---
title: "Netherlands Relocation Budget: Monthly Costs and Move-in Cash"
description: "Build an editable Dutch relocation budget for income, housing, health insurance, transport, children, childcare, savings, and one-off move-in costs."
date: 2026-08-03T13:37:00.000Z
lastVerified: 2026-08-03T13:37:00.000Z
tags: ["Netherlands relocation budget", "cost of living Netherlands", "childcare costs Netherlands", "moving to Netherlands costs"]
source: https://dutchtaxcalculator.nl/netherlands-relocation-budget
---

# Netherlands Relocation Budget: Monthly Costs and Move-in Cash

> Build an editable Dutch relocation budget for income, housing, health insurance, transport, children, childcare, savings, and one-off move-in costs.

**Quick answer:** for a 2026 relocation decision, subtract more than rent. Build a regular-month budget for housing bills, health insurance, food, transport, children, childcare, savings, and debt. Then check whether your move fund covers the deposit, first rent, travel, and setup costs.

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## What this planner helps you decide

The report separates two questions:

1. Does dependable household net income cover a normal month after the move?
2. Is enough cash available for the deposit and other move-in costs?

Start with regular-month net income, not gross salary or the higher month containing holiday pay. If you only know the job offer, first use the [Dutch gross-to-net calculator](/).

## Replace the starter amounts

The default values are editable planning assumptions. They are not Dutch averages, minimum budgets, or recommendations for your household.

Before signing a lease, replace them with:

- rent and service charges from an actual listing;
- energy, water, municipal tax, and insurance quotes;
- the real commute and any car costs;
- health-insurance premiums for each adult;
- childcare hours and the provider's hourly rate;
- a childcare-allowance estimate from Dienst Toeslagen; and
- annual or irregular bills divided by 12.

Nibud notes that every budget is personal. It also recommends checking a full year because holiday pay, municipal bills, and other costs do not arrive evenly each month.

## How children and childcare change the result

The planner separates children into ages 0–3, 4–11, and 12–17. This changes starter inputs for food, transport, clothing, school, and activities.

For paid care, enter the number of children, contracted weekly hours, provider rate, and expected monthly childcare allowance. The monthly gross calculation uses:

> children × hours per week × hourly rate × 52 ÷ 12

In 2026, childcare allowance is calculated up to €11.23 per hour for daycare and €9.98 for after-school care (_buitenschoolse opvang_, or BSO). A provider can charge more. The part above the official cap remains your cost.

Do not assume the maximum reimbursement. The percentage depends on income, the number of children, and eligibility conditions. Approved care must normally be registered in the Dutch Childcare Register (_Landelijk Register Kinderopvang_, or LRK).

## Is kindergarten free in the Netherlands?

Dutch primary school starts from age four and does not charge tuition. A school can ask for a voluntary contribution for extra activities.

Care around school hours is different. BSO and some lunchtime care are paid services. Part of eligible BSO costs may be covered by childcare allowance.

## Health costs to include

The starter budget uses the official estimated average 2026 basic health-insurance premium of €159 per adult per month. It also spreads the €385 compulsory annual excess across 12 months.

Your actual premium and healthcare use can differ. Children under 18 do not pay the compulsory excess.

## What the result does not prove

A positive “unallocated” amount is not automatically disposable income. Check whether the budget still misses travel home, visa or permit costs, furniture replacement, pet costs, tuition, maintenance, medical care, pension saving, or support for family abroad.

Use the [rent-only comparison](/salary-affordability-netherlands) when you only want to compare cities. Use this planner before making a broader household relocation decision.