How Much of Your Salary Will Be Left?
A higher salary does not necessarily mean you will have more disposable income if you live in an expensive city.
For example, housing costs in Amsterdam can take a much larger part of your monthly salary than housing in Groningen, Breda, Tilburg or another smaller Dutch city.
The calculator therefore looks beyond your salary alone.
After estimating your monthly net income, it calculates your expected expenses in each city and shows approximately:
Net salary − housing − utilities − internet − mobile − groceries − transport − eating out − leisure = money remaining
This gives you a simple estimate of how much money you could have left after common monthly living expenses.
Compare Rent in the Netherlands
Housing is usually one of the biggest expenses when moving to the Netherlands, so you can choose between several types of accommodation:
1-bedroom apartment in the city centre
1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
3-bedroom apartment in the city centre
3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
The calculator then uses the relevant average rent when comparing cities.
Keep in mind that actual rental prices can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood, property size, condition, energy efficiency, availability and whether the property is furnished.
Groceries and Food Prices
Food costs are also included in the comparison.
Our estimated grocery budget uses local prices for common products such as milk, bread, rice, eggs, cheese, chicken, beef, apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and bottled water.
You can expand the results for each city to see these prices individually.
The calculator also estimates the cost of eating out based on local prices for inexpensive restaurants, fast food, coffee and other typical expenses.
Transport and Other Monthly Expenses
Where you live can also affect the amount you spend getting around.
The detailed city comparison includes the average price of a monthly public transport pass, single public transport ticket and petrol.
Other expenses shown include internet, mobile phone plans, basic household utilities, gym membership, cinema tickets and childcare.
Which Dutch City Is Best for Your Salary?
Once your salary and expenses have been calculated, the cities are ranked according to affordability.
You can see your estimated monthly expenses, how much of your net salary would go towards rent and approximately how much money you would have left at the end of the month.
This can help you compare job offers in different parts of the Netherlands. A job paying slightly less in one city could potentially leave you with more disposable income if housing and everyday expenses are significantly lower.
Gross vs Net Salary in the Netherlands
When comparing job offers, remember that the gross salary stated in an employment contract is not the same as the amount you receive in your bank account.
Your gross salary is your income before applicable taxes and deductions. Your net salary is approximately what remains after these deductions.
Our calculator converts your gross salary into an estimated monthly net salary before comparing it with local living costs.
The calculation is intended as an estimate. Your actual take-home salary can differ depending on your personal circumstances, applicable tax credits, pension contributions, holiday allowance, employment conditions and other factors.
Planning to Work and Live in the Netherlands?
Choosing where to live should not be based on salary or rent alone. Consider the distance to your workplace, commuting costs, housing availability and the type of lifestyle you want.
Use this calculator as a starting point to answer a more useful question than simply “Which Dutch city is cheapest?”
Instead, ask:
“With the salary I expect to earn, where in the Netherlands could I afford the lifestyle I want?”
Enter your gross salary above and compare the cities to find out.
Important Information
The figures provided by this calculator are estimates and should be used for general comparison and planning purposes only.
Actual salaries, taxes, rents and everyday expenses can differ. Rental prices can change quickly, and individual spending depends heavily on lifestyle and personal circumstances.
The net salary calculation is an estimate and is not an official tax or payroll calculation. For important financial or employment decisions, check your personal situation using official Dutch information and professional advice where necessary.