Locals tell: Is the Netherlands a good place to live?

Discover the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands, from high salaries and social benefits to bad weather and high living costs.

Ivandzhelin

8 minute read

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Updated on 13 Jun 2024

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Living

Depending on who you ask, living in the Netherlands as a foreigner can be your best or worst decision. This is why you need to weigh the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands. To make that easier for you, we’ve asked local expats if the Netherlands is a good place to live, and we’ve all the answers you need. So, let’s dive into the 15 pros and cons of living in the Netherlands.

From a great work-life balance to accessible social benefits, there are a plenty of reasons to live in the Netherlands. Yet, the country comes with its disadvantages like bad weather and high cost of living. Below you can see a breakdown of the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands.

Living in the Netherlands has plenty of benefits, from the high quality of life and social benefits to the variety of things to do and internationality. Let’s dive into the 8 benefits of living in the Netherlands as a foreigner.

1. The Netherlands has high salaries

With an annual average salary of €44,000 gross (or €3,666 monthly), The Netherlands has one of the highest salaries in Europe, surpassing the UK, France, and Sweden. Even after taxes, the average salary in the Netherlands remains notably high at €35,699 annually, exceeding the EU average of €33,500.

The annual gross salary for the majority of Dutch employees falls between €30,000 and €40,000. This means that most Dutch employees earn between €2,500 and €3,333 gross monthly, which should be enough to cover their monthly living expenses.

2. There’s excellent work-life balance in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, work-life balance is highly valued. You're entitled to 20 vacation days annually. As this is considered paid vacation, you receive holiday pay equivalent to 8% of your gross salary, paid in May/June or in installments each month.

Moreover, Dutch employees have access to special leaves for sickness, caregiving (zorgverlof), and emergencies. Parents enjoy significant benefits, too. Mothers receive a total of 16 weeks of maternity leave, including paid leave before(zwangerschapsverlof) and after (bevallingsverlof) childbirth, with at least 6 weeks being mandatory. Partners initially receive 1 week of paid leave, with an option for an additional 5 weeks of unpaid leave. Adoption also entitles you to 6 weeks of parental leave.

3. The Netherlands is very international

One of the biggest benefits of living in the Netherlands as a foreigner is the country’s internationality. Over 2.6 million of the country's residents are have moved from abroad to the Netherlands, making up around 14.5% of the population. Many reasons contribute to this decision like the strong economy, job opportunities, and the quality of life.

Another reason is that English is widely spoken in the Netherlands. You don’t need to speak Dutch to live in the Netherlands, which makes it attractive to foreigners. You can also study in the Netherlands, as many Dutch universities offer complete degree programs in English.

The Netherlands’s internationality extends to its food, too! Craving Indian, Thai, or Afghan cuisine? Whether you prefer ordering online, dining out, or cooking at home, the Netherlands has you covered.

4. Plenty of job opportunities in English

The internationality of the Netherlands allows for an abundance of English job opportunities for expats. With its strong economy, great work ethic, and opportunities for growth, the Netherlands is a hub for national and international businesses. English-speaking jobs are available in various fields, such as tech, real estate, marketing, sales, hospitality, and retail. The Netherlands stands out as one of the few non-English-speaking European countries where there’s a wide availability of positions in English.

Yet, keep in mind that this is the easiest to do for large Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. While there are still job opportunities for expats in smaller Dutch cities, you might require some level of Dutch to better integrate into the company. Another thing to consider is that if you’re looking to build a career in the Netherlands, it’s best to learn Dutch, as it will open more doors.

5. The Netherlands has a well-developed infrastructure

The Netherlands has excellent infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, efficient public transport, and extensive bike lanes. Public transport is comprehensive and efficient: in just 3 hours, you cross the country without switching trains. Major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam have frequent metro and tram services, connecting seamlessly with nearby areas.

There is no better country for biking than the Netherlands. Saying that the Dutch biked before they could walk isn’t even an exaggeration! You have bike lanes everywhere, making cycling within the city or countryside a convenient mode of transportation. Your bike will likely become your most valued possession once you settle here.

Moreover, the Netherlands has superb international connections, with trains to neighboring countries and the Schiphol International Airport. From Amsterdam, you can reach Brussels in 2 hours or Paris in 3 hours by train, making weekend getaways easily accessible.

5. There’s always something to do in the Netherlands

From the tulips blooming and the King’s birthday in the spring to the summer festivals and winter ice skating on the canals. You’ll rarely be bored when living in the Netherlands. In terms of entertainment, the Netherlands is home to football teams like Ajax and musicians or comedians on tour in Europe will typically make a stop in the Netherlands.

You can even do many things without leaving your city with plenty of annual local festivals and museums. If you want to make the most of what the country has to offer, definitely get a Netherlands Museum Pass, which gives you free access to most Dutch museums and discounts on different activities.

6. The Netherlands has a lot of social benefits

The Dutch government offers various social benefits to expats, including parental support, housing allowances, and healthcare subsidies, student loans, free children’s education and benefits, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for energy discounts, and disability assistance. There are also tax breaks for expats, like the 30% ruling, which allows highly skilled immigrants to get up to 30% of their Dutch income untaxed.

7. Dutch bureaucracy is digitalized

Living in the Netherlands offers the convenience of a digitalized bureaucracy. Nearly all administrative tasks can be completed online, eliminating the need for office visits or excessive paperwork. You can pay your bills, register at a new address, file your tax returns, and apply for benefits from the comfort of your home.

To use the online services, you need to get a DigiD. With your personal DigiD, you can access the websites of Dutch governmental bodies and receive your mail. Some health insurance and pension providers even require you to have DigiD to access their services.

Would you like to hear a practical tip or few about living the Dutch dream? In our HomeAbroad podcast, we discuss the realities of expat life in the Netherlands and share our own experiences over the past years here.

It can’t always be butterflies and roses. Sometimes there is also a bit of rain. In the case of the Netherlands, there’s a lot of rain. This is also one of the biggest cons of living in the Netherlands. Let’s see what other disadvantages the country has.

1. The cost of living in the Netherlands is high

The Netherlands is the 6th most expensive EU country. For a single person, monthly expenses typically range between €1,800 and €2,500, covering rent, groceries, health insurance, going out, and transportation. Rent is the largest expense, followed by groceries and healthcare.

Where you live significantly impacts your expenses. For instance, monthly costs in Amsterdam average €1,748, while in Groningen, they're around €1,300, mainly due to differing rental prices. Major cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and The Hague also have higher living costs, primarily due to rental prices.

However, remember that the Netherlands has high salaries. With an average monthly salary of €4,217 gross, living in the Netherlands is manageable. Even if you’re earning the minimum wage of €2,123, you’ll be able to cover your living expenses if you maintain a budget.

2. Finding a place to live is difficult in the Netherlands

Finding housing is a major challenge in the Netherlands, particularly in big cities like Amsterdam. Luckily, the government is working on providing more housing, but that will take a few years to come to fruition.

That said, finding a place isn’t impossible; it just requires more time. If you’re looking for homes to rent in Amsterdam, starting 3 to 6 months before moving is best. The rental market in the Dutch capital is the fiercest in the country, so it will take a while to find something that fits your needs. The same applies if you’re exploring homes for rent in Rotterdam or Utrecht. If you’re moving to The Hague or Eindhoven, you should start looking 2-3 months prior to moving.

Online platforms are your best bet if you're not in the country yet. Be cautious of scams, especially on Facebook. It’s always best to book through trusted platforms like HousingAnywhere, which vet the landlords and protect your money.

3. Dutch weather is notoriously bad

Living in the Netherlands means getting used to rain throughout the year, with occasional sunny breaks in the summer. Once you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll be ready to embrace outdoor activities, despite the weather, whether it's cycling, walking, or partying in the rain. A raincoat will be the smartest purchase you can make before moving to the Netherlands.

On the bright side, the Netherlands doesn't get too cold due to its humidity. Even during snowfall, temperatures rarely stay below freezing for long. Summers can be warm, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Over time, you'll adjust to the unpredictable weather patterns and learn to enjoy the Dutch climate.

4. It can be difficult to make friends with Dutch people

Making Dutch friends can be more difficult than meeting internationals. On the one hand, you have the language barrier. While the Dutch don’t mind switching to English, it’s more difficult to make lasting connections if you don’t speak the local language. Dutch people also tend to stick to their roots and make Dutch friends as a result. You’ll probably find it tricky to connect with Dutch people at first, but after living in the Netherlands for a while, you’ll have more opportunities to befriend the locals. Especially if you learn some Dutch!

5. Dutch people are very organized

Dutch people are very organized, which you’ll quickly see once you start living in the Netherlands. Whether it's work meetings, social gatherings, or outings, plans are added to the calendars (de agenda) to ensure everyone's on the same page. While this level of organization can be beneficial, it may take some adjustment.

Such organization extends to other parts of life like public transport, escalator etiquette (stand on the right), queueing etiquette, and efficient grocery packing. There’s always a protocol and a way you need to do things in the Netherlands. You’ll adjust to, and probably embrace, the level of organization with time.

6. Social policing is a big thing in the Netherlands

On par with the Dutch organization comes social policing. As the Netherlands is very organized, this is ingrained in every aspect of living here. If you fail to adhere to social norms, locals won't hesitate to correct you. Expect to be called out, whether it's improper trash disposal, loud phone conversations on public transport, or noisy parties. This isn't meant to be hostile but reflects Dutch respect for rules and the belief that telling you off will help you better yourself.

7. Being run over by a bike is a real danger in the Netherlands

While this might sound ridiculous, being run over by a bike is very plausible in the Netherlands. Whether you’re crossing the street, walking on the bike lane by accident, or biking yourself, you can get in a serious accident with bicyclists. Also, keep in mind that if you’re cycling, you can’t be on your phone because you can get fined for texting and cycling. This can be a huge disadvantage until you learn to navigate the streets, but you'll be fine once you know what to expect.

Yes, the Netherlands is a great place to live. The country offers many opportunities, a high quality of life, easy integration, and a large international community. While this comes at a high cost of living, the Dutch salaries are high enough to cover all of your living expenses. Most of the disadvantages of living in the Netherlands are things you can get past once you’ve lived there long enough. Overall, choosing the Netherlands as your home is a smart decision.