The Hague vs San Francisco
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
The Hague is ~33% 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
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $2,868 | $1,322 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $2,248 | $1,034 |
| Groceries | $319 | $525 | $206 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $28 | $9 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $92 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $179 | $212 | $33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $3,032/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $4,117/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $5,072/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,228/mo | +$728 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,971/mo | +$971 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,456/mo | +$1,456 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs San Francisco for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 33% more affordable than San Francisco when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs San Francisco's 75.6 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $2,868/month in San Francisco — giving The Hague a $1,322/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $15,864 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs San Francisco ($525/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $28 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.