How Much Does It Cost To Move to the Netherlands From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: After all expenses are considered, a single person moving to the Netherlands will pay between $14,000 and $21,300 for the move and first month’s living costs in their new country.
Here’s a closer look at your move’s price:
- International shipping: International shipping costs for a three-bedroom home alone will range between $2,256 and $4,759. However, international moving companies will charge between $6,400 and $14,800 for a relocation of this size.
- Airline tickets: A single economy airline ticket to the Netherlands costs between $400 and $800 according to current rates on Expedia and Kayak.
- Housing: One-bedroom rent in a Dutch city center costs $1,480.62 according to Numbeo. Landlords can take up to two months’ rent as a security deposit in the Netherlands as well, for a total of $4,441.86.
- Cost of living: Numbeo cost data shows that a single person will pay $1,092 per month for basic expenses without rent. Total costs with rent would be $2,572.62.
- Visa fees: Applying for a temporary residence permit through the Immigration and Naturalization Service costs $178.05.
Once you’ve budgeted the cost to move from the Netherlands to the US, you should begin getting quotes from the best international moving companies for your relocation. Hiring professional assistance for this and any vehicle shipping needs your move may require is the best way to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in a new country.
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Average cost of moving to the Netherlands from the US
Each of the shipping methods below offers some pros and cons. Ocean freight is the most economically sensible option, but features longer shipping times. Air freight is the quickest way to move, but costs make shipping a full home this way unworkable for many.
With this in mind, we’ve gotten price points for shipping the bulk of your goods in a shipping container, while sending a smaller shipment of essential items via air freight. Using these in tandem, shipping costs alone would total between $2,256 and $4,759.
Sea freight costs from the US to the Netherlands
Ocean freight is the option most commonly used by international moving companies. It is far and away the most cost-effective way to ship large quantities of goods. The main drawback with this shipping method is the four- to six-week transit time.
The price points below show estimated rates for shipping a 20-foot container across the Atlantic. This container size can fit most three-bedroom homes and accommodate the majority of household moves.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Amsterdam | $3,031–$4,041 | 30–43 days |
| Los Angeles | Amsterdam | $4,059 | 47–57 days |
| Boston | Rotterdam, NL | $1,956 | 30–43 days |
| Los Angeles | Rotterdam, NL | $2,368 | 47–57 days |
*Source: Cost data and delivery timelines from Freightos.com and iContainers.com reflect approximate pricing for a 20-foot container shipment via ocean freight.
Air freight costs from the US to the Netherlands
We’ve listed the typical cost of sending a small 100-kg air freight shipment here. Note that price points can vary, depending on the mover you book with and how far in advance you schedule your move.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Amsterdam | $300–$700 | 2–4 days |
| Los Angeles | Amsterdam | $300–$700 | 2–4 days |
| New York | Rotterdam, NL | $300–$700 | 2–4 days |
| Los Angeles | Rotterdam, NL | $300–$700 | 2–4 days |
*Source: Costs reflect average per-kilogram rates for air freight according to Freightos.com.
How much does it cost to live in the Netherlands?
Overall, the basic month-to-month costs are 1.9% higher than in the Netherlands, excluding rent. Rent prices themselves are 21.8% higher in the US, according to resident data from Numbeo. Monthly costs for a family of four are $3,839.70 without rent, and a three-bedroom apartment in a metro center costs $2,382.05, totaling $6,221.75.
We’ve listed two comparably-sized cities in the tables below. It’s worth noting that Amsterdam is one of the most expensive places to live in the Netherlands. When we look at overall costs of living across the US and the Netherlands as a whole, the numbers are far more even.
The same data from Numbeo shows an average monthly wage of $3,530.44 in the Netherlands, compared to a $4,333.53 figure in the US.
Housing costs in the Netherlands
Some of the Netherlands’ most expensive locales like Amsterdam are far costlier than comparably-sized US cities. While housing in this in-demand city is far more expensive than many places in the US, rent in the Netherlands as a whole is lower than US averages.
| Apartment | Columbus, OH | Amsterdam | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $1,512.11 | $2,157.15 | +41.7% |
| 3BR rental | $2,957.14 | $3,968.41 | +34.2% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $288.37 | $942.98 | +227% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Amsterdam and Columbus, OH (March 2025)
Searching for housing can be challenging in any market or country. The Netherlands is no different, and is one of the most competitive housing markets in the EU. Given this, you’ll have to utilize every possible resource to help ensure a smooth relocation. We recommend that you begin your housing search at the start of your moving process: six months or more before moving day.
Using sites like Stekkies will help you to get a jump on listings that match your search criteria. This site in particular will send you email alerts for such homes so you can be an early applicant. If you’d rather search for temporary housing, sites like HousingAnywhere can help you to find accommodations without committing to a longer-term lease.
Here are a few of the Netherlands’ more in-demand cities:
- Utrecht: This city is centrally located, offering access to both Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Like in many locales here, you’ll be able to access nightlife and other attractions. It isn’t a car-friendly city, so we recommend utilizing public transit if you live here.
- Leiden: Leiden has a high student population, which makes housing even harder to come by. However, the access to outdoor recreation and numerous eateries are definite positives if you can find an apartment.
- Amsterdam: If you’re willing to put up with the year-round tourism, Amsterdam is home to many historic and natural features. In short, you’ll never run out of things to do here. That said, housing here is among the most expensive you’ll find in this country.
Utilities costs in the Netherlands
We noted that internet and cell phone plan costs are far lower in the Netherlands, regardless of location. Basic utilities vary depending on where you live, and are 11.4% more expensive in Amsterdam than in Columbus, OH.
| Utility | Columbus, OH | Amsterdam | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $255.75 | $284.96 | +11.4% |
| Internet | $66.23 | $45.61 | -31.1% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $60.42 | $19.39 | -67.9% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Amsterdam and Columbus, OH (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in the Netherlands
Restaurant costs in Amsterdam are notably higher than in a comparable US city. Dairy and eggs are also more expensive, while produce items are far cheaper.
| Food | Columbus, OH | Amsterdam | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $11 | $14.24 | +29.4% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $75 | $97.44 | +29.9% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.26 | $5.18 | +58.9% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.99 | $4.78 | +60% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Amsterdam and Columbus, OH (March 2025)
Transportation costs in the Netherlands
Both public and private transportation are expensive in Amsterdam. The cost of purchasing gas for a personal vehicle is among the largest differences between the two countries. The nationwide difference is less pronounced, with costs in the US being 24.8% lower than in the Netherlands.
| Transportation Mode | Columbus, OH | Amsterdam | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2 | $3.68 | +84% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $62 | $97.44 | +57.2% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $3.21 | $8.17 | +154.8% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $25,430.19 | $35,855.58 | +41% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Amsterdam and Columbus, OH (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in the Netherlands
Nearly 95% of the Dutch population is proficient in English, so international schooling may not be required if you move here with children. All primary education is free for permanent residents and citizens alike. We’ve noted that annual fees for such education are 18.2% higher in Amsterdam than in Columbus.
| Type of Education | Columbus, OH | Amsterdam | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $1,233.33 | $2,474.59 | +100.6% |
| International primary school (annual) | $15,333.33 | $18,121.04 | +18.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Amsterdam and Columbus, OH (March 2025)
Netherlands visa & immigration requirements
Upon initially moving to the Netherlands, you’ll have to pay a $178.05 fee and apply for a residence permit. Do this through the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This is far easier if you have a form of employment with a company operating in the country, as an employer can offer immigration sponsorship. Once you’ve moved to the Netherlands, you’ll have to register with your local or district town hall to get your own citizenship number.
Applications for permanent residency require that you’ve lived in-country for five years with a valid temporary residency permit. Current fees for this total $224.68. You’ll need a valid passport, proof of a stable income and a civic integration diploma, which takes three years to complete.
Moving to the Netherlands from the US
We always recommend that you get a well-paying job in the Netherlands or that you obtain permission from a remote-friendly US employer to work in the country before moving. Proof of a stable income is required for most rental and visa applications.
After you’ve lined up employment and housing, you can begin planning the move itself. This will involve packing, downsizing and contacting international moving companies to assist you.
Top international moving companies
When you hire an international mover, you’ll have access to both basic relocation services like furniture protection and moving insurance and more involved logistics management. This can include shipment tracking and customs clearance assistance.
International moving costs can range from a few thousand dollars to $17,000 or more. Relocations of comparable distances from the US to France ranging from $6,400 to $14,800. We recommend getting at least three free quotes for service and asking about the cost of individual services like packing, vehicle shipping and more. Doing this will help you to establish fair expectations about your price and properly budget for your move.
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Shipping your vehicle to the Netherlands
Vehicle shipping for overseas moves can cost more than cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more, with ocean freight shipping via container often being the best option. Moving companies like International Van Lines offer this as an add-on. However, you may want to consider getting a free quote from one of our top car shipping companies if your international mover can’t provide this option.
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Tips for moving to the Netherlands from the US
We recommend that you begin the planning process for your move at least six months before you relocate. Tracking down movers, getting your necessary documents together and packing all take time and shouldn’t be rushed. Write up a moving checklist at the start of this process to help stay organized.
This list should include:
- Downsize: Get rid of items you don’t often use or don’t think you’ll need. Decluttering can save you money on your relocation, since movers charge according to weight and volume.
- Pack your own goods: Packing on your own is another money-saver many people should consider. Movers upcharge for packing supplies, aside from charging for labor. Packing your own goods also makes the downsizing process easier, as you’ll have to comb through every room of your home and decide which goods aren’t essential to your life in a new country.
- Research customs regulations: You should look into this before you start the packing process. Including banned or restricted items with your household goods can lead to delays when your shipment arrives overseas.
- Consider storage: If you’re planning a shorter-term relocation of a few years, long-term storage could be an option for you. If you have bulkier furniture you don’t want to part with, renting a storage unit can save money during your move.
FAQ
How much does it cost to live in the Netherlands in US dollars?
Between rent and day-to-day living expenses, Numbeo data shows that it would cost a family of four $6,221.75 each month to live in a city center in the Netherlands.
How much money should I save to move to the Netherlands?
We recommend saving up enough to cover six months of expenses, aside from your moving costs, before moving anywhere. A family of four would mean that a family of four would need $37,330.50 in savings before moving.
Is the Netherlands a good place for Americans to live?
The Netherlands has a reputation for being welcoming to expats. This, coupled with high English proficiency rates and strong public services make it a great option for Americans.
What is the downside to moving to the Netherlands?
A commonly-cited downside to living in the Netherlands is the high income tax you’ll pay. You get some return on this with the social services offered, including a quarterly allowance for children. The job and housing markets are also competitive, adding to the difficulty of getting started here.
Where do most Americans live in the Netherlands?
American expats tend to gravitate towards larger urban areas like Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.
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