Cost of Living in The Hague
Summary: If you're moving to The Hague, understanding the the cost of living in The Hague helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in The Hague is €1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and €1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices can vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in The Hague is €250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and €350,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices can vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in The Hague is €2.90 for a single ticket and €7.50 for a day pass. The cost of a monthly pass is €50. The cost of a taxi ride in The Hague is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.50 for each additional kilometer. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in The Hague is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.50. Prices can vary depending on the type and brand of the product. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in The Hague is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €7.00, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15.00, and a meal at a high-end restaurant costs €30.00. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in The Hague is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is €0.20 per kWh, the average cost of water is €2.50 per m3, and the average cost of internet is €30.00 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in The Hague varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €1,000 per year, the average cost of elementary school tuition is €2,500 per year, the average cost of middle school tuition is €3,500 per year, and the average cost of high school tuition is €4,500 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in The Hague
"The cost of living in The Hague is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices are particularly high, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around €1,000 per month. Groceries and other everyday items are also more expensive than in other parts of the Netherlands. Eating out can also be quite costly, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around €50. Transportation costs are relatively low, with monthly public transport passes costing around €50," said one expat living in The Hague.
Can I live in The Hague on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in The Hague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The Hague is a beautiful city with a lot of modern amenities, but it can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to a higher standard of living.First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in The Hague are Statenkwartier, Archipelbuurt, and Zeeheldenkwartier. I would recommend looking for a place in a more affordable neighborhood like Laakkwartier, Moerwijk, or Transvaal. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation to keep your rent within budget.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in The Hague is quite good, but it can be expensive if you're using it every day. I would recommend getting a bike, as it's a very bike-friendly city and it will save you a lot of money on transportation. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting an OV-chipkaart, which can save you money on fares.Eating out can also be quite expensive in The Hague, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. There are plenty of supermarkets where you can find affordable groceries, like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Lidl. You can also save money by shopping at local markets, like the Haagse Markt, which offers fresh produce at lower prices.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in The Hague. You can visit the beautiful parks, like Westbroekpark or Zuiderpark, or take a walk along the beach in Scheveningen. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, like the International Fireworks Festival and the Parkpop music festival.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in The Hague is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using a bike for transportation, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in The Hague.
Can I live in The Hague on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in The Hague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The Hague is a beautiful city with a lot of modern amenities, but it can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to housing.First, you'll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Archipelbuurt, Statenkwartier, and Zeeheldenkwartier, are probably out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in Laakkwartier, Moerwijk, or Transvaal. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still have good access to public transportation, shops, and other amenities.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transportation or a bike, as owning a car can be quite expensive in The Hague. The city has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains, so you should be able to get around easily without a car.Eating out can also be quite expensive in The Hague, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for more affordable options like cafes, snack bars, or ethnic restaurants.You'll also want to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so try to find more affordable ways to have fun. The Hague has many beautiful parks, museums, and cultural events that are either free or low-cost, so take advantage of those.In general, living in The Hague on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," said one expat living in The Hague.
Can I live in The Hague on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in The Hague for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can still enjoy a good quality of life.First, let's talk about housing. The Hague has a variety of neighborhoods, some more expensive than others. If you want to save on rent, I'd recommend looking into areas like Laak, Moerwijk, or Mariahoeve. These neighborhoods are more affordable, but still offer decent living conditions and access to public transportation. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you can consider living in more upscale neighborhoods like Statenkwartier, Archipel, or Benoordenhout. These areas are more expensive, but they're also closer to the city center and have a more vibrant atmosphere.When it comes to transportation, The Hague has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. A monthly public transportation pass will cost you around €90, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking can be expensive in the city center, so you might want to consider using public transportation or biking instead.As for groceries and dining out, you can find a wide range of options in The Hague. There are plenty of supermarkets where you can buy affordable groceries, as well as local markets where you can find fresh produce. If you're a fan of dining out, there are many restaurants and cafes that offer reasonably priced meals. Of course, if you want to save money, you can always cook at home and limit dining out to special occasions.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of things to do in The Hague that won't break the bank. You can visit museums, parks, and other attractions, many of which offer free or discounted admission. Additionally, there are numerous events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend, often for free or at a low cost.Overall, living in The Hague on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even if you're used to modern amenities. You might have to make some sacrifices, such as living in a more affordable neighborhood or cutting back on dining out, but you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in The Hague.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Best Markets in The Hague
- Retire in The Hague Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in The Hague
- Pros & Cons of Living in The Hague
- Tips for Expats Driving in The Hague
- Cost of Living in The Hague
- Health Care in The Hague
- The Essential Guide to The Hague
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Netherlands
- Best Places to Live in Netherlands
- Real Estate in Netherlands
- Pros & Cons of Living in Netherlands
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to The Netherlands (Plus, Itineraries)
- Pros and Cons of Living in Netherlands 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Netherlands