Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Netherlands is 10% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 12.4%. Quality of life drops by 1 points.

Italy (63/100) and the Netherlands (62/100) are remarkably close in overall Quality of Life, presenting a nuanced comparison. Italy holds a notable advantage in climate (63 vs 46), enjoying a warmer average temperature of 14°C compared to the Netherlands' 10.8°C, a 17-point difference. Conversely, the Netherlands excels in internet quality (85 vs 73), indicating superior digital infrastructure. Both countries share identical healthcare scores (62) and similar taxation levels (Italy 26, Netherlands 28), but the Netherlands has a higher price level (103 vs 85). Safety is marginally higher in the Netherlands (90 vs 85).

This comparison is genuinely close, with neither country forcing a definitive winner; personal priorities, such as climate preference or digital connectivity, would dictate the better choice.

Moving to Netherlands? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€4,301
Social-€0
Net€30,349
Effective Rate12.4%

Net difference: +$6,586/year in Netherlands.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, Netherlands = 98 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20$5.30
+2%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20$4.80
+14%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00$6.00
0%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00$900.00
0%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99$13.49
+4%

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90$2.10
+11%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00$3.50
+75%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00$105.00
+24%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in Netherlands depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€24,680

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. Netherlands taxes 28.4% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€27,176

Accounts for the fact that Netherlands is 10% more expensive than Italy. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

0

🇳🇱 Netherlands

51

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs Netherlands: 62/100

Cost of Living
66
60
-6
Climate
63
46
-17
Safety
85
90
+5
Healthcare
62
62
0
Internet
73
85
+12
Taxation
26
28
+2

Moving to Netherlands: Practicalities

Visa Openness

60/100

English Level

72/100

Expat Community

13.4%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to Netherlands?
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 12.4% in Netherlands. You keep about $6,586.2 more per year in Netherlands.
Is Netherlands cheaper to live in than Italy?
No. Netherlands is about 10% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Netherlands to match my lifestyle in Italy?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and Netherlands. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Italy to Netherlands?
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but Netherlands is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.