The Eduployment Programme

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a well-organised, welcoming country known for its high standard of living. Healthcare is excellent, public transport is efficient, and life is built on strong social systems and stability. This quality of life comes with a cost.

Compared to some other European countries, living in the Netherlands can be more expensive. That’s why Eduployment not only helps you prepare linguistically and professionally, but also practically and financially. Knowing what to expect allows you to begin your new life with confidence.
  • Relocation and Integration Support
  • Sponsored Language Training
  • Guaranteed Job Placement

What Does Life in the Netherlands Cost?

The average cost of living in the Netherlands depends on your lifestyle and location, but here are some typical monthly expenses (2025 figures):

  • €800 – €1,200 for rent (including utilities) in a mid-sized city
  • €200 – €300 for groceries
  • €70 – €120 for healthcare and insurance
  • €50 – €100 for transport and extras

In total, most individuals will need between €1,300 and €1,800 per month to live comfortably. While this is higher than in countries like Greece, Portugal, or Lithuania, nurses in the Netherlands also earn significantly more, and many costs are better covered or reimbursed.

Strong Employment Conditions through Eduployment

As a nurse or assistant nurse through Eduployment, you won’t work through an agency. You’ll receive a direct employment contract with a Dutch healthcare institution, meaning you’re really part of the team from day one.

Your employment falls under the Dutch collective labour agreement for nursing homes, care services, and home care (CAO VVT). This gives you many benefits, such as:

  • A guaranteed 36-hour workweek (full-time)
  • Extra allowances for evening, weekend and holiday shifts
  • Salary according to national standards
  • Reimbursement of travel costs to and from work
  • Holiday bonus (8% of your annual salary)
  • End-of-year bonus (around one extra month’s salary)
  • Employer-paid pension contributions
These employment benefits give you security, structure, and peace of mind, essential when starting a new chapter in another country.

What Are the Biggest Expenses?

For most people living in the Netherlands, housing is the largest monthly expense. Especially in major cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, rent prices can be high. However, most homes are modern, well-insulated, and comfortable built for long-term living.

As a nurse or assistant nurse placed through Eduployment, your housing costs for the first year are much lower than average. Thanks to our collaboration with trusted healthcare institutions, you benefit from:

  • A substantial monthly housing subsidy from your employer
  • A fully furnished private studio, not shared
  • Many housing-related costs already included, such as furniture and and home maintenance
  • Only electricity needs to be arranged and paid separately, usually €15 to €30 per month, depending on usage
This clear, all-in setup allows you to focus on your work and well-being, rather than worry about logistics or hidden costs.

What Else Should You Budget For?

Aside from housing, the following are typical monthly expenses (based on 2025 figures):

  • Groceries: around €200 to €300 for an individual, depending on lifestyle
  • Health insurance: mandatory and starts from €120 per month (Rijksoverheid, 2025)
  • Energy (if not included): average of €200 per household, but your electricity costs as a single tenant will likely stay under €30
  • Mobile phone plan: around €15 – €25 per month
  • Public transport: affordable and reliable, especially if you use regional cards or bike regularly
In some cases, you may also be eligible for Dutch governmental subsidies, known as Toeslagen, to help cover part of your rent and health insurance costs. These allowances can make a difference in your monthly budget.

In return, you’ll live in a country with outstanding public services, world-class healthcare, modern infrastructure, and fresh, high-quality food available almost everywhere. With the right support and planning, life in the Netherlands can be both enriching and financially sustainable.

Save While You Work and Grow

Because your housing is partially subsidised and your job includes strong financial benefits, like guaranteed work hours, extra allowances, holiday bonuses, and pension contributions, you can start building financial stability from the beginning.

With low living costs compared to your income, you will be surprised by how much you can save in just a few months. This is especially valuable for those planning to send money home, fund future studies, or simply build a buffer for the future.

Purchasing power in the Netherlands

Thanks to competitive wages, the Netherlands offers strong purchasing power. According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS, 2025), the average gross monthly salary is around €3,000 based on a 40-hour workweek—significantly higher than in countries like, for example, Greece. As a result, most people enjoy financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle. Childcare, education, and social security also contribute to a high standard of living and long-term security.

Want to talk to us personally?

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about our programmes, language training, housing, or registration, we’re here to help.

At Eduployment, we believe that personal support makes all the difference. That’s why we take the time to listen, guide, and give you clear answers, so you can take your next step with confidence.

Ready to start your journey to living and working in the Netherlands? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.
Selwyn Paehlig
Director Eduployment
Call +31 6555 00 665

Real stories from our students

Ana Munaiz

“I think Eduployment is a good option for people who don’t know the language and want to live and work in the Netherlands. Because it has an online course with flexibility that adapts to individual rhythms. It also offers accommodation, depending on the city it can be a big challenge to find something on your own. In short, Eduployment gives the boost to start your life in a new country.”

Sylvia Agarici

If you’re a nurse looking for a seamless move to the Netherlands, Eduployment is your ultimate partner! From day one, they were by my side—starting with my very first Dutch lesson, guiding me through the BIG registration process, and even helping me secure my own apartment in the Netherlands. Moving abroad can be overwhelming, but with Eduployment’s support every step of the way, the transition felt smooth and stress-free. Their team made what seemed daunting into an exciting journey!”

Matthias Christen

“The teachers and management of Eduployment were always available to answer questions. I had some difficulties feeling at home in the Netherlands. The aftercare offered by Eduployment made this a lot easier. They guided me throughout my whole two-year contract.”

Tonia Karapidaki

“It is pleasant that Eduployment supports me still. We recently moved into a very nice apartment. Eduployment was there to help us move. Someone even came by with a screw driver to help us assemble some cabinets, and a pipe wrench to connect the washing machine.”

Altea Koutsiouki

“The collaboration with Εduployment started about two years ago. Within a year I was able to speak and understand Dutch at a good level. After arriving in the Netherlands, the challenges I faced were many, but step by step and with patience, I can proudly say that one year later I have managed to achieve many of my goals and, most importantly, I have slowly gained the confidence I needed to grow professionally! During this time, Εduploymet supported me every time I needed it. Here’s to what’s to come next!”

Inês Ramos

“Dutch is a bit difficult at first, but it is possible! You have to focus on it. Learning Dutch should be your job; you should spend a lot of time learning a new language. I’m glad I decided to learn Dutch with Eduployment.”

Asta Kuodiene

“I was among the first group to be trained by Eduployment. We received excellent guidance and were able to make a good start with our Dutch employer. Some of my colleagues are still working there. I always wanted to work in forensic psychiatry. Thanks to my good knowledge of Dutch, help from Eduployment and the start in the Dutch nursing home, I succeeded.”

Ágnes Hajas

“I really like this job, because here every day is a challenge and that’s what I like. After I started, I passed the national knowledge test for triage assistant within five weeks. My audits are good and, in the meantime, I have also obtained my diploma. I am very satisfied with what I have achieved. The free language course from Eduployment was a very good investment!”

Alberto Soto

“The support of Eduployment was much needed, because we had no idea about the Dutch system. This support meant a lot to me, because most procedures require several steps that are difficult to solve on your own. Furthermore, the Eduployment team visited us a lot in the beginning to talk to us about how things were going and if we had any questions. That is very nice.”

Eglė Skersienė

“Eduployment has helped me get through this period very well, by offering lots of practical help, personal support and a solid track. Also, my colleagues who entered this programme with me in 2003 have meant a lot to me and we still keep in touch.”

Join The Eduployment Programme!

Ready for the next step?

The Netherlands offers a great balance between income and cost of living. With strong salaries, excellent public services, and tailored support from Eduployment, you can count on a comfortable start. Do you have questions about living, working, or financial arrangements in the Netherlands? Our team is ready to guide you personally. Get in touch with us today!

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