NEW: Outsource your home search with Rentbird Plus!
Menu
Log in
How it works
Pricing
Reviews
FAQ
Rentbird Plus
Blog
View all apartments
About us
Select language
Nederlands
/
English
Back to all tips

The hidden costs of living in the Netherlands (part 2)

1 year ago
expattipsmoney
4 minutes reading time
An open wallet, with a hand holding various Euro notes (10, 20 and 50).

Welcome back! In Part 1, we covered some of the biggest hidden costs expats face when moving to the Netherlands, like municipal taxes, health insurance, and rental fees. But that’s not all! There are still more unexpected expenses that can catch you off guard—especially when it comes to banking, bureaucracy, and even staying warm in winter.

Make sure to read Part 1 if you haven't already!

In this post, we’ll dive into more hidden costs to help you budget smarter and avoid financial surprises. Let’s get into it!

1. Banking & international payments

Opening a Dutch bank account is often necessary for daily life, but it can come with unexpected costs for expats.

  • Monthly fees: Standard Dutch banks (like ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank) charge €2–€7 per month for basic accounts. There's no such thing as a 'free' account in the Netherlands.
  • International fees: Transfers to non-EU countries or receiving payments in non-EUR currencies often involve high conversion rates and fees.
  • Maestro cards: Many businesses, supermarkets, and restaurants used to only accept Maestro cards, but since Mastercard announced they were phasing out the Maestro card in 2023, more places will likely accept your Visa or Mastercard.

Tip: Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut are great solutions for low-fee international money transfers.

2. Dutch bureaucracy costs

Navigating Dutch bureaucracy is an unavoidable part of expat life, and it can involve both time and money.

  • Residence permits: Depending on your visa, costs range from €200–€400. These figures are listed under the “Fees” section on the IND official website.
  • Driving license conversion: If your foreign driving license is not valid long-term, you’ll need to convert it, which can add up. Exchanging an EU/EEA driving license for a Dutch license typically costs €40–€80. In some cases, if your license is not directly convertible, you may need a theory (€41) and/or practical driving test (€120), which incurs additional fees, according the CBR.
  • DigiD waits: While the DigiD (your digital ID for government services) is free, applying for it and receiving login credentials can take weeks.

Tip: Start your paperwork early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth transition.

3. Winter energy bills

Winters in the Netherlands can be cold, and heating costs often catch people off guard.

  • Higher costs: Dutch homes are not always well-insulated, and gas heating bills can double or triple during winter. Monthly energy bills can jump from an average of €100 to €300 or more.
  • Energy ratings matter: When renting, check the property’s energy efficiency rating (A is the most efficient, G is the least). This can make a big difference in your heating costs.

Tip: Use energy-saving tricks like insulating windows, closing doors to unused rooms, and wearing warm clothing indoors to keep costs manageable. Remember, some 'unfurnished' places in the Netherlands don't even include insulation!

Want to avoid further surprises?

The Netherlands is a fantastic place to live, with its high quality of life, excellent public services, and vibrant culture. However, hidden costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. By planning ahead for expenses like municipal taxes, health insurance, and winter heating bills, you can avoid financial stress and focus on enjoying your new life abroad.

One of the biggest challenges expats face is finding a rental home in a competitive market. That’s where Rentbird comes in! Rentbird automatically searches rental listings for you and notifies you of new homes that match your criteria—so you can secure a place faster, without the hassle. 

Amy Worgan

Related tips

A pink bike with a basket attached to a canal bridge in Amsterdam.
bikesamsterdamadvicetips
9 minutes reading time

How to navigate Dutch cycling culture as an expat

If you’re moving to the Netherlands, one of the first things you’ll notice is just how central bikes are to daily life. Not just as a way to get around, but as a core part of how cities, homes, and even routines are built.

The Netherlands is famously flat, which makes it easy to cycle. But it’s more than just the ease of getting around that cements bikes in Dutch culture. It’s the mindset and history behind it. According to Lonely Planet, over a quarter of all journeys in the country are made by bike. In big cities, that number rises to over a third. There are even cycling highways and multi story bike parking garages. Cycling isn’t a niche hobby here like in other countries. It’s just a way of life!

A row of brown brick houses with a red door and a tree outside on the pavement.
expatmoneyrentaltips
11 minutes reading time

Why is it so hard to rent a room in the Netherlands?

If you’re planning a move to the Netherlands – for work, study, or just a new adventure – you’ve probably already heard warnings about how tough the Dutch rental market can be (we’ve seen the Reddit threads, too). And, well
 it’s true. We hate to admit it, and renting in the Netherlands definitely isn’t impossible, but it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re an expat navigating unfamiliar real estate laws, housing types, and contracts.

So, why is it so difficult to rent a room here? And what can you do to improve your chances? Let’s break it down with a few practical rental tips Netherlands newcomers wish they knew sooner.

Back to all tips

Find your new rental property in no-time!

4.6