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Key takeaways
The Netherlands scored 213.6 on Numbeo's 2026 Quality of Life Index, beating Denmark and Luxembourg. It ranked first thanks to strong healthcare (81.5), low pollution (20.9), short commutes (22.3), and decent safety scores. Six Dutch cities made the global top 10, led by The Hague at 230.1.
The Netherlands scored 213.6 on Numbeo's 2026 Quality of Life Index, barely beating Denmark (212.2) and Luxembourg (211.9). It's the first time the country has ranked first since 2023.
The ranking looks at nine things: purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, property prices relative to income, commute times, pollution, and climate. This year's edition covered 89 countries.
What the numbers actually show
Here's the top 10:
Europe dominates this list. Oman is the outlier.
Where the Netherlands actually wins
Healthcare: The score was 81.5. Dutch healthcare works—facilities are well-equipped, doctors are accessible, and universal coverage keeps costs down. This was one of the strongest categories.
Safety: At 74.5, it's good but not exceptional. Oman scored 81.6 for comparison. Still, crime rates are low and most people feel secure.
Pollution: 20.9. Air and water quality are genuinely better here than in most developed countries. Years of renewable energy investment and strict environmental rules have paid off.
Commute times: 22.3. The average commute is under 25 minutes. Extensive bike paths and compact cities help. Less time stuck in traffic means more time for other things.
Climate: 86.9. Mild weather year-round. Though honestly, "mild" here means a lot of gray days and rain.
There's also the cultural piece—work-life balance is baked into how things operate. Flexible hours are normal, not a perk.
How 2026 compares to 2025
Last year, Luxembourg led with 220.1. The Netherlands was at 211.3. This year, the Netherlands gained 2.3 points while Luxembourg dropped 8.2.
What changed? The Netherlands improved in purchasing power (134.5 to 136.6) and healthcare (79.3 to 81.5). Cost of living went up slightly, but not enough to tank the overall score. Luxembourg's drop probably reflects rising costs or shifts in how people perceive living there.
Over the past decade, the Netherlands has climbed from the mid-teens. Digital infrastructure upgrades and sustainability programs helped.
Dutch cities rank even higher
Six Dutch cities made the global top 10. The Hague scored 230.1—first place globally. Utrecht hit 221.6, Eindhoven 219.4.
The Hague has canals, parks, and solid public transport. It's also the seat of international justice, which gives it an international feel without Amsterdam's crowds.
Utrecht is a student city. Over half of all trips there are by bike—35,000+ km of bike paths nationwide. That cuts pollution and keeps people healthier.
These cities reflect national priorities. Green urban planning integrates parks into neighborhoods. Cycling isn't a novelty; it's how people actually get around.
The downsides
Living costs are 8.6% higher than in the US. A family can expect monthly expenses over €3,600 (excluding rent), against an average salary of €4,000. That's tight.
Housing affordability is better than some places—property price to income ratio ranks 14th globally at 7.59—but there's still a shortage. People complain about it constantly.
On social media, reactions are mixed. Some expats celebrate the ranking as proof that work-life balance matters. Others point to immigration pressures and ethnic tensions in cities like Utrecht. The index is user-driven, so it probably misses some of these social friction points.
What this means for expats and companies
The top ranking helps the Netherlands attract international talent. English proficiency is near-universal, and there's already a large expat community. The country ranks 6th in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index.
For businesses, the infrastructure is solid. Tech companies cluster in Amsterdam, logistics hubs in Rotterdam. Connectivity and innovation make it a good expansion option.
Expats talk about "Dutch directness"—people say what they mean, sometimes bluntly. Taxes are high (up to 49.5%), but that's what funds healthcare and public services.
In the remote work era, the Netherlands benefits from being livable without requiring you to be physically present in an office every day.
Is it worth it?
The Netherlands balances economic strength with environmental and social quality. The data backs that up. Housing costs and social tensions exist, but most people here would probably say it's still a good place to live.
For anyone thinking about moving, the Dutch system has lessons: invest in infrastructure, prioritize green space, keep commutes short. As climate and quality of life become bigger factors in where people choose to live, these things will matter more.
For more information and to see the full ranking, visit the Numbeo website.
Article by
Claire Krechting
Claire Krechting is an expat relocation and housing expert in the Netherlands, assisting over 20 international households per month with securing rental and purchase properties.
Her clients include professionals relocating through multinational companies such as ING, Nike, Tata Steel, and IMC. Claire works exclusively within the Dutch expat housing market and is fully specialized in relocation and residential real estate for expats and international professionals.
