NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 24.1% to 18.9%. Quality of life improves by 1 points.

The United States narrowly surpasses the Netherlands in overall Quality of Life (63/100 vs 62/100), yet their component scores reveal distinct trade-offs. A substantial 35-point gap in taxation heavily favors the US (63 vs 28), indicating a more favorable fiscal environment for residents. Conversely, the Netherlands offers a dramatically safer environment, scoring 90 compared to the US's 62, a significant 28-point difference. Climate also leans towards the US, with a score of 64 and an average temperature of 14°C, contrasting with the Netherlands' 46 and 10.8°C. Healthcare scores are comparable but slightly higher in the Netherlands (62 vs 59).

The United States wins this comparison, primarily for its considerably more attractive taxation policies, despite trailing in safety.

Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.

Austin55Los Angeles54New York49San Francisco49

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%

🇺🇸 United States

Gross$56,552
Income Tax-$6,386
Social-$4,326
Net$45,840
Effective Rate18.9%

Net difference: +$2,896/year in United States.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Netherlands = 98, United States = 100 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.30→$5.69
+7%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.80→$5.50
+15%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00→$7.00
+17%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$799.00
-11%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.49→$15.49
+15%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$2.10→$0.95
-55%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$3.50→$2.75
-21%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$105.00→$120.00
+14%
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 United States depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

$52,695

You keep the same $42,944/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 5.6% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

$53,770

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $57K

🇳🇱 Netherlands

58

-3

🇺🇸 United States

55

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 United States: 63/100

Cost of Living
60
59
-1
Climate
46
64
+18
Safety
90
62
-28
Healthcare
62
59
-3
Internet
85
76
-9
Taxation
28
63
+35

Moving to United States: Practicalities

Visa Openness

45/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

15.3%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Netherlands to United States?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 24.1% in Netherlands to 18.9% in United States. You keep about $2,895.59 more per year in United States.
Is United States cheaper to live in than Netherlands?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in United States 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 United States. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Netherlands to United States?▾
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but United States is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.

Also Consider

🇳🇱 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇳🇱 → 🇫🇷 France🇳🇱 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇳🇱 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇳🇱 → 🇵🇹 Portugal🇳🇱 → 🇮🇹 Italy