you ever feel like you’re working hard but not getting ahead? Do you get to the end of the month and wonder where all your money went?… View course Udemy The Complete Personal Finance Course: Save, Budget & Invest Take control of your money with a practical, step-by-step guide to personal finance, budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and… View course Udemy Master Personal Finance: Build Wealth, Save & Invest Money Have Better Finances To Save & Invest Money Building Wealth, Clear Loans, Debts & Credit Cards To Reach Your Financial Goals ! Note: This… View course