The Hague vs Paris
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
Paris
France
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
51
Groceries
78.3
Restaurant
81.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Paris | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $2,261 | $715 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $1,617 | $403 |
| Groceries | $319 | $449 | $130 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $22 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $94 | $1 |
| Utilities | $179 | $215 | $36 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $2,328/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $3,349/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $4,108/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Paris | 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 Paris for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 27% more affordable than Paris when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Paris'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 $2,261/month in Paris — giving The Hague a $715/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $8,580 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Paris ($449/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $22 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.