Living on 1500 euros a month in the Netherlands may seem challenging, but it is definitely doable. With careful budgeting and some smart lifestyle choices, it is possible to cover all your expenses while still enjoying a decent quality of life.
Let's take a closer look at how we live on 1500 euros a month in the Netherlands with the following expenses:
Rent - 630 euros
Housing is usually the most significant expense for most people, and the Netherlands is no exception. However, with some smart choices, you can find affordable accommodation in many areas. We’re lucky that Daniëlle could get social housing, which usually has a cap on the rent one pays (usually under 700 euros) If you’re living alone, consider looking for a smaller apartment or a shared house to keep your rent expenses low. Another option is to move a bit further from the city center where rent tends to be more expensive.
Groceries - 200 euros
Eating well on a budget requires some planning and discipline. Make a list of what you need to buy before heading to the supermarket, and stick to it. Consider cooking in bulk and freezing meals to save time and money. Look for deals and discounts on groceries, and avoid expensive brands. We usually eat. plant-based Indian diet, which includes loads of lentils, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. We do most of our groceries at LIDL, and for fruits & veggies we go to a weekly market (to buy in bulk for the whole week)
Transport - 150 euros
Transportation costs can add up quickly, especially if you need to use public transport regularly. To save money, consider cycling or walking whenever possible. The Netherlands is a bike-friendly country, and many cities have excellent cycling infrastructure. If you need to use public transport, look for discounts and monthly passes. We recently bought an old 2nd hand car which costs us 150 euros a month (100 euros insurance and road taxes combined, and we try to not use more than 50 euros of fuel a month- most of which are hospital visits due to Daniëlle’s medical pregnancy)
Health insurance - 260 euros
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is also heavily regulated. Make sure to compare different insurance providers to find the best deal. Consider choosing a higher deductible to lower your monthly premiums. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for a healthcare allowance from the government. Usually, with two people, it is possible to stay under 300 euros a month for health insurance, with a deductible of 385 euros a month.
Internet - 35 euros
Internet is essential in today's world, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Look for affordable internet packages that suit your needs. Consider sharing the cost with roommates or neighbors to save money. We try to look for deals and don't have a TV connection.
Municipal taxes - 35 euros
Municipal taxes include taxes such as garbage collection and sewage charges. We pay 35 euros per month for these taxes. They vary depending on where you live in the Netherlands
Energy costs - 20 euros
Energy costs can vary greatly depending on your living situation. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and using them wisely. We’re lucky as we have 5 solar panels, an energy label A, no gas connection, and not such a big home (50 m2 apartment) This helps keep the energy costs low.
Water - 18 euros
Water is relatively cheap in the Netherlands, but you can still save money by being mindful of your usage. Consider taking shorter showers and fixing any leaks or drips promptly. We have a rain harvesting drum for our vegetable garden and reuse the water we use to cook rice and boil veggies to water plants.
Phone - 15 euros
Phone plans can be expensive, but there are many affordable options available. Consider using a prepaid plan or choosing a lower-priced package that suits your needs. We have the most basic plans and try to use wifi whenever possible.
Other insurances - 15 euros
Depending on your situation, you may need additional insurance, such as liability insurance or travel insurance. We have the most affordable options of these two insurances.
Extra - 100 euros
Having some extra money each month can help cover unexpected expenses or do some nice things at the end of the month. We usually go out for lunch once a month with this budget, buy 2nd hand clothes, etc.
Overall
Living on 1500 euros a month in the Netherlands requires careful planning and smart choices. By being mindful of your expenses and prioritizing your needs, you can enjoy a decent quality of life while staying within your budget. Moreover, since the covid pandemic, Daniëlle has learned a new skill- that of a barber, which saves us around 500 euros a year (and thousands of euros over time) These lifestyle changes helped us free up more time in our lives to invest time and energy in things we really love to do, like giving vegan Indian cooking workshops!
Do you also stick to a tight budget? And how do you do it during times of high inflation? Let us know in the comments.