Here’s How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Home in the Netherlands (By City)
Buying a home in the Netherlands requires a significant household income. According to data from Calcasa, the average home price at the end of 2023 was €452,000. To finance such a home, a gross annual income of approximately €95,000 is needed—more than double the average income in the Netherlands, which sits around €44,000.
The required income to buy a home varies greatly depending on the city. In Amsterdam, for instance, you would need a gross annual income of about €120,000 to afford the average home. Meanwhile, in Enschede, an income of €71,000 would be enough.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated gross annual income required to purchase an average home in selected Dutch cities:
| 🏙️ City | 💶 Required Gross Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €120,000 |
| Haarlem | €107,000 |
| Utrecht | €103,000 |
| Rotterdam | €81,000 |
| Groningen | €73,000 |
| Enschede | €71,000 |
For first-time buyers, the challenge is even greater. On average, they need to bring in €42,000 in personal savings or equity to even have a chance at buying a home.
These figures highlight the growing financial barriers to homeownership in the Netherlands, particularly in the country’s most expensive cities.
