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Is Netherlands expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
The Netherlands is one of the pricier countries in Western Europe, mainly because Amsterdam hotels are expensive and carry a 12.5% tourist tax, the highest in Europe. A budget day is about €125 per person, mid-range about €225 and comfort about €445. Basing yourself in Haarlem, Utrecht or Rotterdam cuts costs noticeably.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €55 | €100 | €220 |
| Food & drink | €35 | €60 | €110 |
| Sights & tickets | €20 | €40 | €70 |
| Local transport | €15 | €25 | €45 |
| Per person, per day | €125 | €225 | €445 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Netherlands day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| GVB day ticket, Amsterdam | about €9-10 |
| Rijksmuseum | about €25 |
| Van Gogh Museum | about €22-25 |
| Anne Frank House | about €16 |
| One-hour canal cruise | about €18-25 |
| Beer in a brown café | €5-7 |
| Fresh stroopwafel at Albert Cuyp Market | about €3-4 |
| Budget double in Haarlem or Utrecht | €80-140 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms are the biggest cost, especially in Amsterdam's canal ring, where mid-range doubles cost about €180-300 before the 12.5% tourist tax. Museums are excellent but each costs €15-25, so a few a day adds up quickly. Train fares between cities are moderate, and eating out is about average for Western Europe; Indonesian, Surinamese and market food is the best value.
When it is cheaper
January to March and November (outside holidays) usually have the lowest hotel prices. Tulip season (late March to mid-May), King's Day and summer are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Stay in Haarlem, Utrecht or Amsterdam Noord and travel in by train or free ferry.
- Consider the Museumkaart if you plan five or more museums; it pays off fast.
- Rent a bike rather than paying for trams and taxis in most cities.
- Eat at markets and Surinamese or Indonesian snack bars, or buy food at supermarkets.
- Use contactless payment on trams and trains; it is simpler than buying single paper tickets.
- Take the free ferries behind Amsterdam Centraal across the IJ.
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Common questions
How much does a day in the Netherlands cost?
About €125 per person on a budget, €225 mid-range and €445 for comfort, including a shared room.
What is Amsterdam's tourist tax?
12.5% of the room price, the highest in Europe; other Dutch cities charge less.
Is the Museumkaart worth it for tourists?
If you visit about five or more museums, it usually pays off, since single tickets cost €15-25.