The Hague vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
The Hague is ~27% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $2,627 | $1,081 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $2,059 | $845 |
| Groceries | $319 | $484 | $165 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $26 | $7 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $85 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $179 | $196 | $17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $2,783/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $3,782/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $4,663/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,048/mo | +$548 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,731/mo | +$731 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,096/mo | +$1,096 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Los Angeles for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 27% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Los Angeles's 69.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $2,627/month in Los Angeles — giving The Hague a $1,081/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $12,972 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Los Angeles ($484/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $26 show The Hague is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, The Hague offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,422 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.