Moving to a new country is a major life decision—one that hinges on factors like quality of life, career opportunities, and daily conveniences. If you’re asking “is the Netherlands a good place to live?”, you’re in luck: this small nation consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for expats. From world-class healthcare to a vibrant food scene, efficient public transport to pioneering agriculture, the Netherlands offers a winning combination. In this guide, we’ll dive into the essentials—and show how VANonsite can make your move smooth and stress-free.
Quick Comparison: Netherlands vs. Other Expat Hotspots
| Metric | Netherlands | Germany | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Medium–High | Medium–High | Medium | High |
| Healthcare Quality | Top 10 Worldwide | Top 15 Worldwide | Top 20 Worldwide | Top 20 Worldwide |
| Public Transport | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Good |
| Safety Index | Very High | Very High | High | High |
| Arable Land | 54% | 33% | 5% | 6% |
Food Culture: Fresh, International & Sustainable
Dutch cuisine centers on simplicity and quality—think freshly baked stroopwafels, aged Gouda cheese, and herring served raw with onions. But the food scene goes far beyond tradition. Expats in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague enjoy bustling Albert Cuyp and Markthal markets, cozy brown cafés serving hearty stamppot, and a rich tapestry of Indonesian rijsttafel and Surinamese roti. Whether you crave local specialties or global flavors, the Netherlands serves it all on a plate.
| Country | Casual Meal (€) | Mid-Range Restaurant (€) | Coffee (€) | Local Market Groceries (per week) (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 14 | 35 | 3.00 | 50 |
| Denmark | 18 | 45 | 4.00 | 65 |
| Netherlands | 16 | 40 | 3.20 | 55 |
| Germany | 13 | 33 | 2.80 | 45 |
- Casual Meal: Bistro or café main course
- Mid-Range Restaurant: Three-course dinner for one
- Coffee: Standard espresso or cappuccino
- Local Market Groceries: Weekly staples (bread, cheese, produce)
This shows that the Netherlands sits in the mid-range of European food costs—offering a balance of quality and affordability that appeals to many expats.
World-Class Health Care System
Healthcare in the Netherlands is both accessible and high-quality. Every resident must secure basic health insurance, which covers GP visits, hospital care, and specialist treatments. The dense network of huisartsen (GPs) ensures you’re never far from primary care, while top academic hospitals in Utrecht and Leiden handle complex procedures. Wait times are reasonable, most practitioners speak English, and supplemental dental and vision plans are widely available. For peace of mind, you can ship any personal medical equipment through VANonsite—visit vanonsite-commercial.pl/ for a tailored quote.
Public Transport & Cycling Infrastructure
The Netherlands boasts one of the world’s most integrated transport systems. The OV-chipkaart grants seamless access to NS intercity and sprinter trains, GVB trams and metros in major cities, and regional buses. Trains run punctually, often at 10- or 15-minute intervals. Beyond public transit, the Dutch cycling network is legendary—with segregated bike lanes, city-wide bike-share programs, and secure parking you can pedal practically anywhere. Planning to relocate your treasured bike collection? Explore our 5–90 m³ removal packages on the Removals to Netherlands page.
| Country | Typical Single-Ride Fare | Approx. Monthly Pass Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | €3.30 (urban average) | €100 (national “Dal Voordeel” pass) |
| Denmark | DKK 24 (~€3.20) | DKK 750 (~€100) (Copenhagen zones 1–4) |
| Belgium | €2.10 (STIB/MIVB urban) | €55 (Brussels network) |
| Germany | €2.90 (urban average) | €86 (Berlin AB) |
- Netherlands: Pay-as-you-go via OV-chipkaart; off-peak (dal) subscription brings costs down.
- Denmark: Zone-based fares; most expats live in Copenhagen zones 1–4.
- Belgium: Brussels STIB/MIVB passes; regional De Lijn and TEC networks similar pricing.
- Germany: Varies by city—Berlin AB pass shown; other cities like Munich (€55) and Hamburg (€63) offer comparable rates.
Agriculture & Sustainability Leadership
Surprising for its size, the Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agricultural products globally. Innovations like LED-lit greenhouses, vertical farming, and precision agrotech originate from hubs like Wageningen University & Research. Vast tulip fields, cheese-making regions, and greenhouse clusters supply the world with flowers, vegetables, and dairy. For expats interested in sustainability or agribusiness careers, the Netherlands offers unparalleled opportunities—and if you’re shipping specialist equipment or samples, VANonsite ensures safe, customs-compliant delivery.
Job Opportunities & Strong Economy
With an unemployment rate near 3%, the Dutch economy thrives on diversity. Key sectors include tech and innovation in Eindhoven’s High Tech Campus, logistics at Europe’s busiest port in Rotterdam, and finance in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district. English is widely used in multinational firms and startups alike. Whether you’re a software engineer, logistics planner, or financial analyst, the Netherlands presents a wealth of career paths—and VANonsite can help transport your professional kit and personal belongings across borders with ease.
| Country | Unemployment Rate (2024) | GDP per Capita (USD, 2023) | Major Industries | Ease of Doing Business Rank (World Bank) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 3.0 % | 53 000 | Logistics & Ports, Tech & Innovation, Finance | 24 |
| Denmark | 4.8 % | 60 000 | Pharma & Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Maritime | 4 |
| Belgium | 5.6 % | 47 000 | Chemicals & Plastics, Logistics, Financial Services | 46 |
| Germany | 3.4 % | 51 000 | Automotive & Engineering, Manufacturing, IT | 22 |
Safety & Quality of Life
Safety and quality of life are cornerstones of the Dutch experience, making the Netherlands one of the world’s most desirable places to live. With consistently low crime rates and proactive community policing, you can feel secure walking home late or cycling through city neighborhoods at any hour. The Dutch social welfare system is robust, offering generous child allowances, comprehensive pension schemes, and subsidized childcare that ease financial pressures on families. Work–life balance is highly valued here: employees typically enjoy a minimum of four weeks’ paid vacation, flexible schedules, and a culture that prioritizes personal well-being over long hours. Green spaces are woven into urban life, from Amsterdam’s Vondelpark and Utrecht’s Griftpark to sprawling national reserves like De Hoge Veluwe, providing ready escapes for relaxation and recreation. Public services—from efficient waste collection and digital government portals to reliable emergency response—run smoothly, minimizing daily hassles. For expats, this translates into an environment where you can focus on career growth, cultural exploration, and truly enjoying your free time, confident that community safety nets are in place should you need them.
- Responsive healthcare and emergency services ensuring peace of mind
- Low crime rates and well-lit, welcoming neighborhoods
- Generous social welfare benefits: child allowances, pensions, childcare
- Strong work–life balance with at least four weeks’ paid vacation
- Abundant green spaces and national parks for outdoor activities
- Efficient public services and digital government systems
Why choose VANonsite for your Netherlands relocation?
When it comes to relocating to the Netherlands, VANonsite stands out as your go-to partner for a truly hassle-free experience. From the moment you request a free quote on our Removals to Netherlands page, our expert team takes care of every detail—customized packaging solutions, seamless customs clearance, and real-time door-to-door tracking ensure you always know where your belongings are.
With flexible volume options from 5 m³ for a student’s essentials to 90 m³ for a full-house move, transparent pricing without hidden fees, and 24/7 customer support, VANonsite adapts to your schedule and budget. Plus, our years of cross-Europe experience mean we understand local regulations and delivery nuances in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Choose VANonsite for peace of mind, exceptional service, and a stress-free start to your new life in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
So, is the Netherlands a good place to live? Absolutely. With fresh, diverse cuisine; a top-tier healthcare system; world-leading transport and agricultural innovation; robust job markets; and unmatched safety, the Dutch lifestyle delivers on every front. Best of all, VANonsite’s “Removals to Netherlands” service ensures your move is as seamless as the country itself. Ready to start your Dutch adventure? Get your free, no-obligation quote now on our Removals to Netherlands page—and make your transition effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of shipping household goods to the Netherlands with VANonsite?
For smaller or larger volumes, VANonsite offers packages ranging from 5 m³ (Moving Basic) up to 90 m³ (Full House XXL), with prices scaled accordingly. You can see full pricing on our site dedicated for removals to Netherlands. To get an exact quote tailored to your specific volume, origin, and schedule, visit the Removals to Netherlands page and fill out the quick quote form.
2. How long does a typical move to the Netherlands take?
Transit times vary by origin and season, but most European routes (e.g., from Belgium, Germany, or Denmark) arrive within 1-3 business days. VANonsite provides door-to-door tracking so you always know your delivery ETA—visit vanonsite-commercial.pl/ for details.
3. Do I need special insurance for my move?
All shipments include basic transit coverage. For high-value items or fragile goods, you can upgrade to comprehensive insurance. Your VANonsite coordinator will walk you through available options when you request your quote.
4. Can I ship my bicycle or sports equipment?
Absolutely. VANonsite’s modular volume system accommodates odd-shaped items like bicycles, skis, and surfboards. Simply specify your gear during booking, and we’ll allocate the right space in your van.
5. How do I prepare documentation for customs?
EU citizens need only a detailed packing list. Non-EU residents should have a passport copy, visa or MVV, and an inventory of high-value goods. VANonsite assists with customs forms to ensure a hassle-free clearance process.
6. What happens if my moving date changes?
Life happens! You can reschedule up to 7 days before pickup without penalty. Contact your move coordinator directly, and we’ll adjust your booking at no extra cost.
7. Are pets and plants allowed in the move?
While pets travel separately under live-animal regulations, most plants can be shipped if they meet phytosanitary requirements. Check with your local customs office, or ask your VANonsite coordinator for guidance.
8. How do I book my move to the Netherlands?
Visit the Removals to Netherlands page, fill out the quick quote form with your origin and volume needs, and a VANonsite expert will reach out to finalize details.
