What do utilities cost per month in the Netherlands?
Energy is your biggest utility bill, and the only one you can lower. Here is how it compares to the rest, and how to keep it as low as possible.
Energy (gas and electricity) is your biggest and most variable utility bill, often €150 to €250 a month, and the only one with a free market, so comparing suppliers is where you save the most. The other utilities are smaller and fixed: water around €30 to €50 a month, internet from about €40, and municipal taxes a few hundred euros a year. These are rough ranges from public sources, and your own energy bill depends on your home, insulation, heating and usage, so compare for your own situation.
Energy is the biggest, here is how it compares
Energy is by far your largest and most variable utility, and the only one you can lower by comparing suppliers. The table shows how it compares to water, internet and local taxes, which are smaller and fixed. These are typical ranges for a one or two person household in an average home, so treat them as guidance, not a quote; your energy bill in particular depends on your home and usage.
| Utility | Typical range | Can you switch? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (gas and electricity) | €150 to €250 per month | Yes, free market with dozens of suppliers |
| Water (usage and water board tax) | €30 to €50 per month | No, one regional company |
| Internet (more with a TV bundle) | From about €40 per month | Yes, several providers |
| Municipal taxes (waste, sewage) | A few hundred euros a year | No, set by your municipality |
Energy is the bill to focus on
Of all these, energy is both the biggest and the only one with a free market: the Netherlands has around forty suppliers and you choose freely, so prices differ a lot for the same electricity and gas. Water, the water board tax and municipal taxes are set regionally and you cannot shop around on them. That is why comparing energy is where your effort pays off the most.
For a deeper look at just the energy part, see our guide on the average energy bill in the Netherlands, and to understand the lines on the bill, our bill explained.
The fixed costs, and the energy label
Water, the water board tax (waterschapsbelasting) and municipal taxes (gemeentelijke belastingen such as waste and sewage charges) are not optional and you cannot switch provider. They arrive mostly as yearly bills, so it helps to set money aside for them rather than being surprised.
One thing that quietly drives your energy cost is the energy label of your home. A poor label (F or G) usually means higher heating bills and a bigger risk of a large settlement invoice at the end of the year. If you are still choosing a rental, the label is worth asking about.
Frequently asked questions
How much are utilities per month in the Netherlands?
For a one or two person household in a typical home, very roughly €200 to €350 a month across energy, water, internet and local taxes. Energy is the biggest and most variable part. Your actual bill depends heavily on your home, how you heat it and how many people live there.
Which utility can I actually lower?
Energy. It has a free market with around forty suppliers, so prices differ for the same gas and electricity. Water, the water board tax and municipal taxes are set regionally and you cannot switch provider.
Is water expensive in the Netherlands?
It is modest compared to energy, roughly €30 to €50 a month including the mandatory water board tax. You cannot choose your water company, it is tied to your region.
Does the energy label of my home matter?
Yes. A poor label (F or G) usually means higher heating bills and a higher risk of a large settlement invoice at the end of the year. If you are choosing a rental, ask about the label.