Budget & Expenses
Can I Afford to Live in the Netherlands?
So you're thinking about relocating to the Netherlands? Great choice. But one of the biggest questions we get is: “Can I actually afford to live there?” The short answer? Yes — with the right plan. Here's what 2025 looks like financially for highly skilled migrants making the move.
Download our Free 2025 Budget & Expenses Guide to get detailed insights on Dutch salaries, taxes, cost of living, and relocation costs, personal stories, tips, usefull links — all tailored for South Africans.
👉 Click here to download the PDF and start planning your Dutch life today.
The 30% Ruling – Your Secret Financial Weapon
The Dutch government offers a major tax break for highly skilled migrants — it's called the 30% ruling. If you qualify, up to 30% of your salary is tax-free. It's a huge win that helps offset the higher cost of living.
💡 Note: If you start your job after 1 January 2024, the percentage will reduce to 27% from 2027, and you’ll need to declare overseas assets from 2025.
What Will You Earn?
Depending on your age and experience, here's what your monthly take-home pay might look like as a highly skilled migrant with the 30% ruling:
Over 30: ~€4,843 per month net (€5,688 per month gross)
Under 30: ~€3,373 per month net (€4,171 per month gross)
For comparison, the Dutch median gross salary per month in 2025 is:
€3,875 (that's roughly R75K per month)
Monthly Living Costs in the Netherlands
Let’s break it down. Here's what you can expect to spend per month depending on your household size (city centre living):
Estimated Monthly Total:
Single (city centre): €2,095
Couple: €3,010
Family of 4: €3,730
Want to save a bit? Move to the outskirts or a smaller city like Haarlem, Groningen, or Eindhoven, where rent drops significantly.
What About Once-Off Costs?
In your first month, you'll need to plan for:
Rental deposit: €1,000 – €3,000
Estate agent fees: ~€1,200 (covered if you're an Ir Olav’s Globetrotter and use a preferred partner)
Health insurance back pay: ~€150 per person
Furniture and home setup: €1,500 – €3,000
Flight ticket: €500 – €1,200 per person
TB screening (if required): €40 – €60 per person
Driver’s licence exchange: ~€50 per person
Expect to need between €4,000 and €6,000 in startup capital depending on your lifestyle.
Got Kids?
If you’re moving with little ones, factor in:
Childcare: €500 – €1,200/month (government subsidies available)
After-school activities: ~€0 – €60/month
School advice (expat relocations): ~€500 once-off
The good news? Government schools are free, and your children are included in your health insurance at no cost.
Final Thoughts
With good planning, living in the Netherlands as a South African professional is absolutely doable!
