Last updated on June 4th, 2024 at 02:03 pm
The number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the Netherlands currently stands at around 395,000, making it one of the European countries with the largest Indonesian population. This makes the Netherlands an attractive destination for those who wish to settle or live abroad, particularly in Europe.
In addition to its beautiful landscapes and interesting places to explore, the Netherlands also has a sizable Indonesian community, which can make it easier for newcomers to adjust. The majority of Indonesians in the Netherlands are workers and students, and their cost of living is relatively similar to that of local residents. So, what is the estimated cost of living there? Let’s find out below!
Breakdown of Living Costs in the Netherlands
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Here is an estimate of the living costs in the Netherlands for workers and students, whether living alone or with family. Although their needs may vary, the general categories remain the same, such as:
1. Food & Drink Costs in the Netherlands
Food prices in the Netherlands can be considered quite high, especially when compared to Indonesia. For example, spending 100,000 IDR or about 5.83 Euros in the Netherlands will only get you 3.5 kg of rice.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the average price of premium rice is around 14,000 IDR per kg, meaning that with the same 100,000 IDR, you can get approximately seven kilograms of rice—double what you would get in the Netherlands.
From this comparison, it is clear that the cost of living in the Netherlands is much higher than in Indonesia. However, this is offset by the relatively high wages that workers in the Netherlands earn.
According to various sources, the average gross salary of workers in the Netherlands ranges from 2,187 to 7,014 Euros per month, which is equivalent to around 37.5 million IDR to 120.2 million IDR. So, are you interested in working in the Netherlands?
Read Also: Living Costs in Switzerland for Students and Workers
2. Transportation Costs
Public transportation options in the Netherlands are diverse and provide excellent service. As a result, transportation costs tend to be relatively high. For example, the average cost of public transportation is between 40 and 100 Euros per month, or around 685,000 IDR to 1.7 million IDR.
However, workers and students can reduce their living costs by using bicycles to travel to certain places, especially if the distance is not too far from their home, campus, or office. In the Netherlands, bicycles can be purchased for between 50 and 100 Euros, which is approximately 857,000 IDR to 1.7 million IDR.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Netherlands are generally high. To rent a standard room, one would typically spend around 300 to 350 Euros per month, or approximately 5.1 million IDR to 6 million IDR.
Students often receive accommodation from their campus, such as dormitories or student housing, at these prices. However, for workers, housing costs are usually higher as they often need to rent from private or public landlords.
4. Other Expenses
In addition to basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, there are other optional expenses to consider while living in the Netherlands. These may vary depending on individual needs.
For example, as a student, you may need certain items such as textbooks, research materials, utility bills, internet, health insurance, and so on. Therefore, it’s important to account for these additional costs when creating your monthly budget for living in the Netherlands.
Total Monthly Cost of Living in the Netherlands
The total monthly cost of living in the Netherlands can be calculated by combining estimated costs for food, transportation, housing, and other additional expenses. Here’s the breakdown of the estimated total monthly living costs in the Netherlands:
- Food & Drink Costs: Around 4.26 Euros for 3.5 kg of rice, or about 73,000 IDR for rice in the Netherlands. Other food costs will vary based on individual preferences and eating habits.
- Transportation Costs: Between 40-100 Euros for public transportation per month, or around 685,000 IDR to 1.7 million IDR.
- Housing Costs: Between 300-350 Euros for a standard room per month, or around 5.1 million IDR to 6 million IDR.
- Other Expenses: Additional costs for daily necessities, textbooks, and so on, amounting to about 1,080 Euros, or approximately 18.5 million IDR.
Thus, the estimated total monthly living costs for one person in the Netherlands can reach around 1,424 Euros, or about 24.4 million IDR. While this amount is relatively high, when compared to monthly wages, this expenditure may still be manageable, leaving room for savings.
Read Also: Cost of Living in Canada and How to Save
Tips for Saving on Living Costs in the Netherlands
To save on living expenses while staying in the Netherlands, it’s crucial to keep in mind the difference in living costs between families and individuals, as they have very different financial needs. Here are some tips to apply:
- Avoid unnecessary spending: Refrain from costly activities such as hanging out in expensive places or indulging in expensive entertainment.
- Cook your meals: Cooking at home helps reduce food costs compared to dining out.
- Use public facilities or transportation discounts: Consider getting public transportation passes or discounts for students.
- Shop smartly: Think about the quality and price of products before buying.
- Find affordable housing: Look for cheaper housing options by considering location, amenities, and rent prices.
- Take advantage of promotions or discounts: Look out for discounts or special offers for household goods or clothing.
By applying these tips, you can reduce your monthly expenses and better prepare for unexpected costs while living in the Netherlands.
However, in addition to implementing the above tips, you may also need other services, such as sending money abroad.
One of them is by using Easylink with a very affordable admin fee of only Rp30 thousand and you can send money to more than 170 countries. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Easylink app now and experience the convenience!
