How do the costs in The Hague compare?

The Hague, the city of peace and justice, international diplomacy and Scheveningen beach, occupies a unique position in the Dutch housing market of 2026. Where Amsterdam often comes out on top in terms of prices and Rotterdam is known for its raw urge to innovate, The Hague offers a classic balance. But how does the actual cost of living compare to the other major cities in 2026?

For many home seekers, the “Hofstad” has become a strategic alternative. In this article, we analyse the costs of living, local taxes and daily life in The Hague, compared to the national average and direct competition in the Randstad.

Homes for sale: Prices in 2026

The housing market in The Hague experienced strong growth in 2025 (+5.8%) and this trend will continue in 2026, yet The Hague often remains “more affordable” than Amsterdam or Utrecht in absolute terms.

• Average asking price: At the beginning of 2026, the average asking price in The Hague will be around €538.308. Remarkably, this is slightly below the national average of around €560,000.
• Price per square meter: With an average of €4,729 per m², The Hague offers considerably more space for money than Amsterdam, where prices often exceed €7,500 per m².
• Neighbourhood differences: The Hague is a city of extremes. In neighborhoods like the Transvaalkwartier, you'll still find relatively affordable options, while prices in the Statenkwartier or Archipelbuurt compete with the most expensive streets in the Netherlands.

Renting: Middle rent and free sector

For tenants, 2026 is a year of new rules. The maximum rent increases were set on the basis of inflation and wage developments, which is immediately felt in The Hague.

• Free sector: The average rent per square meter in the free sector in The Hague in 2026 is around €21.90. In comparison, in Amsterdam, you can easily pay €25 to €30 per m² for a comparable home.
• Maximum increases: Tenants in the free sector faced a maximum increase of 4.4% in January 2026. For regulated middle rent, this percentage was 6.1% in 2026, because collective labor agreement wages rose faster than inflation.
• Income requirement: Just like in other major cities, The Hague landlords often have an income requirement of 3.5 to 4 times the monthly rent. For an average apartment of €1,500, you therefore need a gross monthly income of approximately €5,500.

Local charges: Municipal taxes

One often underestimated cost is the local charges. In 2026, municipal taxes in the Netherlands exceeded an average of €1,000 per year for the first time.

• Housing costs in the Hague: For an average homeowner in The Hague, the total costs (OZB, sewer tax and waste tax) are around €980 per year. This is in line with the market for the South Holland region, but considerably cheaper than in surrounding municipalities such as Leidschendam-Voorburg or the very expensive municipality of Rozendaal.
• Rise: The increase in the OZB in 2026 will be partly dampened in The Hague by the construction of new homes, so that the burdens can be spread over more shoulders.

G4 housing costs comparison (January 2026)

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City                               Avg. asking price                      Rental price per m²            Cost of Living Index (AMS = 100)

Amsterdam                 € 678,500                               € 30.50                              100

Utrecht                        € 595,000                               € 24.00                              86

The Hague                  € 538,308                               € 21.90                               84

Rotterdam                    € 562,367                               € 20.50                              83

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Daily life: Consumption and leisure

Beyond the walls of the home, The Hague scores surprisingly well on affordability. Data from early 2026 shows that daily life in The Hague is approximately 16% cheaper than in Amsterdam.

• Hospitality and culture: A night out in The Hague is generally easier on the wallet. Movie tickets and hospitality prices are on average 5% to 10% lower than in the capital.
• Transportation: The Hague is a compact city with an excellent tram network (HTM). Many residents save on transport costs due to the proximity of the ministries, the beach and the parks, which are often within cycling distance of each other.
• Groceries: Food costs are similar to the national average, although local markets (such as the Haagse Markt) will still be one of the best places for affordable fresh produce in 2026.

The impact of energy and sustainability

In 2026, the energy label will be a decisive factor in monthly costs. The Hague has many historic buildings with a lower energy label (E, F or G).

• The hidden costs: When buying a beautiful mansion in Duinoord, you must take into account energy costs that could reach €400 per month in 2026.
• Opportunities in new construction: The new developments around the Binckhorst and Central Station offer homes with the A+++ label. The lower energy costs here compensate for the often higher purchase price or rent.

Last thought: The Hague as the “Golden mean”

So how do the costs in The Hague really compare? In 2026, The Hague will be the city that offers the benefits of a global city without Amsterdam's extreme price pressure. It is cheaper than Utrecht and competes directly with Rotterdam, with The Hague often offering a slightly larger range in the classic and higher segments.

For professionals and families, The Hague offers a favourable ratio between salary and housing costs. You literally get more city for your money, with the North Sea as a backyard as a bonus.