If you’re coming to live in the Netherlands to work here, you’re naturally thinking about the costs as well. How much do you pay for a room or apartment? What does health insurance cost? And how do you get from home to work? In this blog, we give you a clear overview of what you can roughly expect. This way, you know what you’re in for and won’t face any surprises.
Rent: What Does Living in the Netherlands Cost?
Many migrant workers start in housing arranged through their employer or recruitment agency. This is often the easiest way to have a good place immediately upon arrival. But how much does that cost?
If you live through Charlie works, you currently pay 140 euros per week. This amount includes gas, water, electricity, and internet. You don’t need to buy furniture, a refrigerator, or a dishwasher; everything is already set up for you. However, any damage to the house or room caused by you is at your own expense.
Are you going to rent something yourself on the free housing market? Then be prepared for high prices. For a small apartment, you’ll quickly pay between 900 and 1,200 euros per month, often excluding utilities. This usually also includes a deposit of one or two months’ rent, proof of income, and registration with the municipality. Not easy when you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands.
Our tip: for most people, starting through Charlie works is the safest and most economical choice. You quickly have accommodation, you know what you’re paying, and you usually live close to your work.
Health Insurance: Mandatory, but Important
In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory as soon as you start working and living in the Netherlands. Charlie works offers employees who don’t permanently live in the Netherlands collective health insurance through Holland Zorg. The basic (nominal) premium for this in 2025 is €38.00 per week (€164.70 per month). We arrange it for you and the premium is automatically deducted from your salary. You can also choose to arrange health insurance yourself.
Our tip: arrange your insurance immediately upon arrival. And: check if you’re entitled to healthcare allowance (a contribution from the Dutch government). We’re happy to help you with that.
Transportation: how Do You get from Home to Work?
If you work through Charlie works and use our housing, we often arrange transportation as well. You might go to your workplace by company van, loaned car, regular or electric bicycle. We make clear agreements about this in advance.
For the use of Charlie works transportation, you pay a fixed rate per day which is deducted from your salary. If you have a driver’s license and you go to work with a Charlie works car, you’ll receive compensation for that. We can tell you all about the conditions during the intake process.
Are you traveling by public transport yourself? Then you pay per trip, for example with an OV-chipkaart or your bank card. You may receive a travel allowance for this, depending on factors such as the distance to your work from your home address and the agreements with the employer.
What Do You Spend on Average per Month?
Most migrant workers who work and live in the Netherlands through Charlie works spend roughly between 800 and 1300 euros per month on fixed expenses. This is an estimate, but it gives you a good guideline.
Your monthly costs then consist of:
- Rent: about 610 euros including gas, water, and electricity;
- Health insurance: on average between 130 and 200 euros;
- Transportation: arranged through Charlie works, unless you use your own transport;
- Groceries: on average between 200 and 300 euros.
Note: how much you exactly pay depends on your personal situation and living location. But with this information, you can already make a realistic estimate.
Managing your Money Wisely
Knowing what to expect gives peace of mind. Especially when you’re working in another country, you want to know what you can save, how to plan your expenses, and what to pay attention to. At Charlie works, we not only help you find work, but also provide a clear foundation: a good place to live, transportation, and guidance with matters such as health insurance or allowances.
Want to know more about working through Charlie works? Check our vacancies or feel free to contact us, we’ll think along with you.
