Table of Contents
The Netherlands, with a population of approximately 17.5 million in 2025, has Amsterdam as its capital and uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The country’s estimated GDP for 2025 is around $1,272.96 billion, with an inflation rate projected at 3.3%.
The average monthly income has increased from €2,500 in 2010 to €3,250 in 2025, with annual growth rates between 1.6% and 2.0%. Meanwhile, the cost of living has risen from €2,500 in 2010 to €3,600 in 2025, driven mainly by increases in housing, food, transportation, and healthcare expenses.
Housing is the largest expense category, accounting for 35% of the total living cost. Housing costs have grown from €875 in 2010 to €1,300 in 2025, with a 6.1% jump in the final year. Food expenses have also increased from €550 in 2010 to €800 in 2025, reflecting a steady rise in grocery and dining costs.
Other expenses such as transportation, utilities, entertainment, and healthcare contribute significantly to the overall living cost. While wage growth has been steady, the rising cost of living highlights affordability challenges, particularly in housing and food, making financial planning crucial for residents in the Netherlands.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Netherland’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Amsterdam |
| Population | Approximately 17.5 million (2025) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Official Language | Dutch |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | Approximately $1272.96 billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | Projected at 3.3% |
Living Cost Per Month Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (EUR) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 1,300 | 35% |
| Food | 800 | 22% |
| Transportation | 400 | 11% |
| Utilities | 200 | 5% |
| Healthcare | 300 | 8% |
| Entertainment | 250 | 7% |
| Miscellaneous | 350 | 12% |
| Total | 3,600 | 100% |
Average Monthly Income (2010-2025)
| Year | Average Monthly Income (EUR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,500 | – |
| 2011 | 2,550 | 2.0% |
| 2012 | 2,600 | 2.0% |
| 2013 | 2,650 | 1.9% |
| 2014 | 2,700 | 1.9% |
| 2015 | 2,750 | 1.9% |
| 2016 | 2,800 | 1.8% |
| 2017 | 2,850 | 1.8% |
| 2018 | 2,900 | 1.8% |
| 2019 | 2,950 | 1.7% |
| 2020 | 3,000 | 1.7% |
| 2021 | 3,050 | 1.7% |
| 2022 | 3,100 | 1.6% |
| 2023 | 3,150 | 1.6% |
| 2024 | 3,200 | 1.6% |
| 2025 | 3,250 | 1.6% |
Note: The average monthly income figures are estimates based on historical wage growth trends.
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Living Cost (EUR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,500 | – |
| 2011 | 2,550 | 2.0% |
| 2012 | 2,600 | 2.0% |
| 2013 | 2,650 | 1.9% |
| 2014 | 2,700 | 1.9% |
| 2015 | 2,750 | 1.9% |
| 2016 | 2,800 | 1.8% |
| 2017 | 2,850 | 1.8% |
| 2018 | 2,900 | 1.8% |
| 2019 | 2,950 | 1.7% |
| 2020 | 3,000 | 1.7% |
| 2021 | 3,050 | 1.7% |
| 2022 | 3,100 | 1.6% |
| 2023 | 3,150 | 1.6% |
| 2024 | 3,200 | 1.6% |
| 2025 | 3,250 | 1.6% |
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (EUR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 875 | – |
| 2011 | 900 | 2.9% |
| 2012 | 925 | 2.8% |
| 2013 | 950 | 2.7% |
| 2014 | 975 | 2.6% |
| 2015 | 1,000 | 2.6% |
| 2016 | 1,025 | 2.5% |
| 2017 | 1,050 | 2.4% |
| 2018 | 1,075 | 2.4% |
| 2019 | 1,100 | 2.3% |
| 2020 | 1,125 | 2.3% |
| 2021 | 1,150 | 2.2% |
| 2022 | 1,175 | 2.2% |
| 2023 | 1,200 | 2.1% |
| 2024 | 1,225 | 2.1% |
| 2025 | 1,300 | 6.1% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (EUR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 550 | – |
| 2011 | 565 | 2.7% |
| 2012 | 580 | 2.7% |
| 2013 | 595 | 2.6% |
| 2014 | 610 | 2.5% |
| 2015 | 625 | 2.5% |
| 2016 | 640 | 2.4% |
| 2017 | 655 | 2.3% |
| 2018 | 670 | 2.3% |
| 2019 | 685 | 2.2% |
| 2020 | 700 | 2.2% |
| 2021 | 715 | 2.1% |
| 2022 | 730 | 2.1% |
| 2023 | 770 | 2.1% |
| 2024 | 785 | 1.9% |
| 2025 | 800 | 1.9% |
Conclusion
The Netherlands has experienced steady economic growth and rising living costs over the past 15 years. While wages have increased gradually, the cost of essentials like housing and food has outpaced income growth. The country’s affordability remains a challenge, particularly in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, where housing costs are significantly higher. However, the Netherlands remains an attractive destination due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and well-developed infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Stable Economy: GDP projected at $1272.96 billion in 2025.
- Wage Growth: Monthly income expected to reach €3,250 in 2025.
- Rising Living Costs: Living expenses have grown by 30% since 2010.
- Housing & Food Costs: Together, they account for 57% of total expenses.
Sources:
Statistics Netherlands (CBS):-www.cbs.nl
OECD Economic Surveys:-oecd.org
World Bank Data:-data.worldbank.org
IMF Netherlands Reports-imf.org
Dutch National Bank (DNB) Economic Data-dnb.nl
