The Netherlands has a lot to offer to its residents. It has one of the world’s highest life expectancies and is currently placed fifth in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. With a friendly and open culture, great work-life balance, and a health-conscious environment, the Netherlands is a country that is easy to call home.
Is The Netherlands A Good Place To Live? Yes, The Netherlands is ranked among the world’s top ten happiest countries! It’s no surprise in a country with a strong economy, fantastic childcare and education, fluent English speakers, and a health-centered lifestyle. It’s a good place to live for sure.
Continue reading to find out exactly why the Netherlands is such a great place for relocation. We’ll explore everything from education, work, living expenses to crime rates. And compare the prices of everyday goods, while figuring out the logistics of your move. If you’re considering removals to the Netherlands, we’ve got you covered in this simple guide!
Is The Netherlands A Good Place To Live?
The Dutch spend only 19 percent of their gross adjusted disposable income on housing expenditures, allowing them to save more, pursue projects and life goals, and build a more pleasurable and comfortable existence.
The Dutch are the best non-native English speakers. This makes it easier to source a job, integrate children into school, and adjust to living in the Netherlands in general. Most individuals can converse in English, so there will always be someone to assist you if you get yourself into a pickle.
The cycling culture of the Netherlands is well-known. Dutch people will go out on their bicycles come rain or shine. It’s free, good for your health, and part of the daily routine there, with cycle lanes everywhere.
The Dutch are kind and approachable, and they don’t hesitate to engage in the conversation when they pass you on the street. People new to the area may discover that striking up a conversation with a stranger on the bus is easy or that they’re only a few words away from discovering the area’s best restaurant.
Is It Expensive To Live In The Netherlands (vs. UK)?
Living costs in The Netherlands are pretty similar to the living costs in the UK. The International cost of living calculator ranks the UK 12th most expensive with an average living cost of €1665 per month while the Netherlands comes in 17th with an average living cost of €1535.
Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, the difference in monthly expenditure could sit anywhere between -8 and +10%.
If you lived in the Netherlands instead of the UK, you would pay an average of 39.2% more on dining out and 9.1% more for groceries. You could also expect to pay around 21.5% more on transportation and 5.5% more on housing.
However, the Netherlands are renowned for their quality and low-cost childcare that is 15.1% cheaper than in the UK; sports and entertainment come in around 12.5% less.
The average cost of living: Netherlands vs UK
| United Kingdom | Netherlands | |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | £12.50 €14.58 | £12.86 €15.00 |
| 33ml bottle of water | £0.97 €1.13 | £1.73 €2.02 |
| Loaf of fresh bread | £0.97 €1.14 | £1.67 €1.95 |
| 1kg of local cheese | £5.56 €6.49 | £9.54 €11.13 |
| 1kg of chicken fillets | £5.45 €6.36 | £6.68 €7.79 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | £7.00 €8.17 | £5.13 €5.99 |
| 20 pack of Marlboro cigarettes | £11.40 €13.30 | £6.86 €8.00 |
| Basic monthly utilities for an 85m2 Apartment | £153.83 €179.47 | £139.94 €163.27 |
| Monthly fee for a fitness club | £30.41 €35.47 | £24.81 €28.94 |
| Yearly fee for private school tuition | £13,045.62 €15,220.05 | £6,019.71 €7,023.07 |
| Price per square metre for an apartment in the City Centre. | £4,228.74 €4,933.59 | £3,616.32 €4,219.08 |
| Price per square metre for an apartment outside the City Centre. | £2,979.06 €3,475.60 | £2,755.60 €3,214.90 |
| Average monthly net salary after tax | £1,973.64 €2,302.60 | £2,234.90 €2,607.41 |
Everyone pays the same amount for basic healthcare, making the system equally accessible to everyone. If you require specialty care such as mental healthcare, dentistry, or pregnancy, you can pay a little extra for these.
If you have a low income, the government will provide you with a zorgtoeslag, or healthcare allowance, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to pay for it.
Is The Netherlands A Good Place To Work?
There are many reasons why it’s worth considering work in the Netherlands. The Dutch people work fewer hours than the European average, valuing family time and leisure activities far more than the European average.
According to statistics, over 75% of women and 26% of men work part-time (around 35 hours each week). Some even work a day or two from home. And the average wages are slightly higher, resulting in a higher standard of living.
The Netherlands is one of the top 10 nations to live in if you want to strike a decent work-life balance. The Dutch government is always trying new ways to entice highly qualified migrants and entrepreneurs, such as the 30% tax break and the startup visa residence permit.
Saying what you mean and doing what you say is a part of the Dutch way of life, but don’t confuse this with impoliteness. The Dutch are highly accommodating, open-minded, and truthful. When working on a project or seeking advice, this directness might come in handy.
A Dutch individual will not hesitate to give you the truth, even if it’s something you’d rather sugarcoat. Being so forthright can also save a lot of time, resulting in an improved organisation and an awareness of where you stand at all times.
Is The Netherlands Safe To Live In?
The Netherlands has one of the lowest rates of crime in the world. There are several theories on why this happens, including the country’s drug policy, lower poverty levels, and the system’s preference for rehabilitation over jail.
The average Dutch individual takes rules very seriously; therefore, following local laws is standard practice. Things remain peaceful because most citizens adhere to the rules, believing that the regulations benefit everyone.
Some people may also believe that drugs and alcohol are readily available and always legal in the Netherlands. There are, however, several laws in place. You must be 18 years old to consume alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, unless there is a festival, no open containers are allowed on the streets, and it is illegal to buy or sell alcohol in the same place as marijuana.
Tolerance is also at the heart of the country’s fantastic sense of equilibrium. The Dutch are welcoming to individuals of all races and cultures, so international students and even tourists feel at ease in this welcoming country.
There doesn’t appear to be an emphasis on social hierarchy, and it’s normal to see individuals from various walks of life socialising in the same pub. When it comes to acceptance and the overall balance of the community, the Netherlands has a “live and let live” approach.
Things might get a little daunting when you’re in a new city, but knowing you’re in a safe, friendly environment can help you relax.
Is Moving To The Netherlands From The UK Easy?
Moving to the Netherlands from the UK involves relocating your family and your possessions. You’ll want to source low-cost removals that are safe and efficient. Lopa removals offer a 3-7 day delivery service and will help you to reduce your costs when relocating to the Netherlands.
Additionally, Lopa Removals help you with customs clearance when you relocate to the Netherlands, and, by sharing space with other customers, you can lower your average removal cost.
Before the 2021 occurrence of Brexit, British residents could freely choose to reside in the Netherlands. However, after January 1, 2021, you are considered a ‘third-country national.’
As you are no longer a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you require a residency permit to migrate to the Netherlands for a specified reason. The most common reasons for migration include partnership or family, work, or study.
Everyone in the Netherlands must have a citizen service number, sometimes known as a BSN (burgerservicenummer). This is required for numerous administrative activities, including employment, creating a bank account, organizing health insurance, and seeing a doctor or hospital.
Every citizen of the Netherlands must register with the local municipality’s Personal Records Database, also known as the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen). You can request this at the same time as your BSN application. The IND and other government agencies will use the BRP to contact you.
Also, you must always carry photo identification, such as your passport or residence permit, as required by law.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is the Netherlands a good place to live,” then we hope this article has provided you with relevant information to aid in your decision.
Once you obtain your legal paperwork and register as an official resident, you and your family can make the transition to a country that offers a friendly culture, prioritizes lifestyle before work and provides a safe and happy environment for its residents.