Cost of living in The Hague (Den Haag)
The Hague, known as Den Haag in Dutch, is a vibrant city in the Netherlands that serves as the seat of the Dutch government and home to the International Court of Justice. Understanding the cost of living in The Hague is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.70 on average, with a range between $8.37 and $20.93.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.25, with prices ranging from $57.56 to $104.65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.51, with a range between $10.46 and $13.19.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.14 to $8.37, imported beer $4.19 to $6.80, cappuccino $2.09 to $4.19, and Coke/Pepsi $2.09 to $4.19.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.99 and $1.41 per liter, averaging $1.12.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.05 and $3.14, with an average price of $1.79.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.67 to $5.65, averaging $4.64.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.66 to $3.14 per kg, while oranges range from $1.25 to $3.14 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $2.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.83 to $1.20 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.62 and $4.71, with a monthly pass priced between $57.56 and $156.97.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.96 and $2.19 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.43, with a cost of $2.51 per km and $25.74 to $52.32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1142.39 to $2092.94, averaging $1487.02.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $837.17 to $1726.67, averaging $1239.07.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1988.29 to $3139.41, averaging $2578.80.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1360.41 to $2616.17, averaging $2015.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4185.87 to $6802.04, averaging $5115.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3139.41 to $4709.11, averaging $3784.29.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $167.43 and $355.80, averaging $220.52.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.39 to $57.56, with an average cost of $40.68.
Cost of Living Rankings
The Hague (Den Haag) ranks 11th on the Cost of Living rankings in Netherlands. The cost of living indices for Netherlands are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Netherlands, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
The Hague offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and transportation being relatively affordable compared to other European cities.
Housing costs can be significant, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre provide more affordable alternatives.
Grocery prices are moderate, with local produce and essentials being reasonably priced.
Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, contributing to a balanced cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Hague presents a balanced cost of living with a mix of affordable and premium options across various categories.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the availability of more affordable options outside the centre makes it accessible for a wider range of budgets.
Overall, The Hague is an attractive city for both residents and visitors, offering a high quality of life with its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities.