What It Really Costs to Live in The Hague
The Hague offers a more affordable alternative to Amsterdam while maintaining excellent quality of life. But as an expat, understanding the true cost of living is crucial for budgeting. Here’s our 2026 breakdown based on real expat experiences.
Housing – Your Biggest Expense
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment (city center) | €950–€1,300 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | €1,200–€1,700 |
| 1-bedroom (outside center) | €950–€1,350 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €1,400–€2,100 |
| Utilities (gas, electricity, water) | €150–€250 |
| Internet (fiber, 100+ Mbps) | €35–€55 |
| Municipal taxes (afvalstoffenheffing, etc.) | €30–€50/month |
Food & Groceries
Dutch supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Lidl offer competitive prices:
- Weekly groceries for one person: €50–€70
- Bread (whole loaf): €1.50–€2.50
- Milk (1L): €1.10
- Eggs (12): €3.50
- Chicken breast (1kg): €10–€13
- Coffee at a café: €3.00–€4.50
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €18–€30 per person
- Beer (0.5L at a bar): €4.50–€6.00
Shop at the Haagse Markt for fresh produce at 30–50% less than supermarkets.
Transportation
- OV-chipkaart monthly HTM pass (2 zones): €68
- Single tram/bus ride: €1.80–€3.50
- Gasoline (1L): €1.85–€2.10
- Bicycle (second-hand): €80–€200
- Swapfiets subscription: €16.50/month
- Train to Amsterdam (one-way): €12.60
Healthcare
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) costs approximately €140–€160/month per adult with a deductible (eigen risico) of €385/year. Many expats add supplemental packages for dental and physiotherapy (€15–€40/month extra).
Other Monthly Expenses
- Mobile phone plan (unlimited data): €20–€35 (Odido, KPN, Vodafone)
- Gym membership: €25–€60
- Cinema ticket: €12–€15
- Museum entry: €10–€20 (free with Museumkaart, €75/year)
Sample Monthly Budget
A single expat living comfortably in The Hague:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | €1,400 |
| Utilities + Internet | €230 |
| Health insurance | €150 |
| Groceries | €250 |
| Transport | €100 |
| Entertainment & dining | €250 |
| Mobile & misc. | €80 |
| TOTAL | €2,460 |
Compared to Amsterdam or London, The Hague offers 15–25% lower living costs while providing beaches, international community, and excellent infrastructure. A net salary of €3,000–€3,500/month allows for a comfortable lifestyle with some savings.
Pro tip: If you’re employed by an international organization or embassy, you may qualify for the 30% ruling — a significant tax advantage that can save you thousands annually.
