The Real Numbers: What Living in The Hague Actually Costs in 2026
You’ve heard The Hague is more affordable than Amsterdam. But what does that actually mean for your monthly budget? We’ve compiled data from real residents across different lifestyles to give you the most realistic picture possible.
Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment (city center) | 950 – 1,300 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | 1,200 – 1,700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside center) | 950 – 1,350 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | 1,600 – 2,300 |
| Room in shared house | 550 – 850 |
2026 update: Rental prices have increased approximately 4-6% year-over-year, driven by continued international demand and limited new construction. The municipality’s new housing policy requires landlords to register rental contracts, which has reduced illegal surcharges but also constrained supply.
Utilities & Internet
| Utility | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Gas & electricity (1BR apartment) | 130 – 200 |
| Water | 25 – 40 |
| Internet (fiber, 1Gbps) | 40 – 55 |
| Mobile phone (unlimited data) | 25 – 35 |
Note: Energy prices have stabilized in 2026 after the volatility of 2023-24. Many expats find Dutch homes better insulated than expected, which helps keep winter heating costs manageable.
Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Basic health insurance is compulsory for all residents in the Netherlands. In 2026, expect to pay:
- Basic package (basisverzekering): €140 – €165/month
- Excess (eigen risico): €385/year (mandatory minimum deductible)
- Dental add-on: €15 – €40/month (not included in basic package)
Pro tip: Internationals earning under ~€38,000/year may qualify for zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) — up to €125/month from the Dutch tax authority.
Groceries — Monthly for 1 Person
| Item | Typical Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Weekly supermarket shop (Albert Heijn/Jumbo) | 60 – 80 |
| Monthly total groceries (budget-conscious) | 250 – 300 |
| Monthly total groceries (comfortable) | 350 – 450 |
Local tip: The Haagse Markt (Herman Costerstraat) is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe — open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. You can cut your produce bill by 30-40% compared to supermarkets.
Transportation
- Bicycle: Buy a decent second-hand bike for €100-200 on Marktplaats. Maintenance: €10-20/month.
- Public transport: Monthly HTM subscription (all trams/buses in The Hague): €65. NS train to Amsterdam (monthly, off-peak): €110.
- Car: Not recommended for city-center living. Parking permits cost €90-200/year depending on zone, and street parking for non-residents is €3.50-5.00/hour.
Entertainment & Dining Out
- Casual dinner out (main + drink): €18 – 28
- Mid-range restaurant (3 courses, wine): €40 – 60 per person
- Craft beer at a bar: €5.50 – 7.50
- Cappuccino at a café: €3.20 – 4.00
- Cinema ticket: €12 – 15
- Gym membership: €30 – 65/month
Sample Monthly Budgets
Budget-Conscious Single Expat
| Category | € |
|---|---|
| Shared apartment room | 650 |
| Utilities + internet | 120 |
| Health insurance (after allowance) | 40 |
| Groceries | 280 |
| Transport (bike + occasional tram) | 50 |
| Entertainment + eating out | 150 |
| TOTAL | 1,290 |
Comfortable Professional Living Alone
| Category | € |
|---|---|
| 1BR apartment (Zeeheldenkwartier) | 1,400 |
| Utilities + internet + mobile | 250 |
| Health insurance | 155 |
| Groceries | 380 |
| Transport (HTM + occasional NS) | 180 |
| Entertainment + dining out | 400 |
| Miscellaneous (clothing, subscriptions, etc.) | 200 |
| TOTAL | 2,965 |
The Hague vs. Amsterdam: Cost Comparison
On average, The Hague is approximately 18-22% cheaper than Amsterdam for comparable housing. Groceries and entertainment are roughly 5-10% less expensive. The biggest savings comes from rent — a 1BR apartment that costs €1,400 in The Hague would easily run €1,800-2,100 in comparable Amsterdam neighborhoods.
Bottom Line
A single international professional can live comfortably in The Hague on a net salary of €3,000-3,500/month, with money left for travel and savings. Budget-conscious expats in shared housing can manage on €1,800-2,200/month. Either way, The Hague offers significantly better value than most Western European capitals while maintaining an exceptional quality of life.
