Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Italy is 9% cheaper to live in. Tax rate goes from 24.1% to 35.2%. Quality of life improves 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 Italy? NLV varies by city.

Tax Comparison

At $56,552 USD equivalent gross salary

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Gross€51,883
Income Tax-€12,485
Social-€0
Net€39,398
Effective Rate24.1%

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€51,883
Income Tax-€12,995
Social-€5,287
Net€33,601
Effective Rate35.2%

Net difference: $6,319/year in Italy.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

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

🍔

Big Mac

$5.30$5.20
-2%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.80$4.20
-12%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00$6.00
0%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00$900.00
0%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.49$12.99
-4%

1L Gasoline (95)

$2.10$1.90
-10%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$3.50$2.00
-43%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$105.00$85.00
-19%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €51,883 gross in Netherlands ($56,552USD), here's what you need in Italy depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€64,265

You keep the same $42,944/yr net in both countries. But Italy taxes 14.6% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€58,363

Accounts for the fact that Italy is 9% cheaper than Netherlands. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $57K

🇳🇱 Netherlands

58

+2

🇮🇹 Italy

60

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

Netherlands: 62/100 vs Italy: 63/100

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

Moving to Italy: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

48/100

Expat Community

10.5%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Netherlands to Italy?
The effective tax rate changes from 24.1% in Netherlands to 35.2% in Italy. You keep about $6,318.6 less per year in Italy.
Is Italy cheaper to live in than Netherlands?
Yes. Italy is about 9% cheaper across 30 everyday products (Big Mac, iPhone, gasoline, Netflix, etc.). Your money goes further.
What salary do I need in Italy to match my lifestyle in Netherlands?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Netherlands and Italy. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Netherlands to Italy?
It depends on your priorities. Higher taxes but lower cost of living in Italy. The cost savings may offset the tax increase.