Cost of Living: Netherlands vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Netherlands is 10.8% more expensive than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 49.5% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $111 in Netherlands for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Mobile and Internet 21.8%

Netherlands is 21.8% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 16.0%

Netherlands is 16.0% more expensive

Markets 11.5%

Netherlands is 11.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 10.8%

Netherlands is 10.8% more expensive than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +21.8%
  • Salaries And Financing +16.0%
  • Markets +11.5%

Is Netherlands cheaper than United Kingdom?

No, United Kingdom is cheaper than Netherlands

Overall, living costs in United Kingdom are 10.8% lower than in Netherlands.

Where United Kingdom is cheaper:

  • Mobile and Internet 21.8% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 16.0% cheaper
  • Markets 11.5% cheaper

Where United Kingdom is more expensive:

  • Childcare 49.5% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 32.8% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 20.3% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Netherlands: 22.77 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
11.9% more expensive in Netherlands

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Netherlands: 1,569.92 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
11.2% more expensive in Netherlands

1 liter of milk

Netherlands: 1.28 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
24.3% cheaper in Netherlands

1 liter of gasoline

Netherlands: 2.21 $ United Kingdom: 1.95 $
13.3% more expensive in Netherlands

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, United Kingdom is indeed cheaper than Netherlands. You would spend approximately 10.8% on living expenses by choosing United Kingdom over Netherlands. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

10.8%

Netherlands is 10.8% more expensive than United Kingdom

Restaurants

8.5%

Netherlands is 8.5% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

11.5%

Netherlands is 11.5% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

32.8%

Netherlands is 32.8% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

6.9%

Netherlands is 6.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

20.3%

Netherlands is 20.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

21.8%

Netherlands is 21.8% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

7.3%

Netherlands is 7.3% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

49.5%

Netherlands is 49.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

11.3%

Netherlands is 11.3% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

10.3%

Netherlands is 10.3% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

0.8%

Netherlands is 0.8% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

16.0%

Netherlands is 16.0% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Netherlands United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 22.77 $ 20.35 $ 11.9%
Netherlands is 11.9% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 91.07 $ 88.17 $ 3.3%
Netherlands is 3.3% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 13.66 $ 10.17 $ 34.3%
Netherlands is 34.3% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.04 $ 4.62 $ 12.6%
Netherlands is 12.6% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.40 $ 2.41 $ 41.1%
Netherlands is 41.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.84 $ 1.72 $ 65.1%
Netherlands is 65.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.86 $ 1.53 $ 43.8%
Netherlands is 43.8% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.56 $ 1.17 $ 118.8%
Netherlands is 118.8% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.28 $ 1.69 $ 24.3%
Netherlands is 24.3% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.21 $ 1.67 $ 32.3%
Netherlands is 32.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.09 $ 2.21 $ 39.8%
Netherlands is 39.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.79 $ 4.03 $ 18.9%
Netherlands is 18.9% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.53 $ 9.73 $ 39.1%
Netherlands is 39.1% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 15.60 $ 8.96 $ 74.1%
Netherlands is 74.1% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 25.44 $ 16.31 $ 56.0%
Netherlands is 56.0% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 2.33 $ 2.97 $ 21.5%
Netherlands is 21.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.48 $ 1.64 $ 51.2%
Netherlands is 51.2% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 1.91 $ 2.88 $ 33.7%
Netherlands is 33.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.83 $ 3.54 $ 8.2%
Netherlands is 8.2% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.04 $ 1.65 $ 23.6%
Netherlands is 23.6% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 1.96 $ 1.55 $ 26.5%
Netherlands is 26.5% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.23 $ 1.14 $ 7.9%
Netherlands is 7.9% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 91.07 $ 94.95 $ 4.1%
Netherlands is 4.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 13.66 $ 20.33 $ 32.8%
Netherlands is 32.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.64 $ 3.26 $ 11.7%
Netherlands is 11.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.44 $ 5.43 $ 18.2%
Netherlands is 18.2% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.81 $ 2.41 $ 16.6%
Netherlands is 16.6% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 34.15 $ 27.13 $ 25.9%
Netherlands is 25.9% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.21 $ 1.95 $ 13.3%
Netherlands is 13.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 38,213.60 $ 38,367.32 $ 0.4%
Netherlands is 0.4% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 35,217.92 $ 40,488.21 $ 13.0%
Netherlands is 13.0% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 256.85 $ 322.47 $ 20.3%
Netherlands is 20.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 25.03 $ 17.46 $ 43.4%
Netherlands is 43.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 47.88 $ 42.38 $ 13.0%
Netherlands is 13.0% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.40 $ 46.25 $ 10.5%
Netherlands is 10.5% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 23.80 $ 15.82 $ 50.4%
Netherlands is 50.4% more expensive
Movie Ticket 15.94 $ 13.56 $ 17.6%
Netherlands is 17.6% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 2,130.07 $ 1,710.49 $ 24.5%
Netherlands is 24.5% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 9,139.00 $ 20,621.65 $ 55.7%
Netherlands is 55.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 95.43 $ 90.04 $ 6.0%
Netherlands is 6.0% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 43.80 $ 44.62 $ 1.8%
Netherlands is 1.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 105.22 $ 101.31 $ 3.9%
Netherlands is 3.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 133.39 $ 103.43 $ 29.0%
Netherlands is 29.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,569.92 $ 1,411.39 $ 11.2%
Netherlands is 11.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,269.59 $ 1,145.39 $ 10.8%
Netherlands is 10.8% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,552.41 $ 2,337.19 $ 9.2%
Netherlands is 9.2% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 2,047.16 $ 1,852.21 $ 10.5%
Netherlands is 10.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,492.10 $ 6,334.38 $ 2.5%
Netherlands is 2.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,994.62 $ 5,062.78 $ 1.3%
Netherlands is 1.3% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,747.46 $ 3,229.12 $ 16.1%
Netherlands is 16.1% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.26 5.75 25.9%
Netherlands is 25.9% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom

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.

United Kingdom

  • 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 United Kingdom

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