Moving to the Netherlands for work? The Hague has it all: great quality of life, a laid-back pace, the sea just nearby, and a tax benefit that can save you up to €25,000 if your salary is around €85K/year. Smart choice for your lifestyle and your wallet.
The Hague at a Glance
The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands with 550,000 residents. It’s the country’s political center and home to a strong expat community, especially near the coast. Compared to Amsterdam or Rotterdam, life here feels calmer and less crowded.
A great choice if you want to live by the sea, bike to work, enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, and value order, safety, and city perks.
A great choice if you want to live by the sea, bike to work, enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, and value order, safety, and city perks.
Cost of Living in The Hague: What to Expect When Moving to the Netherlands for Work
Life in the Netherlands comes with great quality and thoughtful budgeting. In most cities, housing takes the biggest slice of monthly expenses, while groceries, healthcare, and transport are generally manageable. Let’s look at what to expect if you’re planning a move to The Hague.
Housing
Finding a place in The Hague can take time, especially in popular areas like Statenkwartier or Zeeheldenkwartier. The rental market is very competitive.
Where to look for housing
Check platforms like Pararius, Funda, and Kamernet. Facebook expat groups can also be helpful, though be cautious — scammers are active, especially on social media. Rental agencies offer support but usually charge a fee.
Tip: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check listings and avoid sending money upfront.
We checked Pararius for rental prices in Zeeheldenkwartier — a charming neighborhood just 10-15 minutes from The Hague’s central square:
- Room in a shared apartment:
- 1-bedroom apartment:
- Family-sized apartment (2 bedrooms):
Rental prices vary depending on the neighborhood, proximity to the city center, and whether the place is furnished.
Utilities
Utilities are typically not included in the rental price in the Netherlands. For an 85 m² apartment, you can expect to pay around €190 per month for the basics like electricity, heating, water, and garbage. The exact amount will vary depending on your usage and the season.
Groceries
The cost of living in The Hague can vary depending on your lifestyle, but groceries are one of the more manageable expenses. For 1-2 people, the average monthly grocery bill is around €200-300, depending on your diet and how often you cook or eat out. Prices stay affordable if you shop at budget-friendly stores like Lidl, Nettorama, or Aldi.
Here’s a sample weekly grocery basket we put together at Aldi:
Here’s a sample weekly grocery basket we put together at Aldi:
You can also create your own grocery basket to get a better sense of local prices.
Eating out
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the city center typically costs around €15-25 per person. A dinner for two at a fancier place can easily exceed €60.
The Cost of Living in The Hague: Transport
Most people cycle. And for good reason — the city has lots of bike lanes. Buying a bike is usually a one-time investment of around €300-500 that pays off quickly. If you're on a budget, check out Marktplaats for second-hand options. It’s much cheaper and often just as good.
You can also rent a bike instead of buying one. A popular option is OV-fiets, offering rentals for just €4.65 per day.
If you plan to use public transport, the cost depends on the region and the distance traveled. A single tram or bus ride typically costs between €2 and €4. There’s also a day ticket option for around €8.50, which gives unlimited rides for the day.
For frequent travel, a monthly pass can be more budget-friendly. Prices vary based on the number of zones you include. For example, a pass for the Den Haag Centrum area starts at around €40 per month. The more zones you add, the higher the cost.
If you plan to use public transport, the cost depends on the region and the distance traveled. A single tram or bus ride typically costs between €2 and €4. There’s also a day ticket option for around €8.50, which gives unlimited rides for the day.
For frequent travel, a monthly pass can be more budget-friendly. Prices vary based on the number of zones you include. For example, a pass for the Den Haag Centrum area starts at around €40 per month. The more zones you add, the higher the cost.
Healthcare
Once you register in the Netherlands, you're required to get basic Dutch health insurance, and you have 4 months to arrange it. The average monthly cost is around €150-€160, depending on the provider and optional extras.
Why does it matter? Without valid insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit or emergency care can result in a hefty bill. Basic coverage (basisverzekering) includes GP visits, hospital care, emergency services, and most medications.
Why does it matter? Without valid insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit or emergency care can result in a hefty bill. Basic coverage (basisverzekering) includes GP visits, hospital care, emergency services, and most medications.
Free Time & Social Life
Living in The Hague means you’re never far from the sea. Scheveningen Beach is just a bike ride away — perfect for walks, surfing, or lazy weekends in beach cafés.
The city also offers dozens of parks, sports clubs, museums, and cultural events all year round. If you're into art, politics, or history, there's always something going on.
On weekends, it's easy to explore the rest of the Netherlands. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and even Belgium are just a short train ride away.
On weekends, it's easy to explore the rest of the Netherlands. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and even Belgium are just a short train ride away.
Why It Pays Off: The 30% Ruling
If you’re moving to the Netherlands for work, the 30% ruling is one of the biggest financial perks available. It lets you keep more of what you earn by making a big portion of your salary tax-free, which is especially helpful given the cost of living in The Hague.
For example, if you earn €85,000 per year, the 30% ruling can save you around €1,100 every month or about €13,300 annually.
For example, if you earn €85,000 per year, the 30% ruling can save you around €1,100 every month or about €13,300 annually.
That’s about €20,000-25,000 saved over five years for someone earning €85K/year gross. The benefit decreases over time, starting with 30% tax-free in the first 20 months, then 20%, then 10%. But the total gain is still substantial.
Keep in mind: not all employers offer it. The company must apply for it together with you and be willing to handle the paperwork.
Want to see how the 30% ruling might affect your salary? Try one of these online calculators:
Keep in mind: not all employers offer it. The company must apply for it together with you and be willing to handle the paperwork.
Want to see how the 30% ruling might affect your salary? Try one of these online calculators:
Is The Hague Right for YOU?
Absolutely. If you value a calmer pace, access to the sea, safety, and a well-organized city, this place is a great fit. The average cost of living in The Hague is around €2,500 to €3,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
If you’re earning more, you’ll have more than enough to cover your needs, set money aside, travel, and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Moving to the Netherlands for work? Check out our open roles (some of them are based in the Netherlands) and send us your CV.
Good luck with your job search :)
If you’re earning more, you’ll have more than enough to cover your needs, set money aside, travel, and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Moving to the Netherlands for work? Check out our open roles (some of them are based in the Netherlands) and send us your CV.
Good luck with your job search :)
